Hut-Based Guided Touring

Day 1: Approach & Afternoon Tour
Meet up at 29 Pines Sno-Park and embark on an exciting journey! Snowmobiles will transport you half-way before dropping you off and continuing to the hut with your overnight gear, where it will be waiting for you. Touring the remaining 4 miles/600′ gain will be a nice way to warm up for the days to come. Once at the hut, we’ll regroup, then hit the snowy trails for an afternoon tour. (AIARE L2 folks will do L1 and rescue review) Upon returning to the hut, we’ll debrief the day, relax in the sauna, enjoy a meal together, and discuss the next day’s plan!

Days 2-3: Guided Tours
We’ll spend 2 days in the field fully experiencing all the Upper Teanaway has to offer. We’ll choose skiing/riding terrain that matches our group’s goals and ability with snow conditions and avy forecast. Instructional focus will be on backcountry safety, terrain selection, and movement efficiency. At the end of the day, we’ll debrief, share lessons learned, and plan for the next day’s adventure. (AIARE L2 folks will break off and focus on student leadership, snow assessment, and group decision making)

Day 4: Morning Tour & Exit
Our final morning tour is filled with a mix of emotions – excitement and already a hint of nostalgia. After wrapping up our overnight gear, we’ll hit the trails for one last adventure. Mid-day, we’ll gather to debrief the entire weekend and provide you with valuable feedback and resources for your future journeys. And remember, this is only the beginning of your backcountry endeavors!

• 18+ for adult courses or 16+ with consent from a guardian and Kaf approval

• Physical ability to hike or tour for 4-5 hours, ascending about 2000′, with a 30lb pack
• Advanced skiing or snowboarding skills (ability to ski or ride black diamond runs in all snow conditions)
• Recent AIARE 1 and AIARE Rescue courses are highly recommended
• At least 1 full year of backcountry touring experience

• Snowmobile shuttle halfway to basecamp (4 miles)
• Portering of overnight equipment to the hut
• 3-night hut stay
• 3 excellent meals prepared daily (please bring your own snacks)
• 4 field days with professional instructors
• 4:1 max student:guide ratio
• Evening sauna sessions

• Winter touring equipment (skis, splitboard, telemark + skins)
• Transportation to/from the trailhead
• Snacks
• Personal layers & sauna-wear
• Personal sleep kits
• Beverages (besides water)
• Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel

You will need to provide one of the following snow travel tools:

• Skis, boots, and bindings (Metal edge skis, plastic boots, and Randonee/alpine touring/downhill Telemark bindings). Please note: Cross-country skis will not work for backcountry tours.
  
• Splitboard with adjustable bindings that move into “tour” mode efficiently (Soft boots are okay, and hard boots are preferred)

Additional equipment needed:

• Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel
  
• Helmet
• Personal layers
• Sleep setup for in the hut (warm sleeping bag)
• Evening hut shoes/sauna-wear
• Extra duffel to carry camp items to hut

Transportation and times will be coordinated by email when the pre-trip announcement is sent to all registrants.