Ski Touring for Middle School | Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

Ski Touring for Middle Schoolers, grades 6-8

Ski Touring for Middle Schoolers program is an introduction to ski touring/splitboarding and basic backcountry riding concepts. Most training sessions will take place every other Monday evening at Howelsen Hill, with one longer field day for each participant (during SSK12 days off). The group will discuss and learn components of backcountry and ski touring awareness while hiking and exploring Howelsen Hill and Emerald Mountain. In addition to touring techniques, topics will include ski touring or splitboarding gear and riding in variable snow, avalanche gear, basic rescue skills, and backcountry leadership skills. Participants will be ready for High School Backcountry programs as well as AIARE education (when high school age).

Requirements

Skill requirement: Ability to ski black runs and a desire to and willingness to hike for 1-3 hours.
Equipment:

Ski/Splitboard gear for all sessions:
- Backcountry skis with touring bindings (tech/pin binding recommended for skis) OR splitboard with bindings, skins, poles, and boots with walk mode (feel free to contact instructor with questions before buying equipment).
- Snacks, water, and layers for walking uphill as well as skiing down.

Additional gear for full-day outings:
- Avalanche safety equipment, including modern 3-antenna beacon, shovel and probe (rentals available).
- Daypack for safety gear along with helmet and goggles, water/lunch, personal first aid kit and extra layers (usually a large school backpack or similar works well).

Age: Grades 6-8

Schedule

December 2 – March 12
Two available training times: Monday OR Wednesday. Participants will be able to choose from one of the available full-day tours (SSK12 days off).

MONDAY SESSIONS ON-SNOW:
Every other Monday evening in addition to one of two tour days:
Monday, December 2, 4-6 p.m.
Monday, December 16, 4-6 p.m.
*Monday, January 6, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Tour Day Option 1, Winter Break)
Monday January 13, 4-6 p.m.
Monday, January 27, 4-6 p.m.
*Friday, February 7, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Tour Day Options 2, Winter Carnival weekend)
Monday, February 10, 4-6 p.m.
Monday, February 24, 4-6 p.m.
Monday, March 10, 4-6 p.m.

OPTIONAL COMP: Sunday, March 16, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Uphill/Big Mountain Comp at Howelsen
*Participants will choose one of the two field sessions: January 6 OR February 7. Group size for each session is limited, so participants may not get their first choice on field session date.

WEDNESDAY SESSIONS ON-SNOW:
Every other Wednesday evening in addition to one of two tour days.
Wednesday, December 4, 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, December 18, 4-6 p.m.
*Monday, January 6, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Tour Day Option 1, Winter Break)
Wednesday, January 15, 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, January 29, 4-6 p.m.
*Friday, February 7, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Tour Day Option 2, Winter Carnival weekend)
Wednesday, February 12, 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 26, 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 12, 4-6 p.m.

OPTIONAL COMP: Sunday, March 16, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Uphill/Big Mountain Comp at Howelsen.
*Participants will choose one of the two field sessions: January 6 OR February 7. Group size for each session is limited, so participants may not get their first choice on field session date.

2024-2025 Program Fee

2024-2025 Program Fee: $725

Payment Plan: SSWSC offers multiple payment options for summer, winter, and year-round program fees. Credit cards, eCheck (ACH bank transfer), cash, and checks are all accepted. We also offer a payment plan option. Find more information HERE.
Scholarships: SSWSC offers scholarships for program fees through a one-step EZ Scholarship process during registration and enrollment. For more information on additional program fee scholarships and other scholarship opportunities, check out the scholarship pages on our website.