Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring Clinic
overview
This clinic is a fun introduction to the sport of backcountry skiing. You will learn about backcountry gear and the basics of touring while actually touring around the backcountry of classic Pacific Northwest destinations, with one of the Mountain Bureau’s professional guides.
Details
Location: See Session Dates for Locations
Ratio: 5:1 student to instructor
Length: 1 Evening Online Classes & 1 Full Field Day
Cost: $250.00 per person
Dates:
Session #1: Snoqualmie Pass - Dec. 9-14, 2024
(Monday Evening Online Class, Saturday Field Session)Session #2: Mt. Baker Backcountry - Dec. 16-21, 2024
(Monday Evening Online Class, Saturday Field Session)Session #3: Snoqualmie Pass - Jan. 6-11, 2025
(Monday Evening Online Class, Saturday Field Session)
Topics covered
Putting on and using skins
Efficient gear management
Avalanche beacon safety check
Basic movement skills on skis in uphill mode
Uphill kick turns
Efficient and safe downhill movement in a backcountry setting
Itinerary
Webinar
Day 1 - 6:00pm-8:00pm This is a 2 hour digest of preparation, gear planning, and mental preparation. This will allow us to hit the ground running on our field day and get the most out of the experience.
Field Session
Day 2 - Beginning at 8 am, we will do a gear check and trail head briefing on the conditions and the plan. We will try to get as much elevation as the group desires focusing on efficient movement and transitions from touring to downhill skiing. Our exploration will provide plenty of teachable moments, navigation, and pro tips throughout the day you will have no trouble leaving with an extreme sense of value.
Add a Day! - Combine this course with an AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course at Snoqualmie Pass or Mt. Baker to fully prepare you for a full season of touring.
Includes
Professional Ski Guide
Webinar planning session
1 Full day of guided instruction and touring at a 5:1 ratio
Excludes
Transportation to and from the meeting location
Lunches and snacks
Personal clothing appropriate for conditions
Avalanche Equipment (Transceiver, Probe, and Shovel)
Touring Equipment (Skis, Boots, Skins, Poles)
PREREQUISITE EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS
Participants should be able to ski in-bound “Blue Square” runs in all conditions (in control) and in-bounds “Black Diamond” runs in groomed or powder conditions (in control). Participants may travel in avalanche terrain and must be familiar with the basic use avalanche equipment (transceivers, probes, shovels).
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)
Activity Resources
All scheduled programs can also be booked with custom dates and itineraries. Please see our Custom Guiding pages for more information or Contact Us for a custom program.
All programs are subject to the Mountain Bureau LLC Terms & Conditions