If you are an intermediate skier who can ski 'blue' (intermediate) runs in bound  and want to progress into backcountry skiing, this course is for you! The objective of this course is to take people who can already do parallel turns, and help them progress with specific skill building and training tips so that they can access the backcountry in the near future.

Topics covered

-Upper body/lower body separation

-Mobility

-Position-Balance

Experience Level: It is expected that all participants on this course are able to link parallel turns. Participants will have to be comfortable with blue runs.

Instructor: Tam McTavish, a former Whistler Ski Instructor and CSIA lvl 1 will take 6 people. Tam had been previous BCMC member and is kindly volunteering his time for this course.

What to bring and expect: All personal skiing gear must be arranged ahead of time by yourself. We will not wait for people to arrange rentals. Participants are expected to have everything they need for a 6 30pm departure, so we can promptly get skiing. While the aim of this course is to help people ski in the backcountry, no backcountry safety or instruction will be covered. The focus is purely ski technique.

Tech bindings and backcountry skis are not generally appropriate for people with less experience. They are far more likely to lead to injury. While they are what you will use in the backcountry, they are not appropriate for the resort, and they slow the learning process. Lightweight skis tend to get kicked around on the hardpack and carve poorly. If you want to get the most out of the training, resort style skis are recommended. Helmet is required to participate in this course.

Course cost

$20 paid through BCMC via Pay Pal. This fee goes to the BCMC course reimbursement fund.

Plus your lift ticket. Lift ticket is $15+tax for ladies and $35+tax for gentlemen. This price is for night ticket at Seymour which starts at 5pm. You can also start your day in the morning and join us later in the evening.

On-line Registration process

Click on "Join this Trip" on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Request List. You will be prompted to answer the Trip Planning Questions. Please answer fully. Once the course organizer(s) have reviewed your answers, you will be moved to the Waiting List. An email will be sent to you letting you know you're on the waitlist (be sure to check your spam just in case!)

Once on the Waiting List, a Paypal button should appear on the left side of the course page. Click this button and follow the prompts to complete your payment. After payment has been received, you will be moved to the Confirmed List and another email notification will be sent out.

If you have difficulty with the payment contact Oudi at courses@bcmc.ca. 

Transportation to Location: Carpools will be organized once we have a final participant list. We will be skiing at Seymour Mountain resort on Feb 17th evening. An email with the when and where to meet will be sent out to all people on the confirmed list one day in advance of the course.

Emergency Contact: IMPORTANT: Please make sure your emergency contact information is up to date. To do this, click "My Account" in the top right corner of this screen, then select "Edit Emergency Contact" under "Manage My Account" on the left hand side.

Waiver and Medical: Every participant must have read and agree to ("signed") the club's online Waiver. In addition, those with potential medical issues, that might affect their course participation, you need to contact the course organizer ASAP after registering for this course.