Mammoth Lakes Intro to Backcountry +
AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Package
Join us for our most comprehensive introduction to the backcountry. This course covers everything you need to know to ditch the lift lines and get into the mountains. You will learn everything from kick turns to avalanche safety. This is the perfect combination for someone who wants to get a crash course into everything you need to know about backcountry skiing.
Mammoth Lakes Intro to Backcountry + AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Course Package Dates:
December 20-22, 2024
December 29-31, 2024
January 10-12, 2025
January 18-20, 2025
February 15-17, 2025
April 11-13, 2025
This course is perfect for those who are new to backcountry skiing or riding. We recommend the introduction to backcountry skiing prior to the Level 1 Avalanche course. During day one you will get familiar with your gear and learn the ins and out of backcountry travel, efficient transitions, and navigating diverse terrain. This allows you to focus solely on the material of the avalanche course.
We partner with AIARE for our Avalanche Level 1 course. This program is designed for snow sports enthusiasts looking to learn essential skills for navigating the backcountry safely. This comprehensive course covers topics such as snowpack analysis, route finding, hazard assessment, companion rescue, and more. Led by the most experienced guides and instructors in the industry. Participants will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions in the backcountry. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry traveler or just starting out, this course will equip you with essential knowledge to mitigate risks and enjoy the mountains responsibly. It’s time to leave the lift lines behind and take your skiing and riding into the wilderness.
Course Overview
Gear familiarity and what to carry in the backcountry
Efficient transitions
Uphill skinning and efficient track setting
Kickturns
Route Planning and navigation
Using technology to avoid avalanche hazards
Companion Rescue and equipment
Avalanche problems and characteristics
Classification of avalanches
Avalanche Danger Scale
Understanding the Avalanche Bulletin
Snowpack Layering and Analysis
Snowpack Stability Tests
Identification of Avalanche Terrain
Proper decision making and working as a team in the backcountry
Course Objectives
Group Size
6 Guests to 1 Guide
Pricing
$750.00
Must be in good physical condition.
Must be able to ski black diamonds at the resort comfortably
We travel about 1000-1500 vertical feet per day in this course.
Skill Level
Required Equipment
We Provide Beacon, Shovel, Probe, and Ski Specific Backpack
Day 1: Meet your Instructor at the proposed location. You will spend the day out on a backcountry ski tour. During the tour we will work through gear familiarity, what to carry in the backcountry, safety equipment, efficient transitions , uphill skinning, efficient track setting, kickturns, tour planning, navigation, and proper downhill ski technique in the backcountry
That evening you will have an Instructional zoom meeting. During this meeting we will cover tour planning, using technology to avoid avalanches, and reviewing the avalanche bulletin. We will also be going over logistics for the following 2 days. This is a great time for any questions regarding the online learning.
Day 2: Today we begin with a gear check and companion rescue. We will go over in depth 1 to 1 companion rescue through the morning. In the afternoon we will go on a short tour, make observations, talk about human factors and much more. We finish the day planning a tour for the following day.
Day 3: Today we execute the tour we planned taking into account the avalanche problems of the day. Throughout the day we will make observations identify avalanche terrain and talk through our decisions making processes. Today we will dig snowpits/ identity layers and perform stability tests. All while seeking the best snow on our tour.
Itinerary
Cancellation Policy
Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking.