Backcountry Nordic Ski School (BNSS)

Welcome to the Backcountry Nordic Ski School

Before you register, please be sure to Submit your application which indicates your level of experience and what field days work for you.  Then go ahead and Register for the school. (No need to wait for approval)  The link for registration is on the right side of this page.

Backcountry Nordic Skiing is geared for all levels.

Your school fee covers your trail pass when we are at the Nordic Center and the first week's Ski rental at the Nordic Center.  For the second and third classes, you must rent or own your own ski gear.

Please review the schedule carefully before enrolling to make sure you can fully participate.  There is one information Zoom on Wed December 3, then three field trips in January.  The three field trips are a skills progression from basic movement, to hill work both up and down, to a backcountry ski experience.  You cannot miss any of the three sessions or you won't have the skills to do the next field trip.

In the application you will choose one of these field day groups:

1)  Wed Jan 7, Jan 14, and Jan 21

The weekend option has changed so that we do the first two field trips on Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend.  With heavy ski traffic, this means we won't be stuck in traffic two weekends in a row.  Selecting this option means you must pay for lodging, around $125 each if you share a room.  You will need to make your own reservation and find a person to share with from your class.  We will be skiing at Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park.  They have lodging at Aspenbrook Lodge and Silver Sage Lodge for $184 per night plus tax.  You may also have access to other lodging.

Dates for the weekend option:

2)  Sat Jan 10 and Sun Jan 11, with the last field trip on Sat Jan 24

3)  Sat Jan 24 and Sun Jan 25, with the last field trip on Sat Jan 31 

The Zoom lecture on Dec 3 focuses on clothing, selection of skis and avalanche awareness.  You will meet your instructors and other members of your class. In January, you will have three full days on the snow with lessons geared to your level of skill and endurance. The first on-snow day is at a Nordic center and focuses on becoming comfortable on skis and basic flat-track skills. The second snow day will emphasize basic downhill and uphill techniques. The third day is a trip into the backcountry, with the location tailored to the skill level of your group.

Topics discussed in class:

• Proper skis/gear/clothing for the terrain and conditions you want to ski
• Better balance techniques
• Diagonal stride, including poling
• Downhill maneuvers (includes stopping, which is always good to know…)
• Turning maneuvers
• Climbing maneuvers – herringbone, side-step, side-step traverse, etc.
• Avalanche awareness

We look forward to skiiing with you!

Email the Backcountry Nordic Ski School Director with questions at carolmunch@gmail.com