The best way to become a backcountry skier or splitboarder is by taking our 3-day backcountry ski touring course. If you are proficient at skiing or snowboarding off-piste in ski resorts and have been longing to get out of bounds, this course is for you! This course is also offered at Snoqualmie Pass.
The best way to become a backcountry skier or splitboarder is to take a backcountry touring course. This course is open to skiers and snowboarders. Please note that this course is for proficient downhill skiers/riders who can ski/ride proficiently off-piste, and safely get down black diamond runs in any conditions.
Our 3-day Ski Touring Course and our AIARE 1 avalanche course will teach you equally important yet very different skillsets. This Ski Touring course is a 100% movement-based course designed to introduce you to the gear, skills, and knowledge necessary to move proficiently through the backcountry. Our avalanche courses are designed to teach you to identify avalanche hazards and manage risk in the backcountry. In order to become a well-rounded backcountry traveler, we encourage you to take both the ski touring course and an AIARE 1 course. If you take the 3-Day Backcountry Touring Course and an AIARE 1 course in the same season, you will receive a 10% discount on each.
**Note the course is 3 consecutive days, but only the first day will show on the booking calendar.**
Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate
Skills Required: Advanced skiing skills in the ski area; can safely get down black diamonds and ski off-piste in any conditions.
Fitness Level: Moderately Strenuous
Day 1: (ski tour)
Day 2: (ski tour)
Day 3: (ski tour)
Snow Travel Gear
Safety Gear
You should be at least a very solid intermediate skier, or you will most likely not enjoy the course. Snow conditions may vary, ski touring boots are not as supportive as standard alpine gear and the course is physically demanding.
The course is movement based. Ski touring principles are explained on the go and practical application is instant.
Well, ideally you take both an AIARE Level 1 course AND a 3-Day Ski Touring Course. The designs of these two courses are very complementary and that is why we offer a 10% discount to anyone who decides to sign-up for both of them within the same season.
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%-15% of your course or a trip cost or a flat amount that you are comfortable with.