Steep Skiing Programs

For those who like adrenaline with their powder.

Good skiers always want more. More vertical, more challenges, more excitement. Many of our long-time clients fall into this category. So we've created our Steep Skiing Programs to give them what they are looking for.

Based out of our Durrand Glacier and Moloch Chalets, Ruedi leads small groups of excellent skiers down many of the steepest lines in the area. It's a chance for selected guests to push themselves far beyond what they could do in a regular guided program. It's also a chance to learn advanced techniques from Ruedi, and experience why he has become a legend as a guide. A maximum of four guests per group will explore steep runs in the high alpine and trees. The difficulty of the lines will increase as the week progresses.

We don't set specific dates for this program; we build it around the availability of the guests who want to experience the Steep Skiing Programs.

If you're ready to summon up some courage and push your boundaries, it time to find out just how steep you like it.

Steep Skiing in April

The entire month of April is an amazing month to ski powder snow, large alpine terrain and also experience steep lines with exposure. The Durrand - Mt.Moloch area has a lot of large terrain facing in northerly direction, keeping the powder-snow fresh and light. Also we still receive enough snow-storms with cooler temperatures to cover old tracks and to make sure that there is enough powder. During good weather periods the daytime temperatures are warm and enjoyable, while the nights are cool and temperatures fall to around -10 degree. Cel. This makes sure that all powder snow keeps drying out over night and skiing the following day will be again superb. Finally, avalanche hazard is always a big topic in the large mountains. April seams to be historically the best month of the winter season to experience the most stable snow conditions. April is the month for steep skiing!

Ability Level, Steep Skiing Programs

You will be skiing very exposed and steep alpine routes with up to 50 degrees incline. There may be routes that have to be climbed from below prior to skiing their steep lines. The steepness of the runs is dependent on the overall conditions of avalanche stability, weather and snow-conditions.

Guests must be:

physically healthy and in very good physical shape
able to climb a minimum of 5500 v. feet / 1700 v. meters per day
a very stable and technically excellent skier
able to link a minimum of 30 short radius turns in a fall-line, in deep snow of all type of conditions and with a back-pack of 6 kilogram.
able to ski with good control of your skis in difficult situations and exposed very steep terrain.
ski on alpine touring gear (AT)

Group size: aiming for 3 to 4 guests per group
Dates and prices: contact the office for 2014 dates and prices

Steep Skiing Programs: The Durrand Glacier Chalet