Guided Trips to the Sierra Nevada & Worldwide!

The beginning of a 5,000 foot run somewhere in the Eastern Sierra, accessed in one day.

Backcountry Touring Skills 2

Access more of the goods! This 2-day course is designed for the skier with the knowledge and experience to go to the backcountry already, but is ready to take the next step toward increasing safety, efficiency, and enjoyment of all aspects of ski touring. This course ties in well after an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course and builds upon those skills in natural progression. We focus on terrain analysis and selection, tour planning, avalanche hazard management, movement skills, and tour leadership skills. By the end of this course you should feel confident to lead complex tours beyond the normal roadside attractions in good style and with maximum safety and enjoyment.

NEW!
This course will never be cancelled due to lack of participation. That means that if you are the only sign up, you get the guide and the low price all to yourself!

Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Information

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TRIP ITINERARY:  Backcountry Touring Skills 2

Pre-Trip

 

Your SMG ski guide will contact members of the group prior to the course to introduce themselves and discuss meeting logistics. You will be responsible for planning an appropriate tour with guidelines to be announced.

DAY 1

 

Meet your guide early in the morning for a tour. This tour and instruction will focus on complex routefinding, tracksetting, uphill ski techniques, backcountry descent techniques, avalanche hazard management, decision making, terrain selection, use of group travel techniques, tour leadership, and self-debriefing.

DAY 2

 

The second day will be a more challenging one with more complex decision making and application of new techniques. We address the use of ski crampons, various transitions, uphill climbing techniques for steeper terrain, and increasing overall safety and efficiency in the mountains.

Prerequisites:

  • AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course, or equivalent
  • Advanced-expert downhill skiing skills
  • Ability to control speed and execute fall-line turns in control and comfort in difficult snow conditions (deep powder, heavy and/or moist snow, breakable crust, firm or icy, etc.)
  • Ability to execute hop turns on 40 degree+, firm slopes, coming to a complete and immediate stop at the finish of each turn
  • Ability to sideslip forward and backward, with edge control, on steep (45 degrees), firm slopes
  • Multiple ski tours in the backcountry using ski touring equipment (boots, bindings, skins, transceiver, shovel, probe, etc.)
  • Ability to make uphill facing kick-turns in an uphill track on a slope
  • Very good fitness

 

Additional Information

Trip Cost Inclusions:

  • AMGA Trained/Certified Ski Guide
  • Avalanche Safety Equipment Rental (if necessary)

Trip Cost Exclusions:

  • Personal ski and mountain gear
  • Transportation to/within Eastern Sierra
  • Food/Drink

Recommended Reading:

 

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TRIP DETAILS

2013 Scheduled Dates:

February 2-3

March 23-24

April 20-21

Custom Dates Available

Course Length:
2 days

Course Level:
Intermediate

Teaching Ratio:

6:1

Cost:
$425 per person

 

Recommended Prior SMG Programs:
Ski the Backcountry!
Eastside Backcountry Skiing

Mammoth to June

 

Recommended Follow-up SMG Programs:
Corn Harvest Basecamp
Ortler Circuit

Sierra Peak Descents

AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course

"Howie was first rate! Very professional and exreemly knowledgeable. He answered every question we had and more! Very in tune with everyone on the trip." R. Hahn

 
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