Duration
- 4 days
- 3 days
Season
- Winter
Client:Guide Ratio
4:1
Minimum Participants
3
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!
- 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 3000-5000' with a 30 lb pack, 4 days in a row.
- Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
- 7-10 days before your trip 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.
Equipment Lists

Required Gear
- Ski or splitboard setup
-boots
-skis/splitboard
-appropriate bindings
-climbing skins
-poles - Insulating/puffy layer
- Waterproof layer *hooded jacket and pants/bibs
- Head/face protection
-warm hat
-sun hat *baseball cap is fine
-neck gaiter *buff
-sunglasses with good side coverage - Hemet and googles for downhill riding
- Moisture wicking, non-cotton base layer top and bottom
- 2 pairs of gloves
-insulating gloves
-waterproof gloves - Personal kit
-sunscreen *SPF 40 or higherlip balm
-headlamp and extra batteries
-toiletries *please bring a plastic baggie for waste
-personal medications and first aid - Avalanche safety gear
-transceiver
-shovel
-probe *longer is better for the maritime snowpack - Water and your favorite snacks (maybe a thermos of hot soup!)
- 30-50L backpack *must fit avalanche safety gear inside
Not Pictured/Optional Gear
☐Sleeping bag and pillow for the hut ☐ Pre-made lunch items *easy to eat with gloves on ☐ Handy pocket items; gel, chews, bars, etc. ☐ Down booties or other hut footwear ☐ Sauna attire ☐ Towel ☐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 clothes, socks, and shoes ☐ First aid kit ☐ Folding saw ☐ Shovel ☐ Warm blanket or sleeping bag ☐ Tire Chains
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
