This is an introductory course with no specific backcountry skiing experience required. A Level 1 avalanche course and intermediate ski skills are recommended. It is open for telemark and alpine touring skiers, as well as snowboarders.
This course involves the following:
- Skiing with a day pack
- Skiing intermediate level terrain with some slopes to the black diamond level
- Long days in the snow and in potentially adverse weather
- Skiers should be in excellent physical condition and competent on varied terrain
Course Curriculum:
- Selection of proper equipment
- Care and use of climbing skins
- Transceiver check
- Skinning and uphill travel technique
- Terrain selection, management, and travel techniques (up/down)
- Group decision making
- Trip planning and prep
- Self-rescue/companion rescue
- Simple snow pack tests