New! Learn backcountry ski touring and avalanche safety with this comprehensive program.  This course combines our Introduction to Ski Touring with a Level 1 avalanche class into a 5-day course.     Cost:  $550

You will learn: • Equipment for ski touring • Use of AT boots and bindings • Climbing skin use and maintenance • Uphill travel, skins, kick turns, pole work • Trip planning. • Track setting. • Winter medical issues. • Route planning • Time management • Survival considerations

PLUS Avalanche Level 1  (for details click here)

Day 1We begin with discussion and demonstration about ski touring equipment.  You'll learn the appropriate gear to take in the backcountry, kick turns uphill, tricks and techniques with your climbing skins for uphill travel and strategies to find the best snow.  A day of ski touring.

Day 2 Avalanche Awareness Lecture - classroom 6-7 hours.
Day 3 A day of touring with focus on skills training, rescue and introduction to snow stability.  .
Day 4  A day ski tour and  the completion of the Level 1 certification.
Day 5 A day ski tour.  Every tour is different and each day we learn more, reinforce what we have learned and practice the newly aquired skills.

NOTES:
There is considerable flexibility built into the delivery of this course.  No course is exactly the same. Snow and weather conditions will dictate the order of presentation to some degree. Key topics will be constantly revisited during the program.
You should be a strong intermediate downhill skier (on either “telemark” or “alpine” gear) able to maintain control in all conditions.  You need to be in good physical condition and able to ski with a medium sized pack.  No prior ski mountaineering experience needed.
Understand that expert skiing ability has nothing to do with expert knowledge of remote backcountry travel, avalanche safety, and winter survival skills.  Backcountry travel involves the possibility of avalanches, cold injury or getting lost.  It is not for the inexperienced and should only be done with a professional guide or with experienced friends.  Make sure you and your friends have the experience to stay safe.

New skills and knowledge will be very well reinforced by five days of consecutive days of training.

Date:  February 2013

Cost:  $550
For more details and to Register,
Call 253-891-0149