Goals of a Ski Expedition Training Course:

1. Develop Advanced Ski Touring Skills: Refine techniques for efficient uphill travel, complex route selection, and confident downhill navigation in remote and challenging environments.

2. Master Expedition Planning: Gain the knowledge to plan and execute multi-day backcountry trips, including logistics, gear selection, and food and fuel management.

3. Enhance Safety and Risk Management: Build proficiency in avalanche safety, crevasse rescue, and weather assessment to handle potential hazards effectively.

4. Build Teamwork and Leadership: Foster collaboration, communication, and decision-making skills essential for group success on extended expeditions.

5. Adapt to Remote Environments: Learn to establish camps, manage resources, and maintain comfort in extreme conditions while minimizing environmental impact.

Outcomes of a Ski Expedition Training Course:

1. Technical Proficiency: Participants leave with advanced skills in ski touring, navigation, and snow safety, empowering them to tackle ambitious backcountry objectives.

2. Comprehensive Expedition Knowledge: Gain confidence in planning and executing self-sufficient ski expeditions, from gear preparation to route logistics.

3. Safety Awareness and Confidence: Develop the ability to assess and mitigate risks, ensuring safer decision-making during extended backcountry travel.

4. Preparedness for Challenges: Acquire the resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness needed to thrive in demanding alpine environments.

5. Readiness for Future Expeditions: Leave equipped with the knowledge and experience to pursue multi-day ski expeditions, glacier travel, or international backcountry adventures with confidence.

Prerequisites for this 6-Day Ski Expedition Skills Course

1. Backcountry Skiing Experience:

   • Participants should have prior experience with ski touring or splitboarding, including proficiency with skinning, uphill travel, and transitions.

   • Ability to ski confidently in variable snow conditions on ungroomed terrain.

2. Physical Fitness:

   • A high level of fitness is required to endure sustained physical effort, including multiple days of uphill travel, carrying a heavy pack, and skiing challenging terrain.

   • Participants should be capable of 6–8 hours of continuous activity per day with elevation gains of 3,000–5,000 feet.

   3. Essential Gear and Skills:

   • Participants should bring appropriate backcountry ski or splitboard equipment, including skis/splitboard, skins, boots, poles, and avalanche safety gear.

   • Ability to efficiently manage gear transitions and pack effectively for multi-day travel.

   4. Comfort in Cold and Remote Environments:

   • Willingness to spend consecutive nights in backcountry camps, potentially in harsh weather conditions, with the bare alpine necessities of life.

   5. 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.

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