Guided Backcountry Touring
Guided Backcountry Touring
Guided Backcountry Touring
Guided Backcountry Touring
Guided Backcountry Touring
Guided Backcountry Touring

Guided Backcountry Touring

$269.00
/
Location
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Step away from the resort and into the freedom provided by backcountry travel.

Whether you just took your avalanche safety course and are looking to gain confidence making decisions under professional guidance, or need a trustworthy ski partner while you're passing through Washington, we can provide the local knowledge and partnership you're looking for. As an added bonus, you're sure to have fun in a beautiful mountain setting while your group hunts for secret stashes of powder.  

Dates are on the calendar but we know the snow doesn't fly on our schedule. We are frequently available for private guided tours - just give us a call to set one up. Prices will vary, but a full day 1:1 is generally $549.

**Location notes:
Weather, snow quality, and avalanche conditions play a huge role in the safety and success of a day in the backcountry. Let us know if you have any preferences, but generally the exact location will not be determined until a few days before the course.
**In WA, we aim to hold this course as close to Seattle as possible, but may need to venture further. Some possibilities include Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal Mountain backcountry, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier National Park, and Blewett Pass. 
**In OR, we ski in Mt. Hood National Forest. Some trailheads include Mitchell Creek and Bennett Pass.

Duration

  • 1 day
  • 8 hours

Season

  • Winter

Client:Guide Ratio

6:1

Minimum Participants

3

Meet your instructor at your designated meeting location at 8am. Your instructor will ensure everyone has what they need for the day, then you will all caravan to the trailhead.

Plan to skin and ski for most of the day. Breaks for snacks, photos, and rest will be oriented around transitions when possible. Along the way, your instructor will assess and discuss avalanche conditions, speak to trip planning and travel techniques, and answer any questions you may have. You can expect to be back to the trailhead around 4pm.

  • At minimum, attendance of a free NWAC Avalanche Awareness Course; AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue are recommended.
  • Backcountry Ski/Split Beginner Course or equivalent experience.
  • At least 1 full year of ski/splitboard touring experience.
  • Advanced skiing or snowboarding skills (ability to ski or ride black diamond runs in all snow conditions).
  • Ability to tour for 5-6 hours and ascend 3000' with a 30 lb pack.

If you don't quite meet these requirements, contact us to create a custom course and we can help you get there!

  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 3-5 days before your course you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
  • Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
  • Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. To get the most of our day, we'd like to begin right at the designated start time.
  • All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This trip will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Best practices to become a more proficient and efficient backcountry traveler.
  • Decision making and communication in a small group.
  • Let us know if you have a specific goal! The more you bring to the table here the more you will get out of it.

PLUS:

  • A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
  • A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
  • Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
  • Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs

Equipment Lists

Required Gear

  1. Ski or splitboard setup *or snowshoes for snowshoe specific course : boots, skis/splitboard, appropriate bindings, climbing skins, poles)
  2. Insulating/puffy layer
  3. Waterproof layer : hooded jacket and pants/bibs
  4. Head/face protection : warm hat, sun hat *baseball cap is fine, neck gaiter *buff or balaclava, sunglasses
  5. Hemet and googles for downhill riding
  6. Moisture wicking, non-cotton base layer top and bottom
  7. Two pairs of gloves : insulating gloves and waterproof gloves
  8. Personal kit : sunscreen (SPF 40 or higher), lip balm, headlamp and extra batteries, toiletries (please bring a plastic baggie for waste), personal medications and first aid
    -personal medications and first aid
  9. Avalanche safety gear : transceiver, shovel, probe (longer is better for the maritime snowpack)
  10. Water and your favorite snacks (maybe a thermos of hot soup!)
  11. 30-50L backpack : must fit avalanche safety gear inside


OPTIONAL GEAR

  • Pre-made lunch items, easy to eat with gloves on
  • Handy pocket items; gel, chews, bars, etc.
  • Whistle
  • Area maps and compass
  • Heavy duty plastic trash bags (for water-proofing)
  • Camera
  • Watch
  • Half foam pad to stand/sit in snow
  • Bandana

Car Equipment (items to keep in your car) *All of these items are optional but recommended when traveling in the mountains in winter.

  • Water bottle or thermos
  • Non-perishable food (salty snacks!)
  • Comfortable and warm cloths, socks, and shoes
  • First aid kit
  • Folding saw
  • Shovel
  • Warm blanket or sleeping bag
  • Tire Chains
Guided Backcountry Touring

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