This backcountry touring course teaches the fundamentals of skiing and splitboarding outside resort boundaries. When it comes to transitioning from in bounds to out of bounds, it will accelerate the learning curve and set you on the right track for your backcountry career. You'll get lots of uphill skinning practice and plenty of time for b-c runs on one or more slopes. Time will be allowed for lunch, snacks, water breaks, creating an enjoyable learning pace in the beautiful winter Wasatch environment.

We've made this class more affordable; it's a must-have pre-requisite to the Avalanche Skills or Level 1 Avalanche Course if you are new to your gear and have no experience uphill skinning or skiing/riding backcountry conditions.

Description:

Instructors will initially focus on equipment and procedures for travel in avalanche terrain. Strategies for maximizing efficiency on skins and trail setting will be practiced. Special attention will be given to kick-turning skills.

Guides will address route selection as the party ascends to appropriate runs. Guides will coach participants in transitions to downhill mode and proper procedures for descent in avalanche-prone terrain. Techniques for skiing and boarding in untracked snow will be demonstrated. Each participant will be given individual tips on how to improve downhill skills. However, general downhill skiing skills are best learned at a ski resort from an instructor.

Instructors will suggest good tours for students to do on their own and offer insights into a progression of tours and ski mountaineering ascents to enable goals to be achieved.

Topics Include:

• Understand backcountry gear, what works & what doesn't + pros & cons
• Grasp basic route finding and navigational skills
• Learn how to skin uphill efficiently & transition quickly from uphill to downhill
• Know what to pack and how to stay warm, energized and hydrated
• Learn how to use your avalanche equipment
• Improve your ability to ski or ride in backcountry conditions

How to Register:

• Register Online
• Call us at (801) 550 3986
• Email us