Backcountry Steeps Camp

overview

This course will teach you the skills to safely access and manage steep features in the backcountry, including couloirs and features with significant exposure. This course will discuss ways to access these lines, as well as how to manage yourself and your partners in these larger, more committing & more consequential lines.

DETAILS

Location: Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Ratio: 4:1 student to instructor
Length: 2 Full Field Days
Cost: $1500.00 per person - 1 Participant
$750.00 per person - 2 Participants
$500.00 per person - 3 Participants
$420.00 per person - 4 Participants
Dates: February-March

Custom dates are available for this program by submitting a Private Booking Request or
calling our office at (619)432-5462.

 

Topics covered

  • Discuss new equipment needs for managing steep terrain (i.e. boot crampon choice, rope choice based on objective & application, ice axe or ice tool choice, harness types, other equipment needs)

  • Movement skills in steep, consequential terrain

  • Techniques to manage technical approaches (i.e. using a rope to create security on exposed scrambles, pitched out climbing, etc.)

  • Techniques & application of ways to manage technical descents, including the following:

    • Rappel anchor assessment in rock, snow and ice

    • Anchor construction

    • Rappelling with skis

    • Lowering with skis

    • Belayed skiing

  • Practical application of new techniques in a instructor-facilitated tour

Includes

Professional Ski Guide
Evening gear check at Cripple Creek Backcountry - Seattle
2 Full days of guiding touring at a 4:1 ratio
Group Climbing Equipment
Emergency Communications

Excludes

Transportation to and from the meeting locations
Lunches and snacks
Personal clothing, appropriate for the conditions
Transceivers, shovels, probes (rentals available from The Mountain Bureau)
Personal Climbing Equipment
Ski Touring equipment (rentals available from Cripple Creek Backcountry)

PREREQUISITE EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS

  • Participants should have completed the Advanced Ski Touring and Movement Course OR have 2-3 years of experience splitboarding at least 20 days/season

  • AIARE 1 or equivalent certification required, AIARE 2 or equivalent recommended.

  • Participants should feel confident riding “double black diamond” terrain in a variety of on and off-piste snow conditions.

  • Participants should be in fit uphill condition, being able to move uphill at approx. 800’/hr or more with a moderate pack weight.

Minimum Age

Students 16-17 years old, with consent from a parent or guardian and prior approval by The Mountain Bureau (please call or email prior to enrolling)

All programs are subject to the Mountain Bureau LLC Terms & Conditions

CourseJustin RotherhamSki