Alpine skiing
27 August 2026
Every winter, theÉcole de Ski Internationale (ESi) organizes sessions dedicated to off-piste safety. These days allow ski instructors to update their knowledge and work on different situations encountered in the field.
In the mountains, conditions constantly change. Weather, wind, snowfall, temperature, and the configuration of the terrain all influence the stability of the snowpack. Therefore, professionals must regularly update their knowledge and maintain their skills.
To support its instructors in this process, ESi organizes refresher courses at various resorts in the French Alps, notably in collaboration with ANENA and the PGHM of Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Skiing off the marked trails allows you to discover another facet of the mountain. However, the off-piste skiing exposes skiers to specific dangers: avalanches, changes in the snowpack, natural obstacles, and difficult access for rescue teams.
Preparation therefore plays an essential role. Before an outing, the professional analyses, among other things, the weather and snowpack conditions, studies the planned route, and takes into account the characteristics of the group.
However, no analysis can completely eliminate the risks associated with the mountains. The objective is rather to identify the dangers, adapt decisions and reduce the group’s exposure.
That is why the ESi encourages the regular updating of its professionals’ skills.
During these training sessions, the instructors work, among other things, on strategies for progression off-piste.
Even before putting on the skis, the briefing is an important step. The professional presents the route, reminds participants of the instructions, and checks that the participants understand the course of the outing.
Then, the analysis continues directly in the field. The instructors learn to observe the various available indicators and to compare their observations with the information gathered before departure.
They are also working on identifying the potentially dangerous terrain configurations. The inclination of a slope, its orientation, accumulations linked to the wind or even recent changes in conditions can in particular influence route choices.
Thus, decision-making guides the professional throughout the outing.
Safety does not depend solely on the choice of route. The way the group operates on the ground also plays an important role.
During the courses, the professionals therefore work on various progression guidelines off-piste. Depending on the terrain configuration, they can, among other things, adjust the distances between the skiers, define stopping zones or organize the group’s passage.
Furthermore, the instructor must take into account the technical level, experience, and physical condition of the participants. A route adapted to experienced skiers will not necessarily suit a group that is discovering off-piste skiing.
This ability to adapt is an integral part of the supervisory work.
The training courses also place great importance on avalanche rescue. In an emergency situation, the first few minutes count. Therefore, practitioners must know their equipment and regularly practice the necessary maneuvers.
In the field, the instructors carry out exercises such as searching with an avalanche transceiver (DVA). They then work on probing and shovelling techniques.
The scenarios also allow for dealing with situations involving multiple victims. In this context, professionals must quickly organize the search, assign roles, and coordinate various actions.
These training sessions allow for the repetition of procedures and the development of automatisms. However, they primarily recall a fundamental priority: do everything possible to prevent the accident through analysis and risk management.
To operate in terrain prone to avalanches, possessing safety equipment is not enough; it is also necessary to know how to use it quickly and correctly.
The trio avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe is therefore an essential part of the personal equipment for any outing exposed to avalanche risk. Moreover, each member of the group must know their equipment and regularly practice using it.
The exercises organized during the training sessions therefore allow the instructors to maintain their operational level and to work with different search configurations.
Beyond the technical aspects, these courses also address the responsibility associated with leading a group in the mountains.
The discussions focus in particular on preparing the outing, the decisions taken in the field, communication with the participants, and the organization of rescue in the event of an accident.
Trainers can also discuss the legal aspects related to professional supervision and the possible consequences of an accident. These topics allow the instructors to place their decisions in a broader context.
Thus, the off-piste safety training combines technical knowledge, field experience, prevention, and reflection on decision-making.
Through these training days, the ESi aims to maintain a genuine culture of safety among its instructors.
The avalanche transceiver search exercises, the analysis of the snowpack, terrain reading and progression strategies allow professionals to put their knowledge to the test in real-life situations.
Furthermore, exchanges with specialized organizations and rescue professionals enrich this approach. They allow for the sharing of feedback and work on issues directly related to the field.
Finally, choosing a mountain professional trained for off-piste outings allows you to benefit from their experience, their knowledge of the terrain, and their ability to adapt the route to the conditions of the day.
However, zero risk does not exist in the mountains. Prevention, preparation and decision-making remain essential in order to enjoy off-piste adventures responsibly.
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