Course Fee: $40

Participants must also attend pre-trip information session on January 12 at 6:00pm

This will be a full day and we may not return to the city until late Saturday evening. The dates and instructor are subject to change as we get closer to the course date.

Objectives:

This 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 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 after taking this course is to take the AST-1 avalanche course.

Be sure to go to the ski hill at least once before taking this course! This should not be your first time on skis this season.

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
• Introduction to steep skinning technique
• Basic avalanche safety considerations
• Staying found and sound
• Any other questions that you may have

What to bring:

• Backcountry skis (with AT or telemark binding)
• Compatible ski boots
• Climbing skins
• Ski poles
• Avi gear – a beacon (check the batteries!), shovel and a probe
  - All of the above can be rented from MEC
• Warm layered clothes system: thermal underwear, thin fleece, thicker fleece/pile
• A water-resistant & windproof jacket & overpants
• A warm puffy jacket
• Two pairs of gloves, one pair should be mittens (bring hot shot packs if your hands are always cold)
• Lunch, plus some snacks and drink for one day
• A small Thermos with hot drink is recommended
• Blister care supplies

After completing this course we recommend that you also take an AST-1 to gain the avalanche safety background necessary for safe travel in the backcountry.

Transportation: we will car-pool from the meeting location. Participants will cover the car-pooling costs.

On-line Registration process: once you register online, your name is automatically placed on the "Request List" for the organizer to process. Once the Organizer approves your registration, your name is placed on the "Waiting List" until your payment has been received either by cheque or PayPal/Credit Card (see below).  After payment has been received, your name will be placed on the "Confirmed List" and a confirmation email will be sent.  Note that course registration priority is on a first-come-first-served basis and your participation is NOT guaranteed until you have paid and your name is on the "Confirmed List"... so it's important that you pay the course fee ASAP after being notified that you are on the "Waiting List". 

Payment: PayPal/Credit Card payment is preferred and can be made through the BCMC website (click on the "Pay Now" button on the course description page -- You must be logged in on the website and your name must be on the "Waiting List" for the button to be visible on the course page). Alternatively, cheques should be made payable to British Columbia Mountaineering Club and mailed to PO Box 2674, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W8; Important Note: you MUST make arrangements with the organizer to keep a seat open for you while your cheque is in transit or your seat may be taken by someone else. Cancellation fees may apply in case of a cancellation by a participant.