Intro to Backcountry Skiing
Transfer Your Resort Skills To The Rest Of Alaska
This course is for advanced resort skiers and splitboarders who want to shift their riding into the backcountry. It will give you a foundation of skills including gear, trip planning, basic avalanche rescue, skinning, descending, and avoiding dangers. This course includes avalanche awareness and a rescue briefing and prepares you for a Rec 1 course. Previous backcountry skinning and riding experience are not necessary, but advanced riding skills are necessary. You must be able to ride black diamond runs at the resort without falling. This is important for your safety, the group learning, and your learning.
We Will Cover
Selecting gear
Trip planning
Trailhead checks
Avalanche rescue basics
Avalanche avoidance basics
Using touring skis, bindings, and skins
Skinning and track setting technique
Backcountry downhill skiing technique
Recognizing and avoiding dangers
Dates
NEW DATE: December 28-29, 2024 with a Dec 26th 7pm Zoom meeting.
Private courses may be available. Contact a guide for availability.
Itinerary
Day 0: 7:00-7:30pm Zoom for trip discussion and questions.
Day 1: 8am meeting in Girdwood. Field day at Turnagain Pass. Return to Girdwood by 5pm.
Day 2: 8am meeting in Girdwood. Field day at Turnagain Pass. Return to Girdwood by 5pm.
Please Note: If the weather forecast predicts poor learning conditions at Turnagain Pass we may shift to Hatcher Pass or the Anchorage Front Range.
Prerequisites
Advanced downhill ability. You must be able to ski or splitboard black diamond runs at the resort without falling. Being in control is fundamental to reducing risk, group compatibility, group learning, and your learning.
Age 14 or older and with someone who can drive to the field.
Have your personal gear ready for field day. See gear list. Snowboarders must have split-boards and skins. Sorry, no snowshoes on this course. Note that you do not need a snow saw or ETC cord for this course.
Fitness for two full days in the mountains, skinning up 500-2,000 vertical feet each day.
Be prepared to remain outside all day in cold and foul weather.
Cost
$400 per person
Includes
Two days (16 hours) of instruction.
Professional instructors: AMGA-certified Ski Guides and American Avalanche Association Pro 2 certified.
5:1 max student to instructor ratio.
Avalanche Awareness certificate of completion recognized by the American Avalanche Association.
Group gear: navigation kit, first aid kit, repair kits, emergency communication, and shelter.
Does Not Include
Lodging, food, and drink.
Transportation to and from the trailhead.
Personal gear and avalanche rescue gear. See gear list.
Rescue and trip insurance (recommended). See Reservation and Insurance Policy for details.
To Book
Booking opens October 1.
Contact us with any questions.
Upon booking you will receive more course information and some preparation homework.
