Seven Descents the Ultimate Skiing Experience

What is Seven Descents?

Seven Descents is a ski travel business. Their philosophy is that ski travel should be more than a couple of airline tickets and a booking at a hotel. It should be an unforgettable experience. They believe that great ski travel provides an opportunity to learn, challenge oneself, grow, share and return home with renewed energy for life (and skiing!). Simply put, they offer exciting and adventurous 'dream' ski trips that their guides and staff have been fortunate enough to experience and are keen to share.

Seven Descents was founded by Mark Poole, who resides in Sydney, NSW. The company combines his passion for skiing, adventure and people. Originally ski racing and coaching out of Calgary, Canada he followed the snow west to ski the big mountains around Whistler. Following many years in the corporate advisory and travel industries with organisations such as Deloitte & Touche and Qantas Airlines, Mark Poole decided it was time share his experience and encourage others to share his passion for skiing.

Why 'Seven Descents'?

No, it's not about riding down each of the famous 'Seven Summits', although that would be a pretty impressive and crazy feat! Call it a 'bucket list'....something personal, that list of ski experiences one wants to do before they 'kick the bucket'.

It started when Mark and his colleagues were building their list of trips they planned to offer which were pulled from their diaries and journals. This list of seven (give or take!) are the inspiration for the experiences they offer...and that's how 'Seven Descents' came to be.

Turns out every time they complete a ski adventure, they find another experience to add to the list. There always seems to be another seven to knock off! Their never ending search for more exciting ski trips to inspire and satisfy everyone's 'Seven Descents' is their mission.

What does Seven Descents offer?

Guided group tours
These are small group adventures led by qualified and experienced guides. The trips provide unique and adventurous ski experiences with local perspective that could not be offered in a standard package format. This is the best way to learn new skills, challenge yourself, gain local insight and meet likeminded friends.

Self guided itineraries
Seven Descents use local knowledge to create itineraries that incorporate and balance the best and coolest experiences of a ski destination. Their planning allows the client to get the most out of their ski holiday. Standard accommodation is normally deluxe lodge style, and the trip includes unique activities, such as heli skiing, snowcat skiing, steep instructions, etc., and can be customized to the client's specific needs and preference.

Heli & snowcat skiing
This is the ultimate experience for the powder hound. It is an experience that will never be forgotten and will keep a client coming back for more. Whilst most of Seven Descent's 'Guided' and 'Self Guided' trips include heli ski or cat ski components, they offer information and booking options for any powder hunting trip one has in mind.

Custom trips
If one is looking for something different or they want to extend their Seven Descents adventure, a custom trip is just for them. Custom itineraries can accommodate special interests, such as ice fishing or ski touring exotic locations, or special needs such as family or group requirements.

Why travel with 'Seven Descents'?

· The team have a genuine passion for skiing and sharing their experiences
· They offer exclusive group guided tours and self guided trips
· They specialise in adventure ski and Canadian destinations, with extensive local knowledge and contacts
· The team offers independent Heli and cat skiing advice
· Their strong wholesale partnerships enable them to offer the best range, availability and pricing on accommodation, lift and travel components
· They are a licensed agent with Australian Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) coverage, ensuring that all trips are TCF insured
· They offer full service and help plan, book and prepare you for your next ski adventure!


ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR EXOTIC SKI ADVENTURES LAUNCHES

With the growing demand for unique travel experiences, Seven Descents, a hub for adventure skiing, has launched just in time for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere season to offer amazing group guided or self guided tours to some of the world's most exotic snow destinations.

Gulmarg in India, La Grave in France, as well as lesser known areas in Canada and Europe, are just some of the itineraries available for intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders searching for an unforgettable journey.

Mark Poole, Sydney based ex-ski racer and coach from Canada, and Founder of Seven Descents says, "Australian skiers are some of the most dedicated ski travellers in the world. However, many have not had the opportunity to explore the amazing off piste, heli and snow cat skiing experiences outside the most travelled ski resorts.

"Our tours relieve the stress of choosing a more remote destination and offer the experience and thrill of skiing exciting terrain. Professional guides ensure safety is a priority and complex logistics are dealt with. Our knowledge and passion, coupled with local contacts and support, opens up fantastic powder skiing opportunities to make the ultimate ski adventure."

Group guided journeys are led by local guides that take small groups to classic or off-the-beaten-track powder stashes. An 11 day guided powder safari will take a group to the best interior British Columbia resorts, and include a day of cat skiing and backcountry skiing. Other group destinations boast incredible powder with Himalayan backdrops, offer legendary alpine terrain with great après ski, and another has the largest interconnected ski region with over 40 resorts and the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world.

In recent years there has been incredible interest in activities such as Heli and snow cat skiing; however there is still confusion in the market because of little public information, multiple operators and a perception that it's extremely costly. With over 90% of the world's heli and snow cat skiing providers operating out of British Columbia, Canada, Seven Descents offers many options to suit most budgets and ski abilities.

For those not wishing to join a group, the company uses its native Canadian experience to build the best self guided itineraries. The packages combine the best local ski resorts so that skiers can find their ski legs, with top heli and snow cat skiing experiences. All self guided packages cater to a range of budgets, ski ability and preference for ski region.

Some trips also include 'steep and deep' ski clinics where intermediate to expert skiers can get tips and local hill knowledge from amazing free skiers, many of which have appeared in top ski mags and films.

Seven Descents is all about the thrill and passion for skiing. The website features inspiring images from noted ski photographers with lots of details on all trips. The knowledgeable staff is happy to create customised trips to suit a client's spend or penchant for the more exotic. Spectacular hut to hut ski touring journeys through the Canadian Rockies or the Alps where the skier can ascent past Mt. Blanc in Chamonix and descent into Zermatt past the Matterhorn 6 days later, is just another dream "day at the office" for these guys!

Packages start from $1,900 (excl airfares). For bookings, visit www.sevendescents.com.au or call 1 300 66 76 77.