Activity Description
Skiing is one of the best possible ways to get around in winter. Skiing allows smooth travel going up as well as down. Touring skis offer some flotation keeping you atop the snow (to a degree), their proper use offers little resistance on uphill sections — especially Nordic or cross-country skis — on flat sections, depending on the specific gear, some glide can be achieved, and of perhaps the biggest appeal to the most people, is the thrill of a snowy hill. This introductory course is meant to start you confidently on Nordic, Splitboard, or AT in the backcountry with regard for safety, and covering planning, preparation, gear, terrain, travel (skinning, turns) technique, control, avy awareness, and more.
Activity Offerings
This winter-only course is being offered as a half-day lasting 3-4 hours, or so, as well as a more in-depth, more intensive full day class lasting 6-8 hours or so, and extended tours may be available in advanced cases and covers NNN-BC, AT, or Splitboard. All offerings are held mostly outdoors, though there is some pre-ski prep and class but that may also be outdoors. Like all of our programs, this course is custom-tailored to meet your wants and needs so please include any special objectives or learning desires you may have, if applicable, in the comments box of our Booking Form.
What to Wear
You will want to be dressed to ski in the backcountry with respect to the season, elements, and forecast. Unlike skiing on groomed trails, skiing the backcountry demands respect and preparedness. The information below will help you with this. SPECIAL NOTE: The clothing specifics will vary by the conditions, destination, and specific activity. Thus, not all of this clothing may be needed.
- Think layers. While a ski jacket, for example, may be warm and waterproof, if the insulation can’t be separated from the rain/snow protection layer, it really isn’t suitable. You will overheat if you need rain/snow protection while skiing. Bring independent layers. Having our “Ready Pack” will help.
- Never wear cotton, even at the underwear level. Synthetic materials, wool, and especially performance/wicking materials should be your clothing of choice. For skiing, since cotton won’t dry and doesn’t insulate while wet, it can pose a hazard. You will want to wear the right type of skiing or winter hiking clothing and you will want to bring extra.
- Bring more than you think you need. Mountain weather can be very tricky and unpredictable. While it may be nice in town, the mountains can be very different. Being prepared can save your life.
- For footwear, you will want a medium to heavy ski touring boot with gaiters meant for a backcountry-rated Nordic binding (specifically NNN/BC if renting locally) or, if alpine touring, you will want an AT-specific ski boot. This is part of the local rentals if getting skis.
- And your noggin, not a concern unless you’re on an alpine class with us. Helmets are then required (outsourced gear).
Necessary Gear
For your skiing intro course gear needs, in addition to your own non-cotton base layers, hiking/climbing/skiing pants with shirt, and rentable footwear, as described above, we offer three options. Click to expand. SPECIAL NOTE: The gear specifics will vary by the conditions, destination, and specific activity. Thus, not all of this gear may be needed.
Gear Option 1 - Open
Gear Option 1 - Close
- Personal first aid kit/meds.
- Personal hygiene items.
- Camera/phone (weather-protected).
- Lip balm, sun block.
- Sunglasses (goggles are included with Ready Packs).
- Proper footwear (see information above).
- Proper clothing layering (see information above).
SPECIAL NOTE: You may get a “Ready Pack, Lean” or “Alpine Ready Pack, Lean,” depending on your needs, without food and water for $40/person/day, or $60/person/day, respectively.
SPECIAL NOTE: You can also order just food and water for $15/person/day. (Available with any option.)
Gear Option 2 - Open
Gear Option 2 - Close
- A lined pack with hip belt and room for the items below (~30-40 liters, or more for an alpine class).
- Hardshell jacket and pants, or rain poncho (mountain weather can be quite wet).
- Mountain-rated insulated layer (mountains are much colder than in town).
- Winter-rated mid-layer.
- Food for the day, plus extra.
- Water for the day, at least 2 liters, plus extra.
- Winter-rated hat, gloves/mittens.
- Headlamp with spare batteries (or backup device).
- Whistle or sound-making device (sternum strap whistles are okay).
- Tarp, bivvy, or personal shelter.
- A lightweight emergency sleeping pad.
Plus some of these specialty items available from the master rental list, below. Please note that now all these items are needed or required as it depends on the type of skiing, ski location, and the conditions.
- AT/Nordic Skis/Snowboard w/ Bindings (Outsourced Gear).
- Ski/Snowboard Boots (Outsourced Gear).
- Ski/Snowboard Helmet (Outsourced Gear).
- Ice Axe and/or Whippet.
- Ski or Trekking Poles.
- Avalanche Beacon, Probe, and Shovel.
- Mountaineering Crampons.
- General Rental Gear Pricing
-
- Empty Backpack: $15/person/day.
- Headlamp w/ Batteries: $5/person/day.
- Trekking Pole Set: $5/person/day.
- Bushwhack Kit (Compass/Glasses): $5/person/day.
- Food and Water (Lunch Kit): $15/person/day.
- Summer Clothing/Layers Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Fleece (Midlayer): $5/person/day.
- Puffy Jacket (Midweight): $20/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day.
- Light Gloves: $5/person/day.
- Climbing Gloves: $10/person/day.
- Winter Clothing/Layers Pricing – Add to List Above
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Puffy/Parka (Heavyweight/Winter): $25/person/day.
- Hardshell Set: $35/person/day (Gaiters Req. w/ Crampon Use).
- Mitts/Overmitts: $10/person/day.
- Watchman’s Hat: $5/person/day.
- Balaclava: $5/person/day.
- Face Protection (Faceglove/Mask): $5/person/day.
- Ski Goggles: $5/person/day.
- Gaiters (Winter): $10/person/day.
- Winter Rental Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Light Traction: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Snowshoes: $15/person/day.
- Mountaineering Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Ice/Snow Axe: $10/person/day.
- Whippet: $10/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Winter Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Winter” we mean colder, winter-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Ice Climbing Crampons: $15/person/day.
- Technical Ice Tools: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Mountaineering Boots: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Beacon: $25/person/day.
- Avalanche Probe: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Shovel: $10/person/day.
- Avalanche Kit: $40/person/day.
- Summer Technical Gear Pricing
(NOTE: By “Summer” we mean warmer, summer-like conditions, not the season.) -
- Climbing Helmet: $5/person/day.
- Alpine Harness: $10/person/day.
- Rock Climbing Shoes: $15/person/day.
- Climbing Harness: $10/person/day.
- Chalk Bag w/ Chalk): $5/person/day.
- Personal Flotation Device: $10/person/day.
- Backpacking Gear Pricing
-
- Sleeping Bag (Rated): $20/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Foam): $5/person/night.
- Sleeping Pad (Inflatabe): $15/person/night.
- Tent (1-2 People): $20/person/night.
- Tent (3-4 People): $30/person/night.
- Stove w/ Fuel: $15/person/night.
- Other Gear-Related Pricing
-
- Gear Insurance (Regular/Hiking): $10/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Alpine/Winter): $20/person/day.
- Gear Insurance (Backpacking): $30/person/day.
- Outsourced Gear (Pick Up Fee): $40/person/day.
SPECIAL NOTE: Outsourced gear like skis, bindings, boots, and poles, br can rented fit if call tell us ahead of time for you for a convenience charge of $40 plus the applicable rental fees.
Gear Option 3 - Open
Gear Option 3 - Close
Okay… Let’s Do This!
What follows below is the pricing and other information you’ll probably want or need to know.
| Half Day Backcountry Skiing Intro Pricing | |
|---|---|
| For one person | $175 |
| For two people | $125 each |
| For three people | $110 each |
| For four or more | $100 each | Full Day Backcountry Skiing Intro Pricing |
| For one person | $275 |
| For two people | $200 each |
| For three people | $175 each |
| For four or more | $150 each | Backcountry Skiing Intro Premiums |
| Make it private | INCLUDED |
Other Information
- The difficulty of this activity is as requested.
- This activity has a 1:4 instructor/student ratio.
- The maximum group size is 8 with 2 guides.
- For parties larger than 8, please contact us.
- Gratuities not included; 15-25% is customary for a good job.
Ready for more? Maybe going on a BC Ski Tour without the learning would be more fun, or maybe a Winter Skills course would be a better fit. Otherwise, go ahead and BOOK IT NOW!