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.

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.

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.

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.  

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

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

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

Piste Basher driving can only cater for one person at a time although it is possible for a passenger to sit along side in the cab just for the ride.