Having been fortunate enough to snowboard 3-4 weeks a season for the 20 years or so it was starting to be a little predictable year on year. I was at the point of perhaps looking for a new sport, until 4 years ago a good friend introduced me to Xavier.

We booked our first day of off piste with Xavier, and I'm now totally hooked on snowboarding again. My friends and I have had some truly amazing adventures with him. Having an incredible knowledge of the mountain and always finding the best skiable powder aside, Xavier has always taught us all SO much about reading snow conditions, and he will take the time to explain why the conditions are always so different, and the reasons for these changes.

My snowboarding skills have improved considerably, Xavier has pushed me above my perceived limits. I now never hesitate when he suggests I tackle something really tricky, I now realise if Xavier thinks I'm capable of the task, then I am. Xavier has an incredible way of knowing each of our limits, and always brings us back to the village with huge smiles, and many adventures to bore our other friends with.

Off Piste Skiing When the Avalanche Risk is High

Here I explain what we can ski when the avalanche risk is very high 4 out of 5.