Adult Backcountry Touring

Adult Backcountry Touring, ages 18+

The Adult Backcountry Touring program is for beginning to intermediate backcountry riders interested in learning how to travel efficiently and stay safe in the winter mountains. Most training sessions will take place every other Tuesday evening at Howelsen Hill, with one longer field day at a local backcountry area (see schedule below). The group will get some exercise while learning how to travel efficiently and what next steps are needed to make backcountry decisions. Participants will be ready for AIARE educational courses or for joining hut trips and backcountry outings with experienced groups.

Requirements

Skill Requirement: Ability to ski black runs and a desire to and willingness to hike for 2 or more 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 (25-35 liter pack.

Age: Anyone 18 and up!

Schedule

January 7 – March 19

Two available training times: Tuesday evening OR Wednesday at lunchtime. Participants will all be able to join for a full day tour together.

TUESDAY ON-SNOW SESSIONS:
Every other Tuesday evening in addition to one tour day
OPTIONAL ADD-ON: AIARE 1 Course, December 6-8 (3 full days, addition fee)
Tuesday, January 7, 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, January 21, 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, February 4, 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, March 4, 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.
Sunday, March 9, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Tour Day)
OPTIONAL COMP: Sunday, March 16, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Uphill/Big Mountain Comp at Howelsen
Tuesday, March 18, 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. (we could switch this to February 18 if someone will be in town to coach)

WEDNESDAY ON-SNOW SESSIONS:
Every other Wednesday lunchtime in addition to one tour day
OPTIONAL ADD-ON: AIARE 1 Course, December 6-8 (3 full days)
Wednesday, January 8, 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, January 22, 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, February 5, 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Wednesday, March 5, 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Sunday, March 9, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (Tour Day)
OPTIONAL COMP: Sunday, March 16, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Uphill/Big Mountain Comp at Howelsen
Wednesday, March 19, 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (we could switch this to February 19 if someone will be in town to coach)

More info here about AIARE courses and special events.

2024-2025 Program Fee

2024-2025 Program Fee: $325

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.