INTRO TO BACKCOUNTRY

This 1 day outdoor course is designed for people who have advanced ski resort experience and want to get into backcountry skiing and splitboarding away from the crowds.  After getting geared up at Tahoe Mountain Sports shop in Truckee, the rest of the course is entirely in the field.

Skills and Learning Outcomes Covered:

• Use of appropriate backcountry gear-clothing, ski equipment, splitboard, packs.
• Intro to avalanche rescue gear-transceiver, probe, and shovel.
• Discuss the local avalanche bulletin
• How to identify avalanche terrain/Avalanche instability red flags
  
• Uphill travel skills and techniques with climbing skins
• Managing gear and transitions
• Downhill skiing and splitboarding techniques in backcountry terrain.

Student Prerequisites:

Students must be in at least moderate physical condition and be able to travel in mountainous terrain on skis or splitboard for a full day. Snowshoes are not allowed on this course.  Students must be able to ski or ride comfortably on advanced terrain at a ski resort and be able to link turns in a variety of snow conditions.  No backcountry experience is required.  This course is a prerequisite for an AIARE 1 Avalanche Course.

Course Gear Rentals

Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear Rentals (transceiver, probe, shovel, and pack) are available here.  Backcountry ski and splitboard package rentals are available from Tahoe Mountain Sports shop where we are based, at a discounted student price.  Information on backcountry ski/splitboarding rentals will be sent out a week ahead of your course, avalanche safety gear rentals can be purchased and reserved now.  Reserved rental backcountry gear and avalanche gear will be available when we meet at the shop the morning of the course at 8am.