Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding - CMC State - 2024

Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding Course

Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Learn the skills necessary to get started on your backcountry ski or snowboard journey!

This course is designed for those that are “new to the backcountry,” who plan to travel on AT skis, splitboards, or telemark skis. This course gives students the tips and tricks necessary to get comfortable and be confident in the backcountry. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding is basically a different sport than the resort equivalents, and it takes a lot of knowledge to get out there. While it takes most strong skiers and snowboarders years to feel comfortable and confident in the backcountry, we saw our students make this same progress in one season!

This course is designed for strong skiers and snowboarders who comfortably go down black runs at a resort.

This course is also designed to complement avalanche safety training (i.e., AIARE Avalanche Level 1). Introduction to Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding is not a replacement for avalanche safety training.

The Gear Talk will be held in a virtual setting at no cost and is available here:

November 15, 2023

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

EQUIPMENT

The CMC does not provide any equipment to students for the course, and the list of equipment is extensive. Beyond all necessary clothing, layers, outerwear, and pack, students need the following equipment:

SKI AND SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT

  • Skis with pin, frame, or hybrid bindings and compatible ski boots
  • Splitboards with appropriate bindings
  • Climbing skins fitted to skis/snowboards
  • Ski poles (for both skiers and snowboarders)

AVALANCHE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

  • Beacon
  • Shovel
  • Probe

 

Discounts and rentals are available through our donors and sponsors. Instructors may also help direct students on rentals at other local shops. Please expect around $100 additional expense for renting the gear you need. While skiing and snowboarding are expensive sports, we do our best to make sure this class is accessible as possible. 

Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.