Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course

Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course

$269.00
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Location
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This course is designed for intermediate skiers or snowboarders who are looking to develop the skills necessary to travel safely in the backcountry. Students will learn how to use backcountry touring and avalanche safety equipment, the basics of avalanche rescue, and navigation through mountain terrain. The goal of the course is build confidence in traveling on skis or splitboards, while having fun in a beautiful mountain setting!


**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.

Your instructor will help everyone get situated with their gear before heading out on the tour. Along the way, your instructor will assess and discuss avalanche conditions and go over general winter travel safety and proper skinning technique. You will tour for most of the day with stops for lunch and to discuss or practice important topics and techniques. Enjoy some of your first backcountry turns! You can expect to be back to the trailhead around 4pm.

  • Attendance of a free NWAC Avalanche Awareness Course is recommended.
  • Intermediate skiing or snowboarding skills (ability to ski or ride blue square runs in variable snow conditions).
  • Ability to hike for 4-5 hours and ascend 2000' with a 30 lb pack.
  • 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 course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Selection, use, and care for the necessary equipment for a day of backcountry touring.
  • Creating a suitable tour plan using local avalanche forecasts.
  • Using topographic maps and electronic tools for winter navigation.
  • Decision making and hazard identification in avalanche terrain.
  • Basic avalanche rescue.
  • Uphill and downhill travel techniques and efficient transitions.

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


OTHER / 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
Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course

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