How to ski off a drop this season with out hurting yourself. No guarantees of course!
Mark Gear skis off a serac at Les Grandes Montets
This is what the ski movie guys do, they don't just jump and hope.
Here are a few top tips for how to ski a drop off.Watch the sequence of shots.
Pick your jump carefully. Jumping can be dangerous. Its always best to start small.
Always visually check out a jump or drop is safe before leaping off. The landing and run-out should be clear of obstacles and allow you enough space to land and make turns to slow down. Speed picks up fast in the air so you will need plenty of open space for confidence to land well and ski away.
It is important to ensure that the landing is not flat. The landing area should slope away from the jump. Flat landings should be avoided as the impact is greater.
Snow texture and depth should be checked before jumping so you know what to expect when you land. For example, deep and heavy snow will slow you down on landing and could throw you forwards over the skis as you land. Hard snow is going to offer a fast landing and a harder impact. If the snow is hard, you may want to find a smaller drop.
Once you are happy that all you are going to hit if you get it wrong is snow, there's not alot to it other than take a deep breath, point the skis and jump!
Take enough of a run up to get some speed off the jump. It really helps to make a positive, intentional jump upwards and forwards into the air.
Hold the hands forwards for the flight also pulling your knees up towards your chest. This will help keep your balance and stability in the air, also setting you up for the landing phase of your drop.
Whilst in the air, you will need to angle your skis to match the angle of the slope gradient. You don't want to land too far forwards or backwards on the skis.
When coming into land, allow your legs to extend a little. This is like droping your landing gear. It will set you up for absorbtion on landing.
Land absorbing the impact, standing up and skiing away hearing the aplause from the nearby chair lift.
This off piste ski course is our highest level and has been developed for skiers who can already ski all but the most challenging off piste conditions and terrain. The focus of the course is to maximize your ability as a strong all round, all terrain off piste skier.
Versatility is the key to mastering the whole mountain. During the course we will help improve your skiing in a variety of conditions and terrain. We will develop your performance through strategically designed exercises and drills that really work.
Understand the most up to date skiing techniques and freeride tactics, delivered by some of the most elite ski teachers. You will receive a personalised development programme with daily video feedback.
During the course, we aim to ski some of the best off piste and backcountry terrain in Chamonix. All accessible by the lifts. Sometimes a short hike to the very top can provide us with a better descent. This ski course is also ideal for ski instructors looking to train for their ski instructor exams like BASI ect.
The following aspects of your skiing will be developed:
Turning elements
Modern skiing
Piste performance (carving)
Off piste and freeride skills
Steeps
Bumps
Avalanche/ backcountry mountain awareness
Week long and weekend ski courses available
The 2 day weekend ski courses are condensed versions of our 5 day courses. The aim of the weekend is to cover the major parts of the 5 day skiing course using a maximum activity approach. That means lots of great skiing with tips and tactics for snow and terrain.
SAFTEY EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED FOR ALL MOUNTAIN SKI COURSES: Avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe) are mandatory. We have some rental packs if you do not have your own.
Note: Please ensure that you are at the minimum level or above for expert courses:
