The perfect series of courses to learn how to backcountry ski or ride
As the backcountry gains in popularity, Alpenglow Expeditions believes it is essential to educate skiers and riders on how to plan and execute a backcountry ski tour while mitigating the inherent risk found when stepping outside the resort boundaries. Backcountry 1.0, Backcountry 2.0 and Backcountry 3.0 will allow new and experienced riders to further their education and skills in a backcountry setting whether it’s your first time in the backcountry or you’re looking to safely approach steep lines that require crampons and an ice axe.
Backcountry 1.0
This one day course will introduce you to the fundamentals of backcountry skiing and snowboarding. After this course, you will be able to plan and execute an efficient yet simple backcountry tour. Come out and learn the techniques and tricks from a professional ski guide, and get away from the lifts and the crowds of the ski area. Our Backcountry 1.0 course is the ideal preparation for an AIARE 1 avalanche course.
The natural next step to this course is our Backcountry 2.0 experience.
Learning Outcomes Include: Touring equipment options, Clothing layering and techniques, Use of Beacon, Probe and Shovel, How to interpret an Avalanche Bulletin, Uphill travel techniques using climbing skins, Avalanche hazard recognition and avoidance, and Downhill travel techniques and group management
Difficulty: Strong intermediate to advanced skiing level required.
Backcountry 2.0
Solidify your backcountry touring fundamentals in this second part in our 3 part Intro to Backcountry series. This course is designed for someone who already has the basic training and experience to go on a backcountry tour, and is looking for the next step. Our Backcountry 1.0 course OR 5-10 days of touring experience are ideal prerequisites. Backcountry 2.0 picks up where 1.0 leaves off, introducing/continuing the basics of touring in the backcountry.
Depending on the fitness level of the group, technical ability and daily conditioners, skiers and riders can expect to get multiple laps of fresh tracks while expanding upon techniques and skills learned on past tours. Terrain varies from wide open bowls to widely spaced trees.
Learning Outcomes Include: Leadership in the backcountry setting, Tour planning, Avalanche hazard management and Touring movement skills.
Difficulty: Strong intermediate to advanced skiing level required.
Backcountry 3.0
The third part in our three-part Intro to Backcountry course series, this course is designed to be your formal introduction to ski mountaineering principles and practices. This course can taken as a stand-alone option, but is designed to be taken in conjunction with our Backcountry 1.0 and 2.0 courses. In this course, you’ll learn advanced backcountry skills on how to safely approach steep lines while adding non-standard tools like ice axe, crampons and harnesses to your touring tool kit. Both skiers and splitboarders are welcome in this course. This is an advanced level course, please see the preparation section before reserving.
Learning Outcomes Include: Steep skiing techniques, basic snow climbing, using ice axe and crampons, basic rope techniques for steep ground and glacial travel, and use of ski crampons.
