Get behind the controls of a Piste Basher (snow cat), learn
how to drive and operate this large tracked vehicle a genuine grooming
machine round a varied circuit assisted by a professional pilot.
depending
on snow conditions and instructor availability
.
Piste basher driving or snowcat driving excursions are
available daily but are governed by two factors. These factors are are
instructor availability, if there is not a qualified instructor available
then the activity itself can not take place. Secondly and the factor that
effects the operation the most of all is that of snow conditions. The
operating company likes to run you through everything to do with piste
basher driving, this includes the pushing of snow around which then can
be groomed as if you were doing it on the slopes and ski runs themselves.
If there is not enough snow to perform this task then the activity will
NOT operate.
.
Although this
activity operates at quite a high altitude approximately 1900m due to the
recent snow conditions we have been having over the last few years the
Piste Basher driving activity has only operated a few weeks during the
season.
The Piste Basher Driving circuit is based in Courchevel 1850
near Courchevel Altiport and next to the restaurant Cap Horn. The circuit
consists of a 1.2km track with high bends, embankments, bumps and
sloped corners but being in a piste basher you will be able to go pretty
much anywhere.
.
how
to get there FROM MERIBEL
.
SKI
If you are going to ski to the Piste Basher Driving activity
YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE NORMAL SHOES with you in order to take part. From
Courchevel 1850's main lift area you will need to catch Verdons cable car
(bubble lift). At the top you will need to collect your skis and walk
across the snow to the Vizelle bubble car which will be directly in front
of you. At the top of the Vizelle bubble you will need to put your skis
on, turn right and ski straight forward as if you were skiing to Meribel
- this will take you along a relatively flat path (a cat track) bringing
you out in front of a large rock. From here you will need to ski the the
Creux (a red run), about half way down the Creux just before it runs flat
for a short distance you will see that it splits, you need to take the
left hand split just above a lift station and ski along the track. This
will eventually bring you to the top station of the Creux lift - KEEP
skiing, from here you will see the Suisse Chair lift on the left hand
side. At the Suisse chair take the far right hand fork and ski along the
flat slope. On the right hand side just before the restaurant 'Cap Horn'
is the Piste Basher Driving Circuit. Look for the Piste Basher and the
instructor.
.
WHITETRACKS HOST -
SKI TO
Hire a Whitetracks Host to ski with you for ½ or a full day, they will
meet you at a pre-prescribed meeting point at the time requested. They
will ski with you taking you to some of the best snow and runs in the
Courchevel and Meribel Valleys and will make sure that you get to the
activity on time. Whitetracks Host
.
WHITETRACKS HOST -
DRIVE TO
Collected from your chalet you will be transported straight
to the Piste Basher Driving venue. The Whitetracks host will then walk
with you up to the Piste Basher where they will introduce you all the
instructor, answer any final questions or queries that you may have and
make sure that you are being looked after properly. The Host will then
stay at the Piste Basher Driving site taking pictures of you driving
around the track waiting for the activity to finish ready to escort you
back to your chalet or hotel in Courchevel. Whitetracks
Host
.
Piste Basher (Snowcat) - Operation / Duration and Format
You should arrive
to meet the Instructor 5-10 minutes before the requested time. The
Instructor might keep you waiting but PLEASE do not keep them waiting. If
you need to catch lifts and ski runs in order to get to the meeting point
please allow time for lift queues, time to travel on them and time to ski
the runs.
.
When in the Piste Basher the Instructor will give you a quick
brief and run you through all the controls. During the session the
instructor will be sat beside you providing you will guidance throughout.
You will learn how to push snow, how to groom the slopes, ultimately how
to drive a Piste Basher.
17 if you drive agricultural
machines for a living
.
The only
restrictions for the Piste Basher Driving activity are that of age. To
take part you must be 18 years old and hold a driving license. If you are
17 but drive agricultural equipment for a living it maybe possible to
take part.
Piste Basher
driving is a daytime mountain activity PLEASE dress appropriately - dress
warm ski clothing is essential there is nothing worse than feeling cold
whilst tacking part in an activity. Being cold will effect the overall
enjoyment of the activity. You will need normal shoes to take part in the
activity.
