Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding Course
Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
Learn the skills necessary to get started on your backcountry ski or snowboard journey!
Contacts
- Wed, Jan 15, 2025 - Sun, Feb 8, 2026
- Committee: CMC State
- Members: $95.00 Guests: $165.00
- Availability: 56 (68 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
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 but are new to the backcountry.
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.
This course will cover trip planning, navigational tools, clothing, basic group dynamics and gear in two online lectures. The course concludes with a field day at either Berthoud Pass, Butler Gulch or Rocky Mountain National Park. Instructors will walk students through planning and executing the field day and teach transitioning, pacing, skinning and other backcountry skills. This is not a ski or snowboard lesson.
Badges you will earn:
Basic Backcountry Skiing and Riding (AT/Tele/Splitboard) Course
| Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intro to BC Ski/Split Session A | |||
| Course Venue TBA |
Wed–Sun, Jan 15–26, 2025
Registration closes Jan 14
|
19
participants
23 instructors
|
|
| Intro to BC Ski/Split Session B | |||
| Course Venue TBA |
Wed–Sat, Feb 5– 8, 2025
Registration closes Jan 24
|
17
participants
23 instructors
|
|
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.
You must register for this course to see course materials.