Introduction to freeride
Introduction off-piste - your first turns in open terrain
-
Endurance
individual -
Technique
Advanced - Expert -
Duration
5 h -
Date
December - April -
Participants
1-6 persons
Gallery (6)
Want to get out of your comfort zone and into the powder? Legendary freeride spots such as the Hohtälli-Rote Nase area with hundreds of meters of untracked terrain or lovely powder slopes around Schwarzsee and Stafelalp await you in Zermatt. Perfect for venturing off-piste into open terrain.
The terrain ranges from easy to challenging - our ski instructors know every slope and will introduce you to your first freeride experience step by step with targeted exercises. They will show you how to adapt your technique, posture and line in deep snow. This way, you will master your first off-piste adventure with safety, fun and real flow.
Highlights
Description
You meet your ski instructor at the agreed meeting point in the ski area. At the beginning, you will briefly discuss your expectations, your skiing ability and the goal of the day. Your five-hour introduction to off-piste skiing then begins - with technique training, first lines in the terrain and targeted off-piste exercises.
- Freeride skis min. 90mm (binding adjusted)
- ski boots
- poles
- ABS backpack
- shovel
- probe
- AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
- Climbing harness
- Warm, weatherproof ski clothing
- Warm gloves
- helmet
- Hat / headband
- Goggles or sunglasses and sunscreen
- Valid ski pass
- drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit)
ABS rucksack, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver and climbing harness: can be hired from ZERMATTERS
What is the difference between "Introduction Freeride" and a "Guided Freeride Day"?
During the "Introduction Freeride" you will be accompanied by a ski instructor. The aim is to learn or improve your technique in deep snow - with targeted exercises in easy to moderately challenging terrain.
A mountain guide accompanies you on the "Guided Freeride Day". There are no technical limitations - glaciers, couloirs or challenging descents are also possible. Solid off-piste experience is required.
Where are the best freeride spots in Zermatt?
Zermatt offers a variety of terrain options, for example around Hohtälli, Rote Nase, Stafelalp or Schwarzsee. Many of these descents are in unsecured terrain with objective dangers such as avalanche slopes or crevasses. Our guides know the local conditions and choose suitable routes depending on the conditions.
Isn't freeriding on the glacier dangerous?
Yes, there are crevasses, snow bridges and treacherous crossings on the glacier. Without sound local knowledge, the risk is very high. Our mountain guides know the current conditions, crevasse zones and safe routes. They will guide you safely through the terrain.
Can I do avalanche training with ZERMATTERS?
Yes, we offer SMT courses (Swiss Mountain Training) with a final certificate. In these courses, you learn everything about avalanche awareness, risk assessment, avalanche transceiver handling and correct behavior in an emergency - accompanied by a trained mountain guide.
Do I need special equipment for off-piste tours?
Yes, you need full safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. This can be hired from us. For glacier tours, a rope, climbing harness and possibly crampons are also required - our guides will inform you in advance about the necessary equipment.
-
Endurance
individual -
Technique
Advanced - Expert -
Duration
5 h -
Date
December - April -
Participants
1-6 persons
Want to get out of your comfort zone and into the powder? Legendary freeride spots such as the Hohtälli-Rote Nase area with hundreds of meters of untracked terrain or lovely powder slopes around Schwarzsee and Stafelalp await you in Zermatt. Perfect for venturing off-piste into open terrain.
The terrain ranges from easy to challenging - our ski instructors know every slope and will introduce you to your first freeride experience step by step with targeted exercises. They will show you how to adapt your technique, posture and line in deep snow. This way, you will master your first off-piste adventure with safety, fun and real flow.
Highlights
Description
You meet your ski instructor at the agreed meeting point in the ski area. At the beginning, you will briefly discuss your expectations, your skiing ability and the goal of the day. Your five-hour introduction to off-piste skiing then begins - with technique training, first lines in the terrain and targeted off-piste exercises.
Material
You should have this equipment with you so that you are perfectly equipped for your off-piste adventure:
- Freeride skis min. 90mm (binding adjusted)
- ski boots
- poles
- ABS backpack
- shovel
- probe
- AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
- Climbing harness
- Warm, weatherproof ski clothing
- Warm gloves
- helmet
- Hat / headband
- Goggles or sunglasses and sunscreen
- Valid ski pass
- drinks
- Snacks (high-energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit)
ABS rucksack, shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver and climbing harness: can be hired from ZERMATTERS
Remark
Please note: The safety equipment (ABS backpack, avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel) is not included in the price. You can hire it for CHF 40 from the ZERMATTERS office - collection is possible from 17:00 the day before.
What is the difference between "Introduction Freeride" and a "Guided Freeride Day"?
During the "Introduction Freeride" you will be accompanied by a ski instructor. The aim is to learn or improve your technique in deep snow - with targeted exercises in easy to moderately challenging terrain.
A mountain guide accompanies you on the "Guided Freeride Day". There are no technical limitations - glaciers, couloirs or challenging descents are also possible. Solid off-piste experience is required.
Where are the best freeride spots in Zermatt?
Zermatt offers a variety of terrain options, for example around Hohtälli, Rote Nase, Stafelalp or Schwarzsee. Many of these descents are in unsecured terrain with objective dangers such as avalanche slopes or crevasses. Our guides know the local conditions and choose suitable routes depending on the conditions.
Isn't freeriding on the glacier dangerous?
Yes, there are crevasses, snow bridges and treacherous crossings on the glacier. Without sound local knowledge, the risk is very high. Our mountain guides know the current conditions, crevasse zones and safe routes. They will guide you safely through the terrain.
Can I do avalanche training with ZERMATTERS?
Yes, we offer SMT courses (Swiss Mountain Training) with a final certificate. In these courses, you learn everything about avalanche awareness, risk assessment, avalanche transceiver handling and correct behavior in an emergency - accompanied by a trained mountain guide.
Do I need special equipment for off-piste tours?
Yes, you need full safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. This can be hired from us. For glacier tours, a rope, climbing harness and possibly crampons are also required - our guides will inform you in advance about the necessary equipment.
