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 La Chaudanne Meribel's main lift area you will need to catch the Burgin Saulire cable car (bubble lift) The dirty looking yellow coloured lift that takes you to the top of the Saulire (the main link fro Meribel to Courchevel). At the very top station you will need to get out of the bubble car and walk down the rubber matted slope to where everyone puts their skis on. Once you have you skis or snowboard on you will need to turn right and ski the top of the Sanglier as if you were skiing towards Meribel. Near the bottom of the first main slope there will be a huge rock with sign posts on it saying right for Meribel, left for Courchevel. You will need to go left. 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 Meribel and Courchevel 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 Meribel. 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.