BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
Intro to Backcountry Skiing
Randonée, ski touring, ski mountaineering and extreme skiing are all terms used to describe ta new way of experiencing the world of backcountry sking that is rapidly gaining popularity in the US. These forms of skiing can be extremely dangerous if done without considering the hazards of avalanches, uncontrolled falls in steep terrain, fatique, and mountain weather. Alpine touring gear also known as randonée gear offers all the benefits of telemark or cross ski gear with the added power and control of downhill skis and bindings. The pursuit of fresh fallen snow and new challenges draw hundreds off the ski slopes and into the backcountry each year. Having the right gear and knowing how to avoid hazards will keep you safe and eagerly going back for more! READ MORE
Skill Level:
Beginner
Length: 8 hours
Prerequisites: Must have previous alpine skiing experience and feel comfortable on blue trails. No backcountry ski experience required.
Locations: New Hampshire, New York
Intermediate Backcountry Skiing
In this course we build off skills learned during from our introductory course. Our goal is to hit some steeper and more challenging terrain and give you the confidence to travel further into the backcountry. We help you to better identify hazards and further explore the use of avalanche beacons, probes and shovels in a search and rescue scenario.
This course is designed for those who have taken our introductory course or have previous backcountry skiing experience. You should feel comfortable skiing black diamond runs at a resort and have a basic working knowledge of the AT or telemark binding system, skin use, and have a basic understanding of avalanche transceivers. READ MORE
Skill Level: Intermediate
Length: 8 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Intro to Backcountry Skiing course or previous backcountry ski experience.
Locations: New Hampshire, New York
Backcountry Taster
Are you interested in making the transition from the ski mountain to the backcountry? Sign up for this 3-hour course and learn what it takes to get into the backcountry. You will learn how to put on skins and then earn your turns by skinning up the backside of your local mountain. You will quickly learn the value of efficient skinning and route selection. You will also be able to judge how well your layering system works! This course is meant to introduce the equipment and concepts of backcountry travel and is a great starting point. It is not meant as a stand alone course and we recommend signing up for one of our full-day Backcountry Ski Courses to continue learning under the watchful eye of our one of our Ski Guides. If you are serious about playing in backcountry terrain, we also recommend signing up for an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course to be better prepared to recognize potential hazards. READ MORE
Skill Level: Beginner
Length: 3 hours
Prerequisites: No previous backcountry ski experience required
Locations: Massachusetts, New York
Ski Mountaineering
Do you want to open up new terrain and immerse yourself in the mountains? This course will give you the skills you need to start using mountaineering techniques to approach ski routes that wouldn’t be accessible otherwise. You’ll learn how to climb efficiently using a mountaineering axe in your hand and crampons on your ski boots. This course is designed for Telemark or Alpine Touring Skiers that have done our Intermediate Backcountry Skiing Course or have extensive personal skiing experience. No mountaineering experience is required, but you may want to sign up for our Winter Climbing 101 course or our 3-day Accelerated Introduction to Mountaineering if you are really interested. READ MORE
Skill Level: Advanced
Length: 8 hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Intermediate Backcountry Ski course or previous backcountry ski experience.
Locations: New Hampshire, New York
