Off-piste skiing – skiing beyond marked runs

Off-piste skiing gives you the chance to experience the mountain beyond groomed slopes, with natural snow, more varied skiing and new challenges. At the same time, skiing off-piste requires knowledge, the right equipment and respect for weather, terrain and local conditions.

What is off-piste skiing?

Off-piste skiing means skiing outside groomed runs. It can include short sections of ungroomed snow close to the ski area, wooded areas between slopes or more demanding mountain terrain where snow conditions, visibility, gradient and avalanche risk must be assessed carefully.

For many skiers, the appeal lies in the sense of freedom, the natural snow and the variety of the terrain. At the same time, off-piste skiing is different from skiing on groomed slopes. The surface can change quickly, visibility may be limited, and the terrain can be difficult to read if you are not used to it.

Safety, equipment and responsibility

When skiing off-piste, you are responsible for assessing the conditions, choosing suitable terrain and having the knowledge required. Always check local rules, signs, weather forecasts and avalanche information before leaving the groomed slopes.

Never ski alone, adapt your skiing to your level, and use equipment suited to the terrain. In avalanche terrain, you need avalanche equipment, knowledge of how to use it and the ability to make safe decisions together with the people you are skiing with.

Also check what your travel insurance covers before skiing off-piste. Terms can vary, especially when skiing without a guide or outside the ski area’s marked area.

Learn off-piste skiing with a course or guide

If you want to try off-piste skiing but lack experience, a course or guide is a safe way to start. You get help with technique, terrain choice, safety and how to adapt your skiing to the snow and conditions.

If you want to take the next step and move uphill on skis as well, ski touring can be a natural complement to off-piste skiing. Ski touring combines skiing with travelling uphill and places even greater demands on knowledge, planning and equipment.

Off-piste skiing in Scandinavia

Several of Scandinavia’s largest ski destinations offer opportunities for skiers who want to explore off-piste skiing. Terrain, snow conditions and local rules vary between destinations, so always read the latest information for the ski area you are visiting.

Off-piste skiing in Norway

In Norway, you will find several ski destinations where off-piste skiing can be an exciting complement to groomed runs. Off-piste skiing in Trysil is often easily accessible close to the ski area, while off-piste skiing in Hemsedal offers more alpine mountain terrain for experienced skiers looking for greater variety.

Off-piste skiing in Sweden

In Sweden, you can find everything from shorter sections of ungroomed snow close to the ski area to more varied mountain terrain. Off-piste skiing in Åre is suited to skiers who want to explore more demanding terrain and have experience skiing beyond the slopes.

In Sälen, there are also opportunities for ungroomed skiing when snow and local conditions allow. See our best skiing tips in Sälen for more inspiration for your ski holiday.