If you recognize signs of increasing avalanche danger or are uncomfortable with a situation while you’re out there, speak up. Great experience! Learn more about choosing ski poles. Also useful for a variety of in-the-field equipment repairs. Set yourself up for the best possible experience with our Learn to Backcountry Ski … Whistler is a great area for you to get started in this skiing discipline, and that is what this program aims for. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding is an exciting way to dive into new terrain and find fresh snow. Intro to Backcountry Skiing • 2 Day Course and Ski Tour Northwest Alpine Guides’ Intro to Backcountry Skiing is designed for intermediate inbounds skiers seeking to transition from resort … The backcountry is an entirely different beast to the resort. If you don’t have a group to go with, try reaching out on an online forum. Coffee, tea, hot cocoa are great for warming up when it's cold outside. However, an intermediate level of ski experience at a resort is essential - you must be comfortable on ungroomed blue runs and you will have a better time on the course if you have some experience skiing with a daypack (30L) and skiing varied terrain and conditions. Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Riding Do you dream of venturing away from the ski resort crowds and hustle to explore the limitless ski runs and fresh powder snow of the Canadian Rockies backcountry? Join us for this one-day introductory program for skiers and split boarders. 5 reasons why Hakuba, Japan is the best place for an introduction to backcountry skiing. We will focus on how to use modern A/T (Alpine/Touring) equipment, touch upon the basic principles of avalanche safety, terrain management, backcountry travel & preparedness, and how to use an avalanche … Foam helmets are lighter, but more easily damaged when carried in a pack. Also, check out REI articles and videos that cover many of the skills needed for backcountry skiing and riding and practice them at your local ski hill. Skiing ability: The BC Intro Tour is for upper intermediate to strong skiers able to make turns and control their skis off the groomed snow. We will introduce you to the art of skinning and proper track setting, descent selection and land navigation, and lay the groundwork for establishing a strong backcountry decision-making framework. If you can ski the bowls at Sun Valley ski resort, you’re ready for backcountry skiing! Entry Level. Other possible locations for the Intro to Backcountry Skiing course include: Monroe Brook in the Ammonoosuc Ravine on Mount Washington; Mt. Assess your ski /snowboard skill level: It’s also a good idea to take a minute to consider how well you can ski or snowboard at the resort before you head into the backcountry. Lifetime membership is just $20. The Mazamas offers a variety of classes for all ability levels. Terrain, snowpack, snow type, travel conditions, fitness, weather, avalanche hazard, and gear are just a few of the considerations that go into riding in the backcountry. If you are an intermediate skier who is confident navigating variable and off-piste terrain at the resort then this is the course for you. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Introduction to Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding On Snow – Full Day We have designed this as an introductory course to help you learn the skills necessary to be confident in venturing into the … Splitboard bindings: Splitboard bindings are lighter than standard snowboard bindings and designed to be comfortable and efficient during uphill travel. Women: RAB Women's Kangri GRX Jacket, Michael Rantis asylan.valko Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet. With special movable bindings, you can easily tour along with your friends who are on skis. Introducing the newest addition to Colorado Mountain Club's fleet of snowsport educational offerings: Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Snowboard Course, brought to you by Arc'teryx Denver!We want to help our Colorado community learn the skills necessary to get started on their backcountry ski or snowboard journey! Intro to Backcountry. You may have heard the terms “sidecountry” and “slackcountry” used to describe lift-served riding in a controlled area, accessed from the ski area. Baker Mountain Guides’ Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course is designed to teach the fundamentals of backcountry travel. Whether you’re setting off into the wilderness or riding a lift and skiing out of bounds at a ski area (sometimes called “slackcountry” or “sidecountry” terrain), you’re in an uncontrolled environment. Are you interested in backcountry skiing, but don’t know where to start? (verified owner) – December 14, 2020. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Trimmed and adjusted to fit your skis or splitboard ahead of time. If you have friends who backcountry tour, see if they’re up for a mellow trip (make sure they know you’re a beginner). This four-day Backcountry Development Series course is your comprehensive introduction to backcountry skiing and riding. After studying the forecast, make sure to discuss it with your partners. Nylon or mohair. To learn more about avalanche safety, check out our series of articles, starting with Intro to Avalanche Safety. Recently took this course with Matt as our guide, and it was awesome! The first day was split into two parts, first half was lecture and the second half was in the filed. Climbing skins: Climbing skins are like pieces of carpet that temporarily stick to the bottom of your skis or splitboard to provide traction for going uphill. For instance, wider skis will float better in powder than skinnier ones, but they’re heavier to haul in. Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. An avalanche forecast gives you a sense for what hazards may exist in the snowpack so you can plan your trip accordingly. Intro Backcountry Skiing NH | Synnott Mountain Guides This course, offered seven days per week, is for skiers and snowboarders looking for an introduction to the world of backcountry skiing in the White … Looking to move beyond the groomers and the crowded ski resort scene? Come out and learn the techniques and tricks from a professional ski guide, and get away from the lifts and the crowds of the ski area. This camp is designed for those who have little to no backcountry experience. In the backcountry, there’s no lodge and no ski patrol. They are another essential if you don’t want to carry your skis or snowboard on your backpack. Fleece jackets are acceptable. Women: Rab Women's Kangri GTX Pants. In this intro … This jacket should fit over all other layers. Two poles, with powder baskets, are required for all skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers. However, we highly recommend that you enroll in an AIARE Avalanche Level 1 course following this introduction. Day Touring in the Mount Shasta Backcountry Lodge Based Backcountry Skiing Lodge Based Backcountry Skiing Adventure 2 Days / 1 Night / Cost: $595.00 Includes: Two nights in the SWS Mountain Guides Bunk House includes Two Breakfasts. Learn more about choosing backcountry skis. Sun Valley backcountry skiing … As a professional guide, she has led climbing trips in the North Cascades and on Mount Rainier, Aconcagua and Denali. Join us for a day of foundation-level instruction on the essential skills for … Intro to Backcountry A/T Skiing. This women’s introduction to backcountry skiing and riding clinic is a two-day package consisting of our Backcountry 1.0 and 2.0 courses, tailored just for women and led by women. The NZAC Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course (IBSC) is a four-day course designed for strong intermediate (or better) skiers with excellent aerobic fitness wanting to get a good grounding in ski touring so they can go experience the winter backcountry by themselves! At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. The backcountry environment is much more variable than on-piste, resort skiing with highly variable snow conditions including … Doing … Entry Level. Skiers who prioritize surfing pow typically prefer wider skis and will accept the added weight. info@coloradomountainschool.com This camp is designed for those who have little to no backcountry experience. 1 liter bottles are the standard. This camp is designed for those who have little to no backcountry experience. There’s some dissention among purists as to what constitutes which, but the one thing you must keep in mind is that skiing close to the resort, even if you entered through an open gate, carries the same hazards and risks as backcountry skiing anywhere else. Ski specific shovel used to dig pits and avalanche rescue. These packs have an airbag that is typically deployed by manually pulling a ripcord. Upon completion of safety course, guests are instructed on the use of backcountry ski gear and uphill touring. Some bindings come with mounting plates to attach the bindings to your splitboard. 18" Rubber or velcro straps to connect skis when attaching them to a pack. Colorado Mountain School is an equal opportunity provider and is operated under special use permit with the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest. Safety is always the first priority, followed directly by having a darn good time. Leaders Evan Williams (C coS), Lulu Russell (B coC S) Program Winter School Type Backcountry skiing Trip level AS Trip date Saturday, January 11th, 2020 Difficulty rating Intermediate. This one-day course teaches you the fundamentals of backcountry skiing. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the tools and techniques that you’ll need to venture into the backcountry safely and efficiently. You’ll learn how to develop a backcountry plan, how to identify avalanche terrain and how to make good decisions. It includes maps, high-res photos and detailed descriptions. Learn new skills in mountaineering, rock climbing, first aid, ski mountaineering, and more. Belay gloves can suffice if full-fingered. I did the Intro to Backcountry course and it was an absolute blast! For instance, skiers who want to cover lots of ground and climb lots of elevation gravitate toward lighter setups that often sacrifice a bit of performance in deep snow. Backpack: You’ll need a pack to carry your gear, clothing and food for a day of backcountry skiing. This comprehensive course is an excellent introduction to backcountry ski touring. Basic avalanche beacon skills; Use … This is a 1.5 day class that teaches participants basic avalanche awareness, companion rescue, and provides an introduction to the concepts and equipment used in backcountry skiing … Click here to clear options to view dates for all locations or guides. You’ll get plenty of time skinning up slopes and skiing or riding back down. * Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding . This is the ASI workhorse course to get you away from the lifts and into the backcountry. While knowledge is the most important tool you can bring into avalanche terrain, you must also equip yourself with the right backcountry gear. Intermediate downhill skiing or riding skills – you should feel comfortable on blue runs at resorts. 5 reasons why Hakuba, Japan is the best place for an introduction to backcountry skiing… About this trip. Backcountry skiing training includes: Uphill skinning and track setting. From there, if you become hooked on backcountry skiing or snowboarding, you can add different setups to meet specific needs, such as deep powder skiing or ultralight ski mountaineering. More importantly, you’ll be introduced to the craft of backcountry decision-making and techniques by one of our expert guides. Estes Park, CO 80517. 9 Interested. Home > 5 reasons why Hakuba, Japan is the best place for an introduction to backcountry skiing. Backcountry skis: Really any pair of downhill skis could be mounted with backcountry bindings and taken out on a tour, but backcountry-specific skis are usually lighter weight than downhill skis, making uphill travel easier. Splitboard: While it’s possible to put your snowboard on your backpack and hike uphill with snowshoes on your feet, many backcountry riders eventually switch to a splitboard. This new ski program is the perfect opportunity to learn how to have a great day in the backcountry. However, an intermediate level of ski experience at a resort is essential - you must be comfortable on ungroomed blue runs and you will have a better time on the course if you have some experience skiing with a daypack (30L) and skiing varied terrain and conditions. I’d recommend this course to anyone looking to practice using their gear and learn the basics about safety in the backcountry. Water-resistant, windproof, yet it "breaths," which means it allows moisture to move through. Hosted by. Let the experts do all the planning, they will choose the best place for you to ski on any given day. However, an intermediate level of ski experience at a resort is essential - you must be comfortable on ungroomed blue runs and you will have a better time on the course if you have some experience skiing with a daypack (30L) and skiing … Backcountry ski bindings: The defining feature of backcountry bindings is the ability to move your heels up and down so you can tour up the mountain. To maximize your fun out there, you’ll want to get outfitted with backcountry-specific gear. When you get to the top, you take them off your skis or board, put them in your pack and ski or ride back down. Men: Rab Sharp Edge Pants Learn more about splitboard bindings. Keep this in mind: You can learn a lot by going out with a group of experienced skiers and snowboarders, but just because you’re new to the backcountry doesn’t mean you have to rely on the decisions of those who have more experience. Protect your eyes and face from wind and sun burn. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to go backcountry skiing or snowboarding, but climbing uphill in fresh snow and skiing or riding back down can be challenging, so it’s important to assess your fitness level. We will begin with the basics; introduction to backcountry ski/splitboard equipment, skinning techniques, as well as some instruction on … By Nadine Robb on Jan 13, 2021 in Asia, Japan, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel. To get started, take an avalanche awareness course. Our 2-day Backcountry Touring Intro course introduces participants to backcountry ski/split touring gear, travel techniques, avalanche awareness, route finding, route planning, … At its core, this is a course about efficiency - how to build skills to maximize your energy while backcountry skiing so that you to can grab some untracked powder days or even weeks after the resorts are skied out. Footwear should be appropriate to mode of travel i.e. This intro to backcountry skiing is two hours long. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. 11 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, How to Train for Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding, How to Choose, Trim and Attach Ski Climbing Skins, How to Choose, Trim and Attach Splitboard Climbing Skins, Intermediate Snowboarding Techniques and Tips, Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding Checklist. Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a "wicking" layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. This glove comes out when the winter going gets cold and wet or at higher altitudes. There’s a wide range of backcountry ski and snowboard equipment available, from ultralight gear for racing and ski mountaineering to big and burly for surfing deep snow and aggressive descents. Next, take a formal avalanche training course offered by numerous course providers across the country. The avalanche rescue course teaches the basics of companion rescue, including how to use a transceiver, shovel and probe to search for a buried victim. No backcountry experience is required however you should be confident skiing ungroomed blue/intermediate runs. A really enjoyable experience! Intro to Avalanche rescue We conduct our backcountry skiing courses in the best backcountry ski terrain in Tahoe at Donner Summit including the Donner Peak and Mount Judah area, Castle Peak and Silver … INTRO TO BACKCOUNTRY SKIING. This 1-day course is designed for those who have little or no backcountry skiing experience and want to learn the basics. When choosing, take into consideration the balance of weight and performance that works for where you like to ski and what conditions you’re likely to encounter. The WBS ‘Introduction to Backcountry ‘is a one-day course designed to introduce you to the gear and the basic skills you will need to begin to explore the backcountry. Learn more and join us, Earn a $100 REI Gift Card when you apply, get approved and make any purchase within 60 days of card approval.Details, Mon–Fri, 5am–10pm PT Sat–Sun, 6am–9pm PT. If you’re reasonably fit, you can most likely enjoy a moderate backcountry tour. Compared with the resort, where the trails are purposefully built and the snow often groomed, the backcountry is an undisturbed and wild place. But before you head out on your first trip, it's essential that you have a solid understanding of what it takes to travel responsibly in the backcountry. If you are an intermediate skier who is confident navigating variable and off-piste terrain at the resort then this is the course for you. Make great strides toward becoming an educated and independent backcountry skier or rider. However, an intermediate level of ski experience at a resort is essential - you must be comfortable on ungroomed blue runs and you will have a better time on the course if you have some experience skiing with a daypack (30L) and skiing … Avalanche awareness & terrain selection. Step 2: Assess Your Fitness and Skills. A billed hat to keep the sun at bay during the approach and descent. A sense for what hazards may exist in the trees, and downded logs are present guide to backcountry and. > 5 reasons why Hakuba, Japan, Leisure travel, Regions, Speciality travel the early morning approach line-ups., starting with Intro to avalanche safety Clinic is provided before backcountry departure to it! You away from the crowds an airbag that is hooded Adds versatility, protecting the neck and from... But not day trips by Snowy Mountains Backcountry… backcountry skiing/snowboarding takes place on use... Japan is the perfect course to anyone looking to move beyond the groomers and the views are.! 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