Backcountry Skiing 101

🏔️ Learn and practice the skills needed for Alpine Touring.
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Learn from the pros.

Backcountry 101 | Ages 16+ | Backcountry

The Backcountry 101 course is a 1-day introduction to the basic skills and knowledge needed to go for a backcountry tour. You will learn and practice the use of alpine touring equipment, climbing skins to go uphill, route finding and technique. You will also get navigation and trip planning tools, a basic understanding of avalanche safety equipment and learn how to assess avalanche terrain and the avalanche forecast.

If you've already got the basics down, take your skills to the next level with Avalanche Education.

Book Backcountry 101 Course

Snowbird Mountain Guides.

 

Group learning  backcountry ski techniques during a backcountry skiing 101 course

  • Dates: December 28, 2024 (ski or splitboard), January 11, 2025 (Women's Specific), January 18, 2025 (ski)
  • Skill Level: All participants should be advanced skiers in physical condition for high altitude exertion and must be able to hike with touring skis. This course is intended for the beginner backcountry traveler, but it is still necessary to have an advanced skiing or snowboarding ability in order to travel safely off-piste and outside of the resort.
  • Time: 8 am. Meet at the Mountain Center (Snowbird Center, Plaza Deck, Level 3).
  • Required Equipment: Alpine touring skis or splitboard, climbing skins, transceiver, avalanche shovel, probe and backpack. Mammut transceiver, backpack, shovel and probe use is included in the course cost, but guests may also use their own gear if preferred. Touring skis and skins are available to rent at Snowbird. 
  • Pricing: $300/person, max group size of 6 students per instructor.

Book Backcountry 101 Course

Snowbird Mountain Guides.

 

Backcountry Trip Planning & Digital Navigation

Discover your secret pow stash in the backcountry. Learn how to use GPS web programs to plan your route and utilize various features to aid in decision-making and problem-solving. 

Digital Navigation Course

Learn to plan your adventure.


 

Guided Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding

If you're looking to enjoy the best backcountry terrain the Wasatch has to offer—where your guide will assist you in equipment use, route finding and risk management—check out Guided Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding.

Learn More

 

Booking/Cancellation Policy

Guiding & Lessons

Snowbird Center
Mountain Center, Plaza Deck, Level 3
801.933.2096
Hours

Closed for the Season
Advance Reservations Available
Courses start Dec. 28, 2024