Two Top European Spots for Off Piste Ski Holidays

When you are looking to book ski holidays and your group is all experienced and expert skiers, you should consider top places in the French Alps that offer some amazing off piste skiing for a thrill and a challenge. Also known as back-country skiing, this is exactly what it sounds like: traversing n un-groomed or unmarked slopes that are often not open to the public and sometimes not even served by lifts.

The Alps of eastern France is one of the best places to explore for some high quality action. Head to the Tarentaise Valley region, where you can use one resort area as a base to branch out and visit the surrounding region. One thing that should be kept in mind, however, when planning to go off piste on holidays, is that it really should not be undertaken without the guidance of an expert who knows the area, and who is proficient in getting you down the mountain safely while having the most fun.

La Plagne

One of the best places to hit the exciting areas on your winter holidays is the resort area of La Plagne. Established in the 1960s, the resort has grown to include several major networks and 11 resorts from which you can experience some excellent off piste action. The north face of Bellecôte usually has excellent snow and always presents a good challenge for skiers; while the glaciers in the area are also well known for being ideal for off piste forays. The Biolley sector here also gives skiers an excellent challenge, after which, you can head into one of the villages for a stop to refuel.

La Tania

Located between Courchevel and Meribel, La Tania has the good fortune of being part of the massive area of the Three Valleys. With such a huge region to choose from, plus a wide variety of off piste action, it is no wonder so many people choose to come here for their holidays.

One of the best places to begin your off piste adventures in La Tania is on the Plumber's Crack; jokes aside, it is one of the most famous off piste slopes in the area. It's also here that the Courchevel Free Ride Competition takes place. From the Col De La Loze there are several off piste routes to take: the three to the right of the lifts can be accessed by walking the ridge and are known as the Gasex 1, 2 & 3. There are numerous routes down to the Meribel Valley, but be careful - there are trees and even a few cliffs, and the routes are best undertaken with a knowledgeable guide.

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded ski holidays staying in a catered or self catered chalets in fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value break and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.