What should I bring?
Please bring your own backpack with ski carrying system. We will provide shovel, transceiver and probe for € 10/ day.
If you don’t have a backpack you can rent a standard pack or an ABS at Jennewein sports or you can pre-order a Piste to Powder backpack with ski carry straps for 95 euros here
Please ensure you have adequate Off Piste mountain rescue insurance . You can purchase this online from the Austrian Alpine Club or here for UK skiers Austrian Alpine Club UK
Here’s an off piste essential packing list:
- Backpack with ski carrying system (can rent at Jennewein)
- Off Piste skis (100mm underfoot) and poles
- Helmet
- Googles and spare pair sunglasses
- Extra pair of warm gloves
- High factor (30 minimum) sunscreen and lipsalve (SP30+)
- Some cash (pay the guide, taxi, snacks on the way,…)
- Lift pass
- Piste To Powder snood or face mask
- ALU foil (lightweight – for emergency use)
- Water, 1 litre is enough as you can refill at lunchtime, energy bars
- Save our office number +43 664 1746282 and emergency numbers 112, 140 (local emergency) to your phone
- Download our safety app
A typical day off piste skiing with Piste To Powder:
In St. Anton the day starts with our meet up OUTSIDE ANTON BAR (8.45) – right opposite the Galzig Bahn where you will meet other members of your group. You will meet your guide who will explain the plans for the day and provide you with safety equipment if you have requested this. Don’t forget to bring your backpack and helmet.
For those staying in Lech Zürs, Stuben or St Christoph, we will contact you the day before to arrange a convenient meet place and time.
We will headout at 9 am. Your guide will do a safety talk on the mountain and you will have a chance to practice with your transceiver.
The fun then begins as your guide will take you to the best off piste snow and terrain for your ability. You will receive some technique guidance – the most in the lower level groups in order to improve your skill in the off piste. Much of the Off Piste is lift accessed but there may be some short hikes (20-30 minutes) to get you to the best powder – for these hikes you will use your rucksack to carry your skis which is why you need the ski carry straps. If you have skins and touring skis you are also welcome to use these in any of our groups.
We will stop for a delicious lunch at a carefully selected mountain restaurant if requested and if it fits to the planned Off Piste routes. Then we have time for a few more Off Piste runs before returning at ca, 3.30pm. If you are touring then you may want to bring an extra sandwich and snacks.
To get the best out of your day and ensure you are in the right group for you please assess your skill level here.
How do I book?
Booking is very easy – simply fill in the enquiry form and we will send you a guiding offer and a link to pay a deposit online. You can also email us on info@pistetopowder.com We answer enquiries within 4 hours in winter time, so if you don’t hear from us by then, please check your spam folder or contact us via phone on +43 664 174 62 82
Will my insurance cover me for accident rescue off-piste?
Typical holiday ski insurances usually cover off-piste skiing with a qualified guide. Check before departure, if not you can get coverage at our associated sport store Jennewein or join the Austrian Alpine Club or with our Piste To Powder Club. Please note you will still need travel insurance and you should read the AWS document carefully to see if you need to take out any additional insurance.
Are goggles and a helmet important for off-piste riding?
Ski goggles are a must for off-piste skiing. They enhance visibility in flat or dull light, foggy conditions, during snowfall and at high speeds.
A helmet is also required. We will not ski off piste without a helmet.
What is included in the guided day price?
What’s included in the price? – Guiding with UIAGM/IFMGA certified local mountain guides to the best powder lines in St Anton and the Arlberg! Full day guiding (6 hours) – Or Half Day 3 or 4 hours. Weekly Social meet ups, recommendations on best places to eat and on all aspects of your holiday from our friendly booking team.
Whats Excluded:
Lift Pass, Safety gear (can be rent for a small fee directly in the morning from your guide), lunch on the mountain in one of the many beautiful Alberg huts and restaurants (touring groups can bring packed lunch), drinks (bring water and snacks). Please bring some cash for restaurants, taxis, etc. Tipping is Austria is usually handled in cash.
I am not staying in St Anton, do you offer guiding also in Lech-Zürs ?
Yes we offer Private Guiding in Lech-Zürs, St Christoph and Stuben 🙂
If you are staying outside St Anton your guide will meet you at your hotel or a convenient meet point for a small travel fee (€40). No charge for Stuben or St Christoph, If you are in Oberlech your guide may ask you to ski down to Lech. But no worries, your guide will contact you the day before to arrange the meet point and time.
We do not offer Group guiding in Lech-Zürs, however you are welcome to join our groups in St Anton. Best to take a taxi for convenience (return by bus or ski) or if you drive the closest car park is at the old Rendl gondola station more information here this is about an 8 minutes walk from where we meet OUTSIDE Anton bar by Galzig gondola and costs circa 8 euros/day – or there is street parking.
The bus departs at 8.15 and arrives at St Anton terminal West for 08.49. Please let us know if you are taking this option and be ready to go promptly as we leave at 9am.
If you need to rent ski equipment, we recommend Strolz or Skibex in lech or Strolz Zürs
Can skiers and snowboarders ride in the same group?
Of course! But it needs to be with a PRIVATE GUIDE. Our OPEN GROUPS are for skiers only but we do run a weekly Snowboard group (normally Tuesdays) so please do ask if you are interested in signing up for this. Ski friends may join the snowboard group.
I am a snowboarder, can I join an open group?
Snowboarders can join a SNOWBOARD OPEN GROUP which runs weekly every Tuesday, or you can book a private guide but you cannot join the skier Open groups. This is because snowboarders require different terrain avoiding long traverses etc and it can affect the dynamics of the group. You may of course team up with other snowboarders to share the cost and we do run a wait list to help this – so just ask us!
Do I need an ABS bag?
We do recommend ABS bags for skiing Off Piste but they are not mandatory and it is very much personal choice. If you do wish to use one then these can be rented from our partners Jennewein. Alternatively if you are happy to use a freeride bag – we can rent you one with safety set for €20
Can I use my own transceiver?
Yes, you can use your own transceiver as long as it is a modern, 3 antenna device.
Do I have to make a deposit?
Yes, in order to book in advance, we ask for a deposit payment to confirm your booking. You can pay quickly and simply online by credit card or bank transfer. You will then receive a booking confirmation. We ask you to pay the balance in cash to your guide on your first skiing day.
Your deposit is protected by our flexible booking promise – if you need to change or cancel your booking we offer free cancellation if you give us 48 hours or more notice before guiding starts or for all packages with a minimum of 14 days notice our full terms are here
Protection of Client Funds:
In order to provide clients with complete peace of mind, clients funds are protected by the Insurance Company: Tiroler Sparkasse Bankaktiengesellschaft Innsbruck, Sparkassenplatz 1, 6010 Innsbruck & Europäische Reiseversicherung AG, Kratochwjlestraße 4, 1220 Wien,+43 1 317 25 00, unlimited.
In order to provide clients with complete peace of mind, clients funds are protected by the Insurance Company: Tiroler Sparkasse Bankaktiengesellschaft Innsbruck, Sparkassenplatz 1, 6010 Innsbruck & Europäische Reiseversicherung AG, Kratochwjlestraße 4, 1220 Wien,+43 1 317 25 00, unlimited.
Piste to Powder is a registered travel agency and Member of IFMGA Mountain Guide Association and WKO Gewerbe Sparte Reisebüro, Fachverband Reisebüro Vorarlberg.
Registration number for the Gewerbeinformationssystem Austria (GISA = trade information system Austria): 30169999, GISA can be found here
Where can I rent equipment?
You can rent equipment such as ABS packs, Off Piste, touring skis or split boards just next door to our meeting place at Jennewein Sports. Online rental is possible here. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you are unsure, happy to assist also with questions regarding your ski equipment.
We can provide you with safety equipment and backpacks also, safety sets can be rented from your guide for €10/day or Freeride bag with safety set and ski carry straps for €20 or €40 if you are staying in Lech-Zürs
What type of ski should I use?
Off piste skis are wider than carving skis, they float on top of loose snow and turn easier. We recommend skis at least 90mm wide at the center below your foot. If it’s deep powder, we recommend skis 100mm wide. For entry level skiers head height is recommended, more advanced riders can choose a longer ski. We recommend Black Crow range – choose a lighter ski for touring.
Beginner Off Piste and lightweight skiers will benefit from a ski with a softer flex. These skis are more forgiving, help you make quick progress and mean less fatigue after a long day of skiing. If your skis are too stiff, they are hard to turn and can affect your technique.
An advanced and powerful skier can use a stiffer ski. A stiffer ski also provides more support for heavier skiers and more stability at higher speeds. However, it takes more strength and endurance to ride a stiff ski.
Our partner Jennewein Sports, next door to where we meet are able to advise you what type of Off Piste ski you need. Please let them know what level you are. (Beginner – Advanced Off Piste)
What happens if the weather is bad - will you cancel the guiding?
We ski in all conditions, sunshine, powder, low visibility, spring slush. We will only cancel your guiding if there is a risk for your safety (such as Avalanche risk 5) or in for example full rain where you will be drenched and miserable (as will we!)
Snowy conditions are often the best days for powder and your guides are trained to find you the best runs for visibility and ensure safety for the prevailing the conditions.
Having good gear is key to ensuring you enjoy your day – Goretex outer layers, a full snood/face mask for powder riding, and spare gloves, goggles. Good idea to carry a small set of goggles in your bag in case of damage or full face plant!
Can I go heli-skiing with you guys?
Yes you can! Just let us know in your enquiry.
Helisking is an unforgettable experience in the Arlberg. There are two mountains possible, Mehlsack (2,652m) or Schneetäli (2,450m). The small heli whisks you to the summit for a quick photo opportunity before descending through powder, to the beautiful village of Zug. The run itself is about an hour, and you need to be a Level 2-3 skier for the terrain. After lunch in one of the lovely mountain restaurants, we will do a few more Off piste runs before returning to St Anton around 3.30pm.
You will need a PRIVATE GUIDE cost EUR 560 for 1-3 skiers +EUR 70/ for each additional person to a maximum of 7. You’ll have to add another EUR 560 for the helicopter trip paid for on the day in CASH to the Helicopter company. There is a maximum of 4 in the helicopter so larger groups require 2 helis.
Please note that we depend on the helicopter company and on flying conditions. Three days ahead of your booking we can inform you if the trip is possible but only on the actual day will it be confirmed. However if we do not Heliski we will design the day for you to give you the best off piste runs. (And you will of course not be charged for the helicopter). I’m afraid we cannot refund you your guiding fee as the guide is booked for you but we will still give you a special day to remember so don’t worry!
Will there be a refund if I cancel my trip?
If you have to cancel your trip, let us know as soon as possible. We are flexible and you will be refunded if you cancel early enough:
It is FREE to cancel or change with 48 hours notice or more before guiding starts less an admin fee of 10% of the deposit, or with 14 days notice for all packages (including Lech bookings) so you can go ahead and book with confidence. Our full terms are here
Please note that we only cancel guiding in extreme conditions such as Avalanche risk 5 when the resort is closed, or for example if it is raining heavily. If it is snowing that’s when fewer people go out but often these are the best powder days and your guide will know where to take you for the best visibility. So if it is overcast, or snowing on your guiding day please do not expect to be refunded!
In case of injury or sickness meaning you have to cancel on the day, I’m afraid there is no refund – but you should be able to claim back on your travel insurance. If groups arrive with fewer people than booked you will be charged the full amount unless you have notified us at least 48 hours before.
I would like to ski Valluga - when is it possible?
If the conditions are right and there is good visibility, and you can demonstrate Off piste ability Level 3 or more, then it is possible to ski Valluga in a small PRIVATE group (maximum 4). While the North face is often talked about, the lesser known and more adventurous and scenic Valluga West is also a good option. Let your Piste To Powder guide choose the best terrain on your guiding day!
Any insider tips for off piste pros?
Check the weather and avalanche forecast and prepare your equipment according to the current conditions.
Add the following to your packing list:
- first aid kid, bivy bag or alu foil
- save our office number +43 664 1746282 and emergency numbers 112, 140 to your phone
- download our safety app
- bring a small bottle of water and some muesli bars
If you do not know the area, always book a guide to go Off Piste.
What kind of backpack do I need? Where do I get one of those?
You’ll need a backpack (minimum 20 liters) with a ski carry system. The ski carry system is essential when hiking and accessing the backcountry and untouched terrain via some of the short hikes. Those ski backpacks are also specially designed and developed for our purpose and have all all the features you need for entering backcountry terrain or also a day on the piste with friends and family. If you’d like to rent a Freeride backpack including safety set(€20/day) , simply let us know when you book and your guide will give this to you. For ABS backpacks with airbag systems, you can book this online with our rental partners Jennewein (next door to where we meet). We do recommend ABS bags but it is not mandatory and is a personal preference
If you’d like to buy a Freeride ski backpack, you can order and collect this on your first day of skiing with us, just let us know via our enquiry form. This backpack offers 22 litres of usable space and is ideal for small day tours, downhill freeriding and out the gate trips. With a flexible lightweight fit it’s great for airheads who enjoy small jumps. It 4 main storage compartment where you can easily store extra base layers, ski jacket, lunch and more. A fleeced line goggle pocket allows you to protect your goggles from fluff or dirt. Store your mobile phone, camera or energy bars within the two hip belt pockets.
Find more info here
I’d like to stay in a hut - what can you offer?
Staying overnight in a mountain hut is an incredible experience, waking in the mountains, looking out onto the snow in the morning with uninterrupted vistas far away from the noise of the resort is something everyone should have on their bucket list of experiences!
so there are lots of options, first it depends how much time you have and what kind of experience.
If you are new to touring you might like to consider our 3 day Silvretta experience, staying 2 nights in the Heidelberg hut, and using a light day pack each day – you can tour many of the great tours in the silvretta area returning to the hut each night. The hut is accessible from Ischgl combining lifts and an Off Piste run to the hut.
Find more info here
What Avalanche safety courses do you offer?
We offer Avalanche safety courses regularly through the season, and if you are skiing Off Piste then it is vital to know how to use your safety equipment . The course are 3 hours starting with theory on how to read bulletins, check weather and avoid avalanches in the first place before we practice with the equipment in simulated scenarios.
Avalanche Safety essentials €70:
This will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to know what to do in the worst case scenario and how to take preventative measures. It is mostly practical focussed outside on the mountain so bring skis and wear normal ski clothing and boots. The practical includes a simulated burial – where we search in teams applying the knowledge we have learnt against the clock!
Avalanche Safety Advanced €70:
Here we learn how to deal with more complex situations, including multiple burials and the immediate care of survivors including essential life saving practices, use of bivvy bags, Alu foils and how to build a shelter if you are stuck in the elements!
To sign up for either of these course please enquire here
Do I need touring skis for the Open Groups?
For Open touring groups you do need touring skis and skins. In our freeride groups normally you do not need touring skis however in some conditions, especially in the higher level groups such as Level 3, your guide may ask you to bring touring skis. We will let you know 1 or 2 days before so that you can sort rental skis if you need them from our partners Jennewein, next door to where we meet.
You do not need special boots as there are frame bindings that can be used with all boots. Hybrid boots are designed also to use with touring bindings.
You can rent touring skis from our Partners, Jennewein next door to where we meet.
Covid-19 FAQs
You can book your guiding with the assurance of the Piste to Powder flexible booking promise – we will refund you in full for any changes or cancellations as long as you give us 48 hours notice prior to guiding or for all packages and Lech bookings with 14 days notice prior to guiding.
Your safety As risk management and safety is naturally our highest priority, we’re making sure everything is in place to keep you safe during your stay with us. We only work with private groups or small Open groups (maximum 6). We meet outside whenever possible. We will take you away from the crowds, searching out peaceful Off Piste runs in beautiful areas or the Arlberg. We will carefully select mountain restaurants and times to avoid the crowds. We will use taxis when necessary to avoid lift queues. For the ultimate get away from the crowds – try touring with us!
Will I be refunded if Piste to Powder cancels guiding due to Corona Virus? If we cancel your guiding due to Covid -19 we will fully refund you. If there are any Covid-19 measures in the area that won’t make our guiding possible, we’ll fully refund you.
If I am showing Covid Symptoms on the day of Guiding – what should I do? If you are showing any symptoms please do not go to the meet point or to the local doctors. Instead, stay in your hotel and call 1450, the Covid helpline in Austria. If you need any assistance, please call us and we will be able to help.
Any current information? Here you can find more details about current risk management advice from local authorities! If you have any further questions, let us know, we’re happy to help!
Not found what you’re looking for? Just send us a quick message, we’re happy to help!
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