Intro to Backcountry Ski/Ride

Course Description

This introductory course is built to set skiers and riders up with the skills they need to head into the backcountry comfortably on their own. Participants learn about tour preparation and planning, equipment use and maintenance, field decision making, and more. This is a great way for experienced inbound skiers to explore the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem during winter! Skills Covered: - Preparation & planning for a day in the backcountry​ - Packing the right clothing/equipment  - Review of equipment (skins, bindings, boots, beacon, etc.) - Efficient track setting and selection - Hazard recognition and mitigation - Kick turn techniques -Transition locations & tips ​This course is 2 days long and starts with a briefing at our office in Cooke City. Here, we discuss logistics for a weekend of skiing in a new area. Day 1 takes us to town hill, where we can skin up from our doorstep. Participants will have the chance to practice kick turns and transitions with feedback from their guide, who will be walking them through the day's decision-making. Day 2 takes us to Sheep Creek, where we have a longer approach. Participants will have the opportunity to lead part of the day, both with track setting and group decision-making. The main goal of this course is to prepare skiers and split boarders for day tours on their own. Guides make it a point to find the best snow in safe conditions while including participants in their process. *Although applying some skills from our avalanche courses, it is not a substitute and any winter backcountry traveler should take a Level 1 course before going on their own. The minimum sign-up number for this course is 3 participants. If that number is not reached, the participants have the choice to pay an extra fee (about $100) or the course will be canceled.