Ski Mountaineering Course
Learn to Climb and Ski Technical Terrain with an IFMGA Mountain Guide
Ski mountaineering combines two huge skill sets: mountaineering and backcountry skiing. The mountaineering part adds the potential for a fall into a crevasse or on steep terrain. We bring a rope to reduce this risk, and we learn how to use the rope. The skills we'll learn are set by the AMGA and the American Avalanche Association. Since ski mountaineering covers vast skill sets, it helps to focus your interests. Please see the style and skill sets below.
Date
November - June (one to seven days)
April and especially May are the best because of firmer snow.
Check calendar on homepage for openings.
Skill Level
Intermediate to advanced alpine (ski area) ability.
Fitness for full day(s) in the mountains.
Recent avalanche rescue practice. We will have assessment and review before our tour. Rec Level 1 Avalanche Training is recommended.
Course Style
Camp-to-Camp
The purest form of ski mountaineering. Moving from camp-to-camp, traveling light, as a self-contained unit, and skiing lines along the way. A popular option is to helicopter up from Girdwood, move camp to camp for several days, then ski out to the road at the end of the trip. A high fitness level is required. Joe's favorite of course!
Heli-Drop
A popular option is to start the trip with a 15-minute helicopter ride from Girdwood up to the high Western Chugach. We'll then ski out to the road.
Base Camp
We set up a base camp by flying or hauling a heavy load in a short distance. From the base camp, we'll venture out each day with a small pack to learn skills. Base camping excludes the difficult and vast skill set of traveling light while moving camp-to-camp.
Girdwood-Based
We will venture out each day from Girdwood for day trips.
Glacier Travel Course
More info on the Glacier Travel course page. We’ll use these glacier travel notes.
Skill Sets for Ski Mountaineering
Ski Ability
Solid ski ability are the foundation of ski mountaineering. Dial these skills at the resort in the years before our trip.
Backcountry Skiing
We can cover/review skills including track setting, communication, navigation and downhill terrain management.
Avalanche Avoidance
A level 1, or preferably level 2 avalanche course is highly recommended before this course. At the minimum, we will review companion rescue on the first day of the course.
Light Camping
The essence of ski mountaineering. We focus on staying comfortable while keeping pack weight low by leaving unnecessary gear behind, bringing multi-purpose gear and selecting calorie food. Light camping is more difficult than you think. Here’s a sample gear weight spreadsheet.
Glacier Travel
We learn roping together, prusiking and the haul system; but the real focus will be on avoiding crevasse falls in the first place by reading the glacier, good rope management and good communication.
Ski Alpinism
We learn to climb and descend steep terrain using the rope. Skills include snow and rock anchors, belaying, skiing on belay, rappelling, crampon and ice ax use and climbing techniques.
Skills
Trip Planning
Route planning with Gaia GPS
Light gear selection
Light food selection
Packing
Avalanche
Avalanche rescue review
Avoiding avalanches
Margins for safety
Touring Skills
Track setting
Downhill group management
Navigation by map and GPS
Camping
Camp site selection
Setting up a storm-ready tent
Camp cooking
Sleeping warm techniques
Glacier Travel
Roping together for glacier travel
Navigating crevasses
Managing crevasse risk (avoiding a crevasse fall)
Holding a crevasse fall
Ski anchors
Prusiking
Crevasse rescue haul
Student led travel
Ski Alpinism Skills
Managing steep terrain risk (avoiding falling and falling things)
Crampon use
Ice axe use
Rappel techniques
Belay techniques
Belayed skiing
Student led travel
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.
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
Cooking gear if camping (stove, pot, fuel)
Rope
Does Not Include
Transport. Using a rental car or your personal car is the best option.
Bush flight.
Lodging, food and drinks. See Southcentral Alaska Logistics.
Personal ski gear. See Backcountry Ski Gear List. Some gear available for loan.
Rescue and trip insurance. See Booking for details.
Photos of Ski Mountaineering Skills and Courses
“What a great couple of days! Thanks so much for all the learning and showing us around more of the backyard. We couldn’t have asked for a better course.”
“I had a blast and learned a ton. Looking forward to practicing and putting the skills to use. Is it winter yet?”
“Joe is the most professional, patient, humble and caring guide I’ve ever worked with. I never felt afraid to ask him questions or ask for clarification, because he is incapable of condescension. He makes you feel welcome in a group and while he enacts the role of teacher and guide with confidence, he also makes you feel as though you’re out with a pal you’ve known forever too. His knowledge of the mountains in Alaska (and mountains in general) is incredibly inspiring. I can’t recommend taking a trip with him highly enough.”
“We had no idea what to expect and came away with more than we could have dreamed of. Joe’s calm and collected demeanor kept the course flowing effortlessly. Can’t wait to come back!”
“One of the best trips I’ve ever been on! Please keep me in mind for any future adventure.”
“We said it before and will say it again, thanks so much for the great trip!!”
“We can’t thank you enough for giving us the skills to get out on the glacier and not die.”
“Thanks for the Ski Mo course. It was amazing chatting with you about travel, the mountains, Alaska, risk and decision making and life in general. Great experience and I learned a lot from a great professor!”