Course

Side Country Avalanche Awareness Course

Overview

This course is designed for the advanced skier or snowboarder who is beginning to venture into the side country. If you are considering heading out of the gates, you need to be armed with specific equipment and knowledge. Downhill riding ability is not enough! You also need to be adept at reading avalanche forecasts, able to identify avalanche terrain, know how to communicate with your buddies, and know how to use your avalanche safety equipment. This one-day, lift-assisted course will get you started on your journey into the side country. Touring (uphill travel) equipment is not required, but you will need a lift ticket or season pass. You will also need a beacon, shovel, and probe.

This stand alone course is perfect for teens (and parents) and anyone else wondering what you need to safely travel beyond the gates!

**IMPORTANT: This course is for advanced skiers and snowboarders only.**

$240 Per Person

1 Days

Difficulty

Ratio:

4:1, 8:2

View Dates & Availability Trip Information

Chair Peak Basin with a visible avalanche crown

Trip Information

$240

Price based on 3-4 people. 425-888-6397 x2 | info@proguiding.com

With the addition of the International Chair at Alpental, lift-assisted side country is now more accessible than ever. However, just because it is easily accessed does not mean it is easy, or even safe, to ski. Going through the Nash Gate at Alpental, booting over to Silver King at Crystal, or dropping off the Shuksan side of Mount Baker from the top of Chair 8 all require basic avalanche awareness skills. This one-day course will introduce you to avalanche forecasts, terrain recognition, and companion rescue using a shovel, probe, and beacon.

We offer this course at Alpental, but it can be arranged for Crystal Mountain as well. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own lift tickets. A minimum of three people are needed for the course to run. Email for pricing if you would like to go to Crystal Mountain or arrange a private course.

Please note that all dates are tentative depending on conditions at the resort and are reliant on the side country terrain being open after avalanche control. If Ski Patrol is not opening the terrain, we may have to reschedule courses at short notice.

Duration: 1

Ratio: 4:1, 8:2

Difficulty Level:
Click here to learn more about difficulty ratings.

Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate

Skills Required: Advanced skiing/snowboarding skills, familiarity with avalanche gear ideal

Fitness Level: Not Very Strenuous

Private Trips Available

Don't see a date that works for you? Pro Guiding Service offers any trip or courses on a private basis. We are flexible! Call or email to inquire.

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Itinerary

Curriculum

Anatomy of an avalanche
Recognizing avalanche terrain
Avalanche safety equipment
Efficient movement in avalanche terrain
Group management and the human factor
Introduction to avalanche rescue

Private Trips

Pro Guiding Service proudly offers the most diverse ski touring and ski mountaineering programs of any guiding service in the Northwest. Smaller, more intimate custom itineraries or instructional tours are available for any of our destinations. Tell us what you want to do, and we can create a customized plan for you.

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Pricing

$240

per person

Price based on 3-4 people. 425-888-6397 x2 | info@proguiding.com

View Dates & Availability

What's Included In the Trip Price

Guide fees

What's Not Included

Lift pass for participants
Day pass for guide (if applicable)
Mileage fees for guide if outside of Snoqualmie Pass
Shovel/beacon/probe rentals

Payment Policy

If booking a domestic trip that is over 60 days away or an international trip that is over 90 days away, you can book your trip by paying a 20% deposit. View Full Policy

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel for any reason 60 or more days before domestic trips or 90 or more days before international and Alaska trips, we will refund everything you have paid minus half of your deposit. No refunds will be provided if you cancel your trip for ANY REASON (this includes but is not limited to illness including CoVid-19, injury, or work-related issues) within 60 days of the start of domestic trips or 90 days of international and Alaska based trips. View Full Policy

Equipment List

Clothing

Base Layer

Lightweight or midweight top (avoid cotton)
Lightweight or midweight long underwear bottoms, may omit depending on the warmth of your pants
Warm socks

Mid Layer

Fleece or wool or similar warmth layer
Wind shirt or soft shell jacket - wind & water resistant, breathable

Outerwear

Waterproof/breathable jacket with hood
Ski/snowboard pants - either softshell or waterproof pants are acceptable
Waterproof pants - necessary in warmer temps if your ski pants are not waterproof - ensure you can get them on/off over your boots (full side zips ideal)
Down or synthetic puffy-type jacket
Warm hat - should cover ears
Sun hat - baseball type or visor
Lightweight gloves
Ski gloves or mittens
An extra pair of gloves - recommended for temps above freezing because your gloves will get wet (lightweight or midweight)

Personal Gear

Day pack – large enough to fit everything inside (around 30 liters) - dedicated shovel pocket preferred
Water bottles - enough for a full day - wide mouth best to prevent freezing shut, hydration systems are okay if the temps are going to be above freezing
Lunch and snacks - enough for a full day
Sunglasses - adequate for snow travel
Goggles
Sunscreen - SPF 25+, waterproof
Lip Balm - SPF 15+
Face mask/covering - for when closer contact is required during training

Technical Gear

Snow Travel Gear

Alpine Ski or Snowboard (touring equipment okay)
Boots - ski boots or snowboard boots
Poles
Ski brakes or removable ski leashes

Safety Gear

Avalanche Beacon
Shovel - compact, lightweight, metal blade preferred
Probe - dedicated probe only (240cm or longer strongly recommended)

Optional Items

Basic snow study kit - dial stem thermometer(s), crystal card, magnifying loupe, ruler
Notebook and writing utensil
Thermos - with a hot drink
Compass - adjustable declination a must
Altimeter watch
Maps - contact guiding office for appropriate quadrangles
Map case - large Ziploc bags work well
Camera
Hand sanitizer

Equipment Sales & Rental

Gearing Up Adventurers Since 1999

Be prepared for every adventure by visiting our sister business—Pro Ski and Mountain Service. Order online or visit us in store in North Bend, Washington. Check out our discounts on rentals and purchases when you book a trip or course with us.

10% Off purchases and 20% Off rentals for Pro Guiding Service guests

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FAQs

Do I need a lift ticket or pass?

Yes, this course is designed for resort skiers and snowboarders who are beginning to venture into the side-country. Therefore, a lift ticket or season pass is needed.

Do I need touring equipment?

No, this course is designed for resort skiers and snowboarders who are just beginning to venture into the backcountry. Therefore, touring (uphill) equipment is not required. You are welcome to use your touring equipment if you have it. You WILL need a beacon, shovel, and probe.

Should I tip my guide?

Although tipping is not a requirement, it is considered standard practice in the guiding industry and is appreciated by our guides. We generally recommend roughly 10%-20% of your course or trip cost or a amount that you are comfortable with.

Why Book With Us?

Certified Professional Guides & All Access

All of our guides have the highest quality training and certification in the industry, and you can be sure that we have the permits, licenses and insurance in every location we operate.

Safe, Well-Planned Tour Design

Every tour has a carefully thought-out guide-to-customer ratio. You always get a safe, high-quality trip or learning environment with us.

Pioneers In The Industry

You will travel and learn from experts. We've pioneered several alpine climbing routes, ski descents, and traverses and we've written books on skills and routes in the industry.

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