Level 1 - Ski & Splitboard Mountaineering
4 Day - Backcountry Camp
Join us on Mount Shasta and immerse yourself under the mighty California Dome in The Sky.
Standing at 14,179 feet, Mount Shasta is home to some of the longest ski descents in the lower 48. If conditions line up, you can ski almost 8,000 vertical feet directly your car!
An incredible training ground for ski mountaineers of all levels, it holds everything from glaciers, exposure, steep ridge lines, open faces, to mellow below treeline hippie turns.
This adventure is ideal for individuals or groups seeking to explore remote alpine regions while enjoying the companionship and expertise of a professional splitboard guide.
Prices: $1,350.00
Dates:
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Goals:
Skills development: Hone in on key splitboarding techniques for climbing, navigation, and downhill riding. Focus on efficient transitions from a splitboarders mindset.
Winter Basecamp Management: Learn how to build a comfortable, livable, bad ass basecamp just like the movies!
Safety Understanding: Recognize objective hazards, assess snow conditions, and learn techniques for reducing risks as well as group management and decision-making in the mountains.
Navigation Skills: Gain proficiency in using maps and GPS for planning and navigating in backcountry areas.
Environmental Knowledge: Understand environmental care and leave-no-trace practices to reduce impact on nature.
Outcomes:
Technical Skills: Participants will be able to navigate different terrain with splitboards, including uphill travel and controlled descents.
Safety Skills: Learn how to evaluate risks associated with moving trough dynamic alpine environments.
Trip Planning: Learn how to plan and execute backcountry trips, using navigation tools and assessing weather and snow conditions.
Confidence Boost: Gain confidence exploring backcountry areas, develop necessary skills and knowledge through hands-on practice.
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Day 1: Pre-Trip Preparation, Hike In, Set Up Camp/Evening Tour
Day 2: Learning & Objective
Day 3: Learning & Objective
Day 4: Early Objective & Ride Back to Trailhead
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Prior Ski Touring Experience:
Participants should have prior experience with backcountry skiing or splitboarding, including proficiency with skinning, uphill travel, and transitions.
Ability to ride confidently in variable snow conditions on ungroomed terrain.
Physical Fitness:
A high level of fitness is required to endure sustained physical effort, including multiple days of uphill travel, carrying a heavy pack in challenging terrain.
Participants should be capable of 6–8 hours of continuous activity per day with elevation gains of 3,000–5,000 feet.
Essential Gear and Skills:
Participants should bring appropriate backcountry equipment, including skis, splitboard, bindings, skins, boots, poles, and avalanche safety gear.
Ability to efficiently manage gear transitions.
Comfort in Cold and Remote Environments:
Willingness to spend consecutive nights in the backcountry potentially in harsh weather conditions, with the bare alpine necessities of life.
Solid Teamwork & Communication Skills:
A collaborative mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to work as part of a group are essential for a successful expedition experience.
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Included:
Friendly AMGA trained ski & splitboard guides.
Applicable recreation and/or forest service permits.
Group rescue gear, first aid, rescue sled, GPS/Satellite phone.
Waste Disposal Bags in compliance with “Leave No Trace” principles.
4 season tents
Ropes
Stoves
Fuel
Pots & pans
Water storage & treatment
Not Included:
Ski/splitboard touring equipment.
Avalanche equipment, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners.
Food/Snacks/Meals
Transportation
Guide Gratuities
Curriculum Overview
Day 1 – Approach & Fundamentals
Meet in town of Mount Shasta for gear check
Approach and establish camp on Mount Shasta (~7,900ft - 8,000 ft)
Skills: efficient skinning with heavy packs, kick turns, camp setup in snow
Afternoon lap near camp: focus on line choice and downhill movement
Evening session: avalanche/weather assessments & tour planning
Day 2 – Technical Movement & Riding Focus
Morning instruction: crampons & ice axe use (self-belay, self-arrest, French, front pointing, hybrid techniques)
Practice boot packing and mixed travel with skis on pack
Afternoon: Ski/ride with coaching on line choice, group control and management
Evening debrief: discussion on risk assessment and terrain tactics
Day 3 – Rope Systems & Bigger Objectives
Brief formal session: knots, ropes, and snow anchors (short but focused)
Apply rope skills during a longer alpine tour or peak objective
Ski/ride descent with emphasis on control and creative movement.
Student involvement in decision-making and route-finding
Evening: reflection and planning for summit day
Day 4 – Summit/Highpoint
Early alpine start for summit push (conditions permitting)
Apply integrated skillset: crampons, ice axe, efficient travel, hazard recognition
Ski/ride descent from high on the route, maximizing mileage and line variety
Camp breakdown and descent to trailhead
Final debrief: skill recap, personal feedback, and next-step progression recommendations
Skills Covered
Ice axe & crampon use for steep snow approaches
Basic rope systems for snow/glacier terrain (intro-level)
Efficient skinning, boot packing, and transitions
Steep skiing/riding techniques & line choice
Snow camping & multi-day systems
Avalanche/weather assessment in high alpine environments
