Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Riding
Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Riding
Learn to backcountry ski and splitboard
Introduction Group Lesson
Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Riding is a one-day course that teaches you the fundamentals of backcountry skiing and splitboarding. During the group lesson, learn about your gear and gain knowledge in preparing for a day in the backcountry. Build skills to travel efficiently across various terrain; practice uphill, downhill, and transition techniques; and become familiar with backcountry etiquette and best practices. This introductory class is a proper beginner course that can be taken 1-3 times, depending on your goals. If you’d prefer a different date, we’re also happy to arrange a private course for you and your crew to best fit your schedule.
Course Details
LEARNING OUTCOMES . . .
Gear: Become proficient on how to stay warm and dry while touring; tips and tricks for nutrition and hydration; how to dial in your equipment for proper fit and performance, and a brief overview of rescue and emergency gear
Departure Check: How to conduct a transceiver check before departing the trailhead
Uphill Travel: Learn backcountry skinning basics and techniques for switchback turns
Transitions: How to efficiently and comfortably switch from tour mode to downhill
Downhill Travel: Techniques for skiing and riding on a variety of terrain and variable conditions
Etiquette and Best Practices: Learn to be a good steward in the backcountry community
PREREQUISITES . . .
Skiers and splitboarders should be confident in their downhill ability and comfortable on blue and easy black in-bounds terrain
This course is ideal for beginners with little to no backcountry experience; typically 0 to 5 days in the field
While not required, we strongly recommend taking an introductory backcountry course if you’ve never toured before; becoming familiar with your gear and learning to move efficiently in winter conditions in this course will help you get the most out of the avalanche education provided in an AIARE course.
EQUIPMENT . . .
Alpine Touring Setup (Available for Rent)
Splitboard (Available for Rent)
Avalanche Gear: Beacon, Shovel, Probe (Available for Rent)
A detailed gear list will be sent in your welcome email about two weeks before the course begins
LOGISTICS . . .
Be prepared for a full day of learning
You’ll be in both indoor and outdoor classroom settings, with time spent sitting, standing, and moving in variable conditions
You will meet your instructor at The Trailhead gear store located in downtown Buena Vista at 402 East Main Street
Need a place to stay? Check out our Local Lodging Partners, your confirmation email will include discount codes for participating locations
Here are our favorite local places to eat and drink in Buena Vista, CO
Max CLIENT TO GUIDE RATIO . . .
6 Clients : 1 Instructor
Women Only
Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Riding
At BVMA, every course is an inclusive space where all participants are welcome. We also recognize the unique value of all-women’s courses led by experienced female instructors. Learn more about our Women’s Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding, or choose one of the Women’s Intro dates from the dropdown above.
If the course date you are interested in is sold out, please Contact Us to get on the waitlist
Intermediate Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding Lessons Here
