Know Before You Go: Backcountry Clinics Weekend 

New to the backcountry? This full-day clinic is designed to give skiers and splitboarders hands-on practice with gear, movement, and safety basics. After covering some essential packing and travel techniques, the group will heading out on a short tour in Whitewater’s 5 Mile area. Note, this clinic gives participants a taster for backcountry travel, but is not a substitute for AST1. 

You’ll learn:

• How to set up and use your touring equipment

• Kickturns and efficient uphill travel techniques

• Skin application and removal

• Intro to companion rescue and transceiver use

• Backcountry safety basics while on a short tour

Ideal for anyone with little to no touring experience who’s ready to take their first steps into the backcountry.

To register, please email .

When every second counts, practice matters. This clinic dives deeper into avalanche companion rescue and gives you time to refine your transceiver and probing skills in realistic scenarios. While having completeled AST1 is helpful, it’s not required — this course is for anyone looking to refresh or build confidence in their rescue abilities.

You’ll practice:

• Single and complex burial scenarios

• Multiple-burial strategies

• Alternative search methods

• Effective communication and teamwork under pressure

• Applying skills on a short tour in 5 Mile

To register, please email .

Smart uptracks make for safer, more enjoyable days in the mountains. This clinic focuses on the art of choosing terrain and setting efficient skin tracks, while respecting backcountry etiquette and group dynamics. After honing your skills, you’ll put them to use on a guided tour in the 5 Mile area.

You’ll learn:

• How to set safe, efficient uptracks in varied terrain

• Terrain selection and route-finding strategies

• Identifying hazards and avoiding terrain traps

• Backcountry etiquette and communication

• Tips for maximizing powder runs with smart planning

Best for those with some touring experience who want to step up their decision-making and leadership in the backcountry.

To register, please email .

This advanced clinic is designed for skiers and riders who travel in glaciated or technical terrain and want to sharpen their rope skills. You’ll practice techniques that are essential for steeper lines, glaciated tours, or when things don’t go according to plan.

You’ll practice:

• Crevasse rescue systems and hauling techniques

• Ski cutting on a rope for slope assessment

• Basic rappelling techniques for ski descents

• Rope management for efficiency and safety

A solid choice for experienced backcountry users looking to broaden their technical toolkit.

To register, please email .