Intro to Backcountry Travel
All the gear, no idea!
Are you interested in venturing out into the backcountry but have never understood how exactly you walk uphill on your skis or splitboard? Skins, what are they?
With no previous experience or training required, this first step will show you what exists beyond the resort. This one-day course will cover the basics of how to use your touring skis or splitboard to travel smoothly and efficiently when you venture beyond the ski resort boundary. Our team will share their passion over a day focused on safety and fun. Spend the time getting to know your gear now so you get more out of your AST 1!
**Please note: This is not an avalanche skills training course. We will not cover the use of a transceiver, shovel, or probe, and will not be examining avalanche terrain. This course is specifically about learning how to use your equipment to travel uphill.**
What you'll gain
- How to transition between uphill and downhill mode on you touring equipment;
- How to store your gear when not in use;
- How to travel smoothly and efficiently on the skin track;
- Troubleshooting when touring gear fails in the backcountry.
Required experience
| Backcountry Knowledge | None - the course stays within the ski area boundary and is not considered avalanche skills training. |
|---|---|
| Fitness Level | Some - an average level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable being outdoors in cold weather all day, and able to undergo moderate physical activity throughout the day. |
| Riding Ability | An intermediate riding ability is required. You want to be comfortable on your equipment in downhill mode before switching it up! |
| Touring Ability | None - we will be learning how to travel on skis with skins or splitboard with skins on this course. |
Course dates
- December 16, 2023
- January 2, 2024
9:00am - 3:00pm
$140 + GST
Key information
- This is a 1-day course that takes place from 9:00am - 3:00pm, meeting at the Hummingbird Lodge at Whitewater Ski Resort;
- This course requires a minimum of 2 participants to proceed. If a course has fewer than 2 participants, it will not run, and those scheduled to take the course will have the choice of a full refund or to be scheduled at a later date (if available);
- All participants in this course must complete the Whitewater Backcountry Access Waiver on the first day of the course.
Booking information
- To book, call (250) 352-6954 or email ;
- Lift tickets are included in program prices unless otherwise stated;
- Program availability and lesson formats are subject to change;
- Lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking;
- Taxes are not included in the advertised price and all lessons are subject to 5% GST.
Cancellation policy
Our cancellation policy has changed for the 2023/2024 season
- A $25 administration fee will be applied to all cancellations after the time of booking;
- If a cancellation is made 30 days or more in advance of the program, you will receive a full refund, less a $25 administration fee;
- For cancellations made between 30 and 15 days in advance of the program, 50% of the total program fees will be refunded, less a $25 administration fee;
- Cancellations made within 15 days of the program start are not eligible for a refund;
- Refunds will not be issued for no-shows.
