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Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding
Would you like to become more knowledgeable about backcountry touring (either skiing or snowboarding/splitboarding)?
Our 2 Day Introduction to Backcountry Skiing / Snowboarding Course in the San Juan Mountains is an excellent way for you gain experience on your skis or snowboard in the backcountry. Many skiers and snowboarders are either intimidated by backcountry touring or don't feel they possess the necessary skills to undertake a backcountry tour in the mountains. Completing our course in Colorado's inspiring San Juan Mountains, will help you to gain confidence in your skills as a backcountry skier/snowboarder, and ensure that you are aware of all the techniques and tools required to pull off a successful tour in the backcountry.
We will cover the latest techniques in all aspects of backcountry travel including, but not limited to the following topics:
- Powder snow skiing techniques
- Ascension Techniques
- Essential Backcountry Equipment
- Trip and Tour planning
- Route-finding and planning
- Team backcountry travel protocols
Come and join us for a truly unforgettable course that will impress upon you just how incredibly fun it is to be out in the wilderness on your skis!
*For 2012 we are offering hut based Intro to BC Skiing Courses at the Alladins Lamp Hut, the Artist Hut, and the Mountain Belle Hut near Silverton & Red Mountain Pass. Trip cost includes 2 nights (Friday & Saturday)at this picturesque hut!
"JB and I now feel like we can go into the backcountry and safely plan our trip, pick our travel routes and travel techniques and most importantly work together to have a great time out their while being safe......we will be highly recommending that our friends take this course too!"
- Erin B.
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Sample Itinerary
Day 0: Meet at SWA guides' office @ 3:00 pm for gear checks and trip intro. Hut based course participants will meet at our office and then transfer to the hut after gear checks.
Day 1: Meet at the SWA guides office at 8:00 am and we then drive to the San Juan Mountains to begin the day's instruction focusing on the topics listed above. We'll return in the early afternoon for a trip and tour planning classroom session to plan out the following days tour. Hut based course participants stay at hut.
Day 2: Full day ski tour near Silverton/Red Mountain pass. Participants will be expected to carry out the tour and make terrain decisions along the way, with the instructor/guide providing leadership and feedback where necessary.
Additional Information
Lodging in Silverton: For courses that are not hut based, we recommend arranging lodging in the town of Silverton, CO. Please call or email us for a list of hotel recommendations in the Silverton area!
Prerequisites: Participants should feel competent and comfortable on "Blue" rated runs at ski resorts. Participants should also be in excellent physical condition. We recommend that participants arrive in Durango at least 1 full day prior to travelling with us in the San Juan high country.
Trip Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide. Dinner and breakfast are provided for hut based courses. Avalanche probe, shovel, and beacon, boots, skis, and climbing skins are available for rent from our shop for an additional cost.
Not Included: Hotel costs before, during or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing, skiing, or camping equipment, or gratuities.
Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit as early as possible prior to the trip date. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.
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