Backcountry Ski Course

Your Intro to Backcountry Skiing

This course is designed for those who want to transfer their alpine skiing background to the backcountry or want to improve on their existing backcountry skills. This course can be used as preparation for a Rec Level 1 Avalanche course. The venue will be in the Anchorage area, wherever the weather and snowpack are best for learning. The skills taught in this course are set at an international standard by the American Mountain Guides Association and the American Avalanche Association.

Skill Level

Intermediate to advanced downhill resort ability. No backcountry experience necessary

Dates

November through June, one or more days

Introductory Course

Selecting and using gear
Using the weather and avalanche forecasts
Using the Gaia GPS app
Route planning
Conducting a beacon check
Intro to avalanche companion rescue
Skinning technique
Track setting
AVA and kick turns
Navigating with Gaia
Recognizing avalanche terrain
Recognizing red flags making tests
Communicating and decision making

Intermediate Course

Trip planning
Reducing pack weight
Avalanche rescue review
Recognizing the avalanche problems
Conducting instability tests
Making a stability assessment
Decision making techniques
Transition efficiency
Track setting technique
Group management
Survival skiing technique
Smartphone navigation plan

Cost

1 client: $700 per day
2 clients: $400 per person per day
3 clients: $300 per person per day
4+ clients: $250 per person per day, a second guide may be added over four clients.
In partnership with Alaska Guide Collective.
More booking info.

Includes

AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock. Up to eight clients. A second guide may be added.
Navigation, first aid, and repair kits
Emergency communication and shelter