***COVID19 Guidelines Compliance:  Participants MUST read and comply with BCMC Guidelines attached in the Trip Planning Forum, confirm both at time of sign up, and day of event  - they have completed the  BC Covid-19 Symptom Self Assessment Tool questionnaire at time of registration. ***

 Mandatory COVID 19 Symptom Self Assessment Tool : https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en

Once complete, email screen shot to organizer. 

This course is taught by Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures by a professional ACMG certified guide. MSAA is offering a special price for BCMC members of $126.65 + GST (regular price for non-members: $149 + GST). 

Develop your "Backcountry Skills" with the Sea to Sky's leading mountain school. Obtain the complete required skill set & implementation through expert certified guides and our carefully crafted curriculum. Est. 1991 - Trip Advisor; Hall of Fame status,  beloved and trusted by BCMC members! 

Course Details:

This is a fun and educational day in the backcountry adjacent to Whistler Blackcomb. Among the many skills you will be introduced to are basic avalanche rescue, terrain analysis, track setting, uphill and downhill skiing technique, route finding, tree skiing and trip planning. We spend a full day skiing and riding while covering uphill and downhill skills in powder, equipment use and safety awareness.

Itinerary:

Meet guide at 8:15am at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre.

The guide will get everyone to sign a waiver and perform a gear check before a trip briefing on safety and the day’s objectives.

Take Whistler or Blackcomb Lifts read to start day:

• Equipment setup boots, skins and ski’s/board for touring
• Trailhead procedures with transceiver
• Companion rescue review
• How to efficiently walk up hill in touring mode
• Terrain choice and limitations depending on hazards

Uphill terrain selection and track-setting:

• Safe terrain selection and efficient uptrack.

• How to evaluate a slope

• Maintain situational awareness

Downhill safe terrain choice and technique:

• Use Slope Avlauator to choose a run appropriate to conditions.
• Efficient transition from touring to skiing mode. Care of skins, transition routine.
• How to best ski the run
• Where and when to regroup safely

The day will finish at approximately 4:30pm with a debrief at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre. The guide will also suggest what to do next to further your backcountry knowledge and abilities.

Gear List:

• Touring skis / splitboard and skins
• Avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Ski / snowboard boots (your regular boots will work with the touring bindings)
• Poles
• Lift pass (If you do not have a season pass or Epic Pass or Edge Card, you can purchase a backcountry ticket from MSAA for $59.00+tax)
• Weatherproof shell jacket and pants – dress for a day in the alpine
• Warm layers (fleece or puffy jacket)
• Thermal under layer
• Gloves
• Winter hat/toque
• Helmet
• Goggles and/or sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water (1 litre)
• Lunch and snacks
• Camera

Payment:

Deposit Rule: Pay only 50% of the booking cost now to reserve your spot then pay the remainder 30 days before the course/trip start date. Select the option at checkout to redeem. 

On-line Registration process:

(1) Click “Join this trip” on the left hand side of the page. You will be added to the Waiting List

(2) Once on the Waiting List you will have access to the Course Online Payment on the left side of the page where you will find the promo code. Complete your payment directly with MSAA HERE  using the promo code. Be sure to select the right date in the drop down menu. You will receive a confirmation email from MSAA once your payment is completed.

(3) Forward your confirmation email to courses@bcmc.ca. You will then be added to the Confirmed List.

(4) Keep an eye on your email for further logistic details.

Please use the BCMC covid guidline for transporation. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact MSAA at +1 (604) 938-9242 or Oudi at courses@bcmc.ca.