Backcountry Skills Course

Format:

• Evening Online Classroom Session: Learn from the comfort of home.
• One Full-Day Field Component: Hands-on practice in the backcountry.
• Student-to-Instructor Field Ratio: 6:1 for personalized instruction.
• Maximum Class Size: 18 participants.

Date | Location | Time

• Thursday, 12/26/2025: Online Classroom Session | 6–8 PM.
• Saturday, 12/28/2025: Lolo Pass Backcountry | 8 AM–5 PM.

Course Description

Set yourself up for success this winter with our Backcountry Skills Course! This course is ideal for newcomers to backcountry touring, focusing on the foundational skills required for safe, enjoyable winter backcountry travel. It’s also the perfect stepping stone before enrolling in a recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course.

What You’ll Learn:

• Avalanche awareness principles to help you recognize and avoid hazards.
• Backcountry gear essentials and how to use touring boots, bindings, and skins.
• Techniques for efficient uphill and downhill travel and transitions.
• Companion rescue techniques with hands-on practice.
• Navigation strategies for safe and effective backcountry travel.

Prerequisites

• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced downhill skiing or snowboarding ability.
• Age Requirement: 14+ (minors must be accompanied by someone with driving capability for field trips).
• Fitness Level: Ability to ascend slopes with skis, skins, or a splitboard while carrying a daypack.
• Weather Preparedness: Must be equipped to spend an entire day outdoors in cold and inclement weather.

Required Equipment

• Avalanche Rescue Gear: Beacon, shovel, and probe (available to borrow upon request—contact us for details).
• Touring Gear: Alpine touring skis or splitboard with climbing skins (rental options available in Missoula).
• Prohibited: Snowshoes are not permitted for this course.

Registration

Register now to secure your place in this comprehensive introductory course. Spaces are limited and fill quickly!