Introduction to Backcountry Skiing

Two- Day Course

Komo Kulshan (Mount Baker)

This two day course is designed to help you learn the fundamental skills of backcountry skiing. We will start with the basics of gear use and movement techniques and build up skiing various terrain throughout the course.

  • During this two day course, you will learn the essential skills of backcountry skiing.

    On both days, we will meet at the Mount Baker Ski Area and journey into the backcountry area.

    We have divided this course into two days, without the introduced challenge of snow camping, so that you will have the full capacity to learn these skills without a heavy pack.

    On day 1 we will cover equipment use, skinning techniques, and transitions. We will then begin to use the terrain to ski low hazard slopes.

    On the second day, we will focus on terrain and hazard assessment, tour planning, and skiing as much as we can.

    Through practice and repetition with an expert guide, you will leave the course with a new skillset for backcountry skiing.

    Throughout the course, we will discuss avalanche safety and awareness. This is not an avalanche specific course. Taking a three day avalanche course, such as AIARE 1, is a great step either before or after this course.

  • This introductory course is designed for anyone curious about backcountry skiing or ready to take their first steps into the sport. Whether you’re exploring if backcountry skiing is for you, or you’ve already invested in gear and are eager to get started, this course provides the perfect starting point for your journey.

    It’s also an ideal way to build familiarity with backcountry skiing before enrolling in an avalanche safety course. By gaining hands-on experience here, you’ll be better prepared to focus on avalanche education rather than learning how to use your skins for the first time. An avalanche course, such as AIARE 1, is not required for participation in this course.

  • Fitting skins to skis

    Touring equipment

    Avalanche safety equipment

    Beacon checks

    Tour planning and mapping

    Skinning techniques

    Uphill to downhill transitions

    Downhill to uphill transitions

    Skiing techniques

    Terrain assessment

    Avalanche awareness

  • For this course, you will need to bring your own backcountry gear or rent gear. Upward Transitions does not have backcountry ski rentals. We do have a list of suggestions if you are looking to rent.

    • Backcountry skis

    • Skins

    • Poles

    • Outerwear

    • Backcountry boots

    • Beacon, shovel, probe

    • Backpack (30L capacity)

    • Helmet

  • Within one week of signing up, you will receive an informational packet with more information about what to expect, a packing list, and other course information that will be helpful for you to review.

Price: $550

Dates:

  • May 10 - 11

  • May 22 - 23

Difficulty: Beginner

Upward Transitions Institute holds a Temporary Use Permit within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mt. Baker Ranger District

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).”