This one-day seminar is perfect for alpine skiers who want to learn to use convertible touring bindings or telemark skiers ready to ski the backcountry. The tour will begin with discussion about ski touring equipment. You'll learn the appropriate gear to take in the backcountry, tricks and techniques with your climbing skins for uphill travel and strategies to find the best snow.   Cost: $375 for 1 person; $450 for 2; $500 for 3; $550 for 4; $600 for 5

We will demonstrate the use of transceivers for companion rescue. Avalanche hazard recognition and avalanche gear will be introduced but this is not an avalanche course. After sampling ski touring with this class, if you have interest is in doing more backcountry skiing, you can gain more valuable experience with private guided training. Further, it is recommended that you take an avalanche awareness course.

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.

This class will cover:

Equipment for ski touring
Trip planning.
Track setting.
Winter medical issues.
Route planning
Decision making process.
Survival considerations
Introduction to avalanche awareness. (This is not an avalanche course.)

Schedule: Mondays or by request.

To sign up, call (234) 208-6739, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Class Size

1 person $375.002 persons $450.003 persons $500.004 persons $550.005 persons $600.00

Interested in combining Ski Touring with the Avalanche Level 1 Program?

Comprehensive Ski Touring and Avalanche Level 1 - 5 Days

Testimonial for Introduction to Ski Touring

My husband and I did an Introduction to Ski Touring class with Don in Feb 2013.  We have been downhill skiing for over 20 years but we never did any backcountry skiing.  Don did an amazing job introducing us to the sport.  We had taken one of his introductory avalanche safety classes and thought he would be a great guide.  He provided great information on how to prepare and where to rent equipment.  He explained safety issues and showed us backcountry ski technique.  It so happened that the avalanche risk was high that day because of a recent dump so he selected terrain that posed little risk.  He is a real pro at customer satisfaction and safety.  It was a fabulous day and we are already planning our group trip for next year.

Denise and Paul Manner

Professional Member of AAA and Affiliate Member of CAA, ACMG, and CSGA Avalanche classes based on American Avalanche Association education guidelines