Off-Piste Essentials: What You Need & Why
🎿 Off-Piste Isn’t Just “More Snow”: It’s a Whole Different Environment
Skiing off-piste can be one of the most exciting, rewarding parts of a ski trip. But it also comes with added risk, and that’s where preparation matters.
At Connect Snowsports, we prioritise safety and progression. Here’s what you’ll need for your off-piste lesson, and why it’s essential.
🛠️ 1. Avalanche Safety Equipment
✅ Avalanche Transceiver
This lets rescuers (and your instructor) locate you in the event of a burial.
🔍 Must be worn and turned on before skiing.
✅ Probe
Used to pinpoint someone’s exact location under snow.
✅ Shovel
For fast digging in an emergency. Lightweight and durable.
💬 You’ll be shown how to use all three before your lesson begins.
🔗 [Where to Rent Gear in Zermatt]
🧤 2. Helmet (Required)
Off-piste terrain is unpredictable. Helmets aren’t optional — they’re non-negotiable in all Connect off-piste lessons.
🎿 3. Freeride or Touring Skis
Freeride skis: Wider underfoot for float and stability
Touring skis: With skins and touring bindings if a hike is planned
Skis should be serviced and set correctly
🔧 If unsure, ask us what’s best based on conditions.
🎒 4. Backpack
To carry your safety gear, water, and snacks.
💡 Tip: Keep it light, secure, and remove hard items from jacket pockets (phones, keys).
🧥 5. Appropriate Clothing
Waterproof jacket and pants
Breathable base layers
Neckwarmer and spare gloves
Goggles suited for low-light or sunny conditions
Sunscreen, even on powder days
📃 6. Insurance That Covers Off-Piste
Make sure your travel insurance explicitly includes off-piste skiing with a qualified instructor. Not all policies do.
🧭 7. Physical & Technical Readiness
To ski off-piste with Connect, you must:
Confidently ski black runs in variable snow
Be fit enough for demanding terrain
Have a growth mindset and ask questions, it’s how you get better!
🗣️ From Our Instructors
“We want you to enjoy the terrain, not survive it. Safety gear lets us focus on what matters: skiing well in amazing places.”
“Knowing how to use your equipment is part of being a mountain user. You’ll leave the lesson more prepared for every future off-piste day.”
📲 Want to Try Off-Piste With Us?
We offer full-day off-piste lessons and multi-day adventures, always led by Level 4 instructors with off-piste authorisation.