Backcountry Skills

Our Backcountry Skills course is one full day of professional instruction in all things backcountry skiing/splitboarding. We'll learn the basics of our backcountry equipment and progress into improving our efficiency, which ultimately results in more skiing and riding.

This course is known variously as Intro to Backcountry, Intro to BC, or Intro to Touring. We like Backcountry Skills because you will walk skin away with many tips, tricks, and skills. It's a very full day that's packed with practical information!

Topics covered include:

• Clothing/layering
• Packing considerations
• Putting on and taking off (ripping) skins
• Basic skinning technique
• Advanced skinning techniques
• Skin track setting
• Group management/communication basics
• Dealing with challenging snow
• Gear failure remedies
• Emergency response

This course is focused on bringing participants "up to speed" with their equipment and the mechanics of ski touring. That said, we'll be doing as much skiing as possible in alignment with the abilities of the group (a.k.a. fun, low-stress skiing).

A sno-park pass is required to park at any sno-park located on the Mt. Hood National Forest. We will provide you with a sno-park pass for free if you do not have one.

Equipment

Please see our Ski Touring Packing List page for a complete list of what you should bring on your course.

Gear rental discount

We’ve partnered with Next Adventure to help you gear up for success in your course! As a valued student, you’ll receive 15% off gear rentals and purchases with Next Adventure. See your enrollment email for further details.

Next Adventure offers a wide range of gear rentals, including skis, splitboards, snowboards, and more, so you’ll be ready to hit the backcountry with confidence.

Exclusions apply: watercraft, electronics, sale items, and select other items are not eligible for this discount.