Ski mountaineering typicly combines a mixture of skiing and climbing techniques, requiring proficiency with various rope skills for safe navigation in technical terrain. This course outlines essential rope skills vital for ski mountaineers, focusing on safety, efficiency, and group dynamics.

Mastering these rope skills is essential for the safety and success of ski mountaineers navigating complex alpine environments. Continuous practice and training will ensure preparedness for unforeseen challenges in the backcountry.

Prices - $200.00

Dates - TBD

Upon completion, participants will possess the knowledge and skills to safely navigate and enjoy the ski mountaineering experience with the assistance of a rope and the skills that follow.

Here is a list of the skils we will cover throughout the course

Rope Skills for Ski Mountaineering

1. Knots and Hitches

   • Figure Eight on a Bite

   • Figure Eight Retrace

   • Bowline Knot

   • Clove Hitch

   • Prusik Knot

   • Munter Hitch

2. Rope Management

   • Coiling Rope

   • Stowing Rope Properly

3. Anchoring Techniques

   • Building Snow Anchors (e.g., skis, splitboards, snow pickets, deadman)

4. Belaying Techniques

   • Top Belaying

   • Assisted Braking Belays/Lowers

   • Munter Belays

5. Rappelling Skills

   • Rappelling basics

   • Rappel Extension

   • Third Hand Backup

6. Ski-Centric Techniques

   • Securing Skis with Rope

   • Transitions between Skiing and Rope Use

Note:

Mastery of these rope skills is critical for safe and efficient ski mountaineering, enabling both individual and team safety in various challenging environments.

Morning of Course

7:30am: Meet your guide at the trailhead. Here we'll do introductions and go over the plan for the day.

8:00am: Begin touring up to the appropriate learning venue for the day. Here we will begin coaching and demonstrating different ski mountaineering skills.

12:00pm: Break for a light lunch and refuel to prepare for the second half of the day.

3:30 - 4:00pm: Arrive back at the trailhead and we'll do a formal debrief to cap of the day.

This is a welcoming & friendly intro course: No previous ski mountaineering experience required. We start at a baseline and methodically move up from there.

Competence with backcountry ski and splitboard equipment: Must have experience walking uphill with skis or splitboard on your feet.

Advanced skier or rider: Should be able to cleanly ride a black diamond in bounds at the ski area.

Solid Fitness Level: We will spend a majority of the day moving uphill with loaded backpacks. You should be able to cover 1,500 - 3,000 ft of vertical gain throughout the day.

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.

Not Included:

• Ski/splitboard touring equipment.

• Avalanche equipment, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners.

• Food

• Transportation

• Guide Gratuities

Ski Touring Equipment

• Alpine Touring Skis

• Splitboard

• Skins

• Boots

• Ski Poles

• Touring Backpack

• Ski Helmet

• Beacon

• Probe

• Shovel

Ski Mountaineering Equipment

• Ice Axe

• Boot Crampons

• Lightweight Climbing Harness

• 3 Locking Carabiners

• 3-4 Non Locking Carabiners

• Tube style belay device

• 2 Double Length Slings

• Cordlette

Head & Face

• Ball cap

• Sun Glasses

• Goggles

• Warm Hat

• Buff

Upper Body

• Baselayer Top

• Fleece

• Softshell

• Puffy

• Hardshell

• Puffy

Hands

• Light Gloves

• Medium Gloves

• Heavy Wight Gloves

Lower Body

• Socks

• Underware

• Base layer bottom

• Ski Pants

Miscellaneous

• Nalgene Water Bottle

• Snacks

• Sunscreen

• Lip Balm

• Hand sanitizer

• Phone charger

Optional

• Personal first aid kit

• Handwarmers

• Ski strap