Step into the backcountry with confidence. Backcountry 101 is a 1-day intro course in the essentials of a backcountry tour–gear, technique, terrain management and decision-making. You’ll get hands-on experience with avalanche safety equipment, learn the basics of uphill travel and practice smart route-finding with the help of expert guides. The course also covers navigation tools, trip-planning basics and how to read avalanche forecasts.

Book Your Backcountry 101 Course

• Ages: 16+
• Skill Level: All participants should be advanced skiers in physical condition for high-altitude exertion and able to hike with touring skis. This course is intended for the beginner backcountry traveler, but it is still necessary to have advanced skiing or snowboarding ability to travel off-piste and outside of the resort.
• Dates:
  • December 19, 2026
  • December 28, 2026 (Women's Specific)
  • January 10, 2027
  • January 17, 2027
• Schedule: Meet at 8 am
• Meeting Location: 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.
• Price: $225/person
  Max group size of 6 students per instructor