Join our multi-day Intermediate Backcountry Skiing Course and enhance your basic skiing skills in the backcountry. This 3-day course covers everything from winter camping skills, to essential techniques for navigating challenging terrain. Plus the main objective, score some amazing untouched turns in the Sierra backcountry!

Elevate your adventure by honing your skills as a ski mountaineer. This thrilling pursuit combines skiing with the challenges of mountaineering, requiring a blend of technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and strategic planning. Focus on developing essential skills such as avalanche awareness, navigation, and rescue techniques, along with refining your skiing technique for varied terrain.

Join a community of passionate enthusiasts through this guided program where an experienced guide can provide invaluable insight and personalized feedback. With dedication and practice, you will not only become a better ski mountaineer but also foster a deeper appreciation for the majestic mountains you navigate and this is a fantastic place to start!

Join us in this 3 day adventure filled back country skiing course! Designed for those looking to enhance their skills in alpine environments on ski or a splitboard. This course will cover essential techniques in avalanche awareness, navigation, and climbing, as well as important safety protocols. Participants will have the opportunity to practice on diverse terrain, gaining hands-on experience with both uphill and downhill backcountry ski techniques. Our expert guides will provide personalized instruction and mentorship, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience tailored to various skill levels. Elevate your adventure and confidence in the mountains while connecting with fellow ski enthusiasts. Prepare yourself for the thrill of exploring untouched alpine landscapes with the knowledge and skills to navigate them safely.

Goals

1. Safety Awareness: Equip participants with essential knowledge about avalanche risks and safety protocols in mountain environments.

2. Technical Skills Development: Teach fundamental ski mountaineering techniques, including kick turns, skinning, and downhill skiing in varied terrain.

3. Navigation Proficiency: Enhance participants' navigation skills using maps and GPS devices to confidently traverse mountainous regions.

4. Physical Conditioning: Improve participants' physical fitness for sustained endurance and strength required in ski mountaineering.

5. Environmental Stewardship: Foster a deep respect for alpine ecosystems and promote Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact.

6. Teamwork and Leadership: Encourage collaboration and communication among participants to improve group dynamics and decision-making skills.

Outcomes

1. Increased Competence: Participants will demonstrate improved ski mountaineering skills, allowing safe and effective movement in various terrains.

2. Enhanced Risk Management: Participants will be able to identify and evaluate avalanche risks and make informed decisions to minimize hazards.

3. Effective Navigation: Participants will successfully navigate mountainous areas using both traditional and technological tools.

4. Physical Readiness: Participants will achieve a level of physical fitness conducive to tackling multi-day ski mountaineering expeditions.

5. Environmental Awareness: Participants will understand and articulate the importance of protecting alpine environments and commit to sustainable practices.

6. Leadership Growth: Participants will gain confidence in their ability to lead and support peers in challenging outdoor scenarios, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

3-Day Intermediate Backcountry Ski Course Itinerary

Day 1: Introduction to Backcountry Skills

Morning

• 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Meet and greet at designated meeting location. Check gear and equipment.

• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Ground session on backcountry safety, route finding, and avalanche awareness.

• 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Hands-on demo of packing for a multi-day backcountry ski adventure.

Afternoon

• 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break

• 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Introductory backcountry ski techniques; practice uphill travel and kick turns.

• 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Short guided tour to identify terrain features and evaluate snow conditions.

• 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Debrief session.

Evening

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Evening orientation for day two activities and review day 2 plans.

• 6:00 PM: We cook a fresh meal and socialize the rest of the night.

Day 2: Navigation and Terrain Assessment

Morning

• 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the camp. Review the day's objectives.

• 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Workshop on navigation skills, utilizing maps, and GPS technology.

• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Introduction to terrain assessment and identifying safe zones.

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break in the field.

• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Full-day backcountry ski tour focusing on route selection and navigation through varied terrain.

• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Gather for a group discussion on the day’s experiences and learnings.

Evening

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Debriefe the day and open Q&A Session before dinner.

• 6:00 PM: Another fresh meal at camp.

Day 3: Skills Application and Rescue Techniques

Morning

• 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast and overview of skills to be practiced.

• 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Practical session on avalanche rescue techniques and scenario simulations.

• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Review and practice backcountry skiing techniques with increased emphasis on refining skills.

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break in the field.

• 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Final ski tour, applying all skills learned. Focus on group dynamics and communication in backcountry settings.

• 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Closing debrief and feedback session; share individual experiences and lessons learned.

Evening

• 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Course conclusion and next steps for continued backcountry skiing adventures.

• 5:00 PM: Depart or enjoy a final evening in the local area.

Physical Fitness

• Endurance: Backcountry skiing often involves long ascents with varied terrain. A good cardiovascular base is crucial.

• Strength: A focus on leg strength, core stability, and overall muscle conditioning will help you navigate uneven snow conditions and steep slopes.

• Fitness Level: Participants should have a solid fitness foundation and some prior skiing experience, ideally at least intermediate downhill skiing skills.

Skill Requirements

• Alpine Skiing Proficiency: You should be comfortable skiing on varied terrain, including powder, steep slopes, and in trees.

• Basic Navigation Skills: Familiarity with map reading, as well as GPS devices, is vital for finding your way in remote areas.

• Avalanche Awareness: A basic understanding of avalanche safety and rescue techniques is required. Consider taking an avalanche safety course.

Equipment Knowledge

• Backcountry Gear: Familiarity with backcountry skis, bindings, and skins is necessary. Knowing how to properly use and adjust your gear is critical for performance and safety.

• Safety Equipment: You should possess and know how to use essential safety equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel.

• Pack Essentials: Understand what to bring in your pack, including emergency supplies, food, water, and extra layers.

Experience Level

• At least one season of experience: It is recommended that participants have at least one full season of skiing experience in a controlled mountain environment before venturing into the backcountry.

• Team work & Communication Skills: Joining a guided backcountry skiing trip can be an excellent way to gain the necessary skills and knowledge so you are held accountable for pulling your own weight ad contributing to the teams decision making.

By ensuring you meet these prerequisites, you can contribute to a safe and enjoyable backcountry skiing experience for yourself and others.

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

Ski Touring Equipment

• Alpine Touring Skis

• Splitboard

• Skins

• Boots

• Ski Poles

• Large over night backpack (60-80L)

• Ski Helmet

• Beacon

• Probe

• Shovel

• 2 Ski Straps

Ski Mountaineering Equipment

• Ice Axe

• Boot Crampons

• Lightweight Climbing Harness

• 3 Locking Carabiners

• 3 Non Locking Carabiners

• Tube style belay device

• 2 Double Length Slings

• 30ft of accessory cord

Head & Face

• Ball cap

• Sun Glasses

• Goggles

• Warm Hat

• Buff

Upper Body

• Base layer Top

• Fleece

• Softshell jacket

• Hardshell jacket

• Light - medium weight puffy jacket w/ hood

• Heavy weight puffy jacket w/ hood

Hands

• Light weight liner gloves

• Medium gloves

• Heavy weight gloves

Lower Body

• Ski Pants

• Underware

• Base layer bottom

• 2-3 wool or synthetic socks

Overnight Camp Equipment

• Sleeping Bag (0-15 Degrees F)

• Compression sack

• Inflatable sleeping pad

• Closed cell foam pad

• Head lamps

• Cup

• Bowl

• Spoon

Miscellaneous

• 2 Nalgene water bottle

• Snacks

• Tea

• Instant coffee

• Thermos bottle

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Hand sanitizer

• Spare batteries

• 2-3 trashbag liners

Optional

• Personal first aid kit

• Down Booties

• Down Pants

• Phone charger

• Handwarmers

• Ear Plugs

• Head phones

• Small Book/Kindle