Note: we will schedule the dates based on the your's and the group's availability. Dates to be confirmed after booking.
With over 50 years combined experience between Willie and Todd (both are IFMGA Mountain Guides and Avalanche Professionals), WMG is suited to mentor and train someone that wants to become an advanced backcountry tourer, or a professional guide and avalanche forecaster. Our Backcountry Ski Mentorship program allows guests to learn new skills while becoming proficient backcountry skiers and splitboarders. Our aim is to help intermediate-advanced backcountry enthusiasts to hone skills where needed and desired.
Overview: This intensive 6-day course (and one remote evening session) is designed for adventurous skiers and splitboarders eager to elevate their backcountry skills and gain the confidence to navigate remote and challenging terrain. Whether you're aiming to tackle steep couloirs, navigate complex snow conditions, or simply enhance your backcountry safety, this course offers comprehensive training under the guidance of seasoned instructors.
Dates: The booking calendar does not reflect the actual dates. The dates will be as follows:
- January 17 and 24
- February 14 and 21
- March 14 and 21
Course Highlights:
Route Planning & Tour Preparation: Learn the essentials of backcountry route planning, including reading topographic maps, selecting safe routes, and preparing for potential hazards. You'll also dive into weather and snowpack analysis to make informed decisions on your tours.
For this portion of the course, you'll have a remote evening session with an instructor.
Terrain Assessment & Travel Techniques: Develop your ability to assess and navigate various types of terrain. Understand how to identify avalanche-prone areas, avoid terrain traps, and use efficient travel techniques to move safely through the backcountry.
Snowpack Assessment: Gain practical knowledge in evaluating snow stability through field tests such as hand pits and compression tests. Learn to interpret snowpack data to make informed decisions about terrain choice and travel.
Ski Mountaineering Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with the technical skills required for ski mountaineering. This includes using crampons and ice axes for ascents, mastering steep skiing and riding techniques, and practicing essential rope skills for safe travel in exposed areas.
Avalanche Companion Rescue: Sharpen your avalanche safety skills with practical training in companion rescue techniques. Learn how to effectively use a beacon, probe, and shovel, and participate in scenario-based training to simulate real-life rescue situations.
Full-Day Tours: Put your skills to the test on full-day tours designed to challenge your navigation, decision-making, and group management abilities. These tours provide a real-world application of all the skills you've learned throughout the course.
Capstone Experience: The course culminates in a final student-led (instructor supervised) tour where you take the lead, applying your new skills in a more advanced setting. This experience is designed to solidify your knowledge and prepare you for future ski and splitboard mountaineering adventures.
Who Should Join: This course is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and splitboarders who have some backcountry experience and are looking to expand their skillset. Participants should be comfortable with full-day tours and have a solid foundation in skiing or riding in varied snow conditions.
What You’ll Gain: By the end of the course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of ski and splitboard mountaineering. You'll leave with the confidence to plan and execute your own tours, navigate complex terrain, and respond effectively in avalanche situations.
Course Logistics:
- Duration: 6 Days + 1 remote evening session
- Dates will be coordinated with the group after booking, adhering as best as possible to your availability.
- Location: Wasatch Mountains, Utah (specific locations vary based on conditions)
- Group Size: a maximum of 4 students of comparable level and fitness
- Instructors: Certified and experienced ski mountaineering guides
Equipment: Participants will need a full backcountry ski or splitboard setup, including skis or splitboard with skins, avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel), and mountaineering equipment (crampons, ice axe, harness). A detailed gear list will be provided upon registration.
