Program Objectives:

This trip is an introductory course for those who have never skied outside a resort but would like to pick up backcountry skiing this winter. If you are an intermediate skier who can confidently ski 'blue' (intermediate) runs in bounds and want to try backcountry skiing, this trip is for you.

This is not an avalanche course and no previous avalanche training is required. Your next step in the after taking this course is to take the AST-1 avalanche course.

What you will learn:

• Ski gear and how to use it (bindings heel lift, boots up-down mode, extendable poles)
• Taking care of your climbing skins
• How to dress to stay comfortable
• Beacon check and basics of winter safety
• Skin up technique
• Steep skinning technique
• Basic avalanche safety considerations
• Staying found and sound

What to bring:

• Backcountry skis (with AT or telemark binding) (instructors have limited knowledge of splitboards)
• Compatible ski boots
• Climbing skins
• Ski poles (nonextendable work great)
• Avi gear – a beacon (check the batteries!), shovel and a probe
  - All of the above can be rented from MEC
• A warm puffy jacket (big down jacket)
• A fleece or softshell midlayer
• Touque or warm hat
• Base Layers (thermal long underwear)
• A waterproof & windproof jacket
• Two pairs of gloves, one pair should be mittens
• Waterproof overpants
• Snacks and drink for one day
• A small Thermos with hot drink is recommended

After completing this course you gain confidence to join us on simple day trips such as Black Tusk Meadows and Three Brothers Mtn which we specifically organize for graduates from the Introduction to Backcountry Skiing day program.

However, if you would like to take your backcountry skiing further this year, we recommend that you also take Advanced Backcountry Skiing course in February (1 weekend) and Intro to Ski Mountaineering in March – both coming up and to be announced soon.

Please note that all these courses are members-only but we do hope that you join and enjoy many other ski trips and winter courses that our club has to offer.