Extreme Ski Holidays

For those expert skiers keen to push themselves and discover the thrill of off-piste skiing, extreme ski holidays definitely fit the bill. Although most ski resorts offer some form of off-piste skiing, there are specific regions, both in Europe and North America that lure adventurous skiers to their peaks each season, and promise the ultimate experience for even the most advanced skier.

There are a number of established resorts that skiers head for on their extreme ski holiday, amongst them the highly acclaimed Chamonix, Verbier, St. Anton and La Grave. Chamonix, perceived by many to be the 'extreme skiing capital of the world', lies at the foot of the Mont Blanc, and with almost all of its slopes over 2,000m, offers extreme ski holidays exploring it’s amazing cliffs, crevices and couloirs, and steep glacial terrain. Verbier, part of the Four Valleys in Switzerland, is also a contender for the home of extreme skiing holidays, and a regular host of many international competitions, with its extensive terrain and challenging powder. La Grave, with its ungroomed and unpisted terrain, is known for its vast snowfields, dangerous couloirs and vertical drops, and is a favourite off-piste base for an extreme ski holiday. Serious skiers should also look across the Atlantic for some fantastic terrain for their expert ski holiday. Whistler Blackhawk is known as a slick all-round resort boasting highly accessible steep terrain for an extreme ski holiday, and Jackson Hole, the mecca for advanced skiers, is home to some terrifying couloirs and justly deserves its motto - 'like nothing you've ever skied before'. 

Extreme ski holidays obviously bring increased risks and dangers, and even the most competent skiers should always embark on an extreme ski holiday with the help of an experienced ski guide. Insurance is of paramount importance on an extreme ski holiday, with skiers prepared to pay higher premiums for this dangerous sport and the high levels of injury it can bring. Those embarking on an extreme ski holidays should also ensure they have undergone the basic avalanche training and safety courses, as well as travel with the necessary equipment.