Equipment Lists

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.
6:1
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.
This course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:
PLUS:
Not Pictured/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