Our backcountry weeks are aimed at people who already have some experience of off-piste snowboarding - they are not intended as "intro to off-piste" weeks (see our new Backcountry Intro program).

Our instructors are excellent and will certainly pass on some technique advice during the week, but the idea is to do as much good riding as possible, not to spend a lot of time learning the technique.

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You don't need to be an off-piste expert, but you shouldn't be a total beginner either. You should be happy on the steepest pistes and should have spent at least a few days exploring between the pistes or beyond the resort boundaries.

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While the week is based in Sainte Foy, we will use our proximity to the other resorts in the valley to ride the best terrain and snow to suit the conditions. This could include the Grand Col at Les Arcs, the Fingers or the Col des Vés in Tignes, the Couloir des Pisteurs or the Col Pers in Val d'isere or the Bella Valletta in La Thuile.

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Neil Mcnair

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Neil is one of the top BASI snowboard trainers and has previously coached British team riders and represented the UK on the BASI demo team.

Neil has been a Tignes local for many years and splits his time almost evenly between Tignes/Val d'Isere and Sainte Foy so has masses of local knowledge.

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www.mcnairsnowsports.com

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James Stentiford

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James has been a pro snowboarder since before we even started snowboarding.

He has ridden some of the best freeride terrain throughout the world and has been on the podium on the World Freeride Tour.

We had an awesome time riding with him on our Backcountry program last year and are looking forward to more good times this winter!

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www.stentifordsnowboarding.co.uk

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What's included?

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Course costs include:

• 5 days of backcountry guiding

• Loan of avalanche safety equipment if required

• Avalanche safety training session

• 7 nights chalet accommodation

• Semi-catered 5 days - Breakfast, cakes, 2 course dinners

• Bubbles and canapés on arrival

• Beer, wine and soft drinks

• Bed-linen, towels & slippers

• Wireless internet access

• 10% discount off ski/snowboard equipment hire from ZigZags

 

What's not included:

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• Hire of any other backcountry kit required e.g. snowshoes for boarders, board/ski carry backpack - all available locally if required

• Split-boards

• Heli-skiing/boarding

• Airport transfers 

• Transfers from/to Bourg Saint Maurice bus/train station

• Dinner on our night off

• Lift passes

• Insurance

• Flights

• Equipment hire

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