This course is designed for the advanced backcountry user to develop the skills to safely chase more technical ascents and descents. We will focus on everything from choosing objectives that meet the conditions on a given day all the way to executing a ski mountaineering ascent.
Each day will starts by looking at the weather and building a plan.
Days will start at 7 am and finish around 4 pm. After each field day we will debrief the day and discus the days key moments.
Equipment List
These are the items that you will be required to bring:
- Skis, boots, poles and climbing skins: for backcountry touring, AT, Telemark, or Splitboard
- Helmet suitable for skiing (helmet use is recommended for all downhill skiing activities).
- Daypack: A backpack with a capacity of 30-40 litres will allow you to carry all your gear.
- Outerwear jacket: An outer layer waterproof/breathable shell with hood (Gore-tex, etc.). Non-insulated is best.
- Outerwear pants: waterproof/breathable shell. Full zips are ideal for venting and ease of on/off with boots on
- Personal clothing layers: layering works well, no cotton.
- Gloves: warm mountaineering or ski gloves with removable liners. Bring 1 pair, plus 1 pair extra liners, or 2 pair of gloves.
- Toque/warm hat: wool or fleece
- Hat with sun visor: baseball cap, etc.
- Sunglasses: must have 100% UV blockage and ideally provide full protection with wrap-around style, or side shields
- Ski goggles:
- Headlamp: small size with extra batteries
- Water bottle/hydration system: 1 litre minimum, 2 litres is ideal. For hydration/hose systems use insulated hoses to reduce freezing
- Small thermos: optional, but very nice to have a hot drink during the field days!
- Note pad and pencil: optional
- Avalanche shovel.
- Avalanche transceiver.
- Avalanche Probe.
- Climbing or Ski Harness
- Avaluator Trip Planner (provided in course material)
Some items on the list may be borrowed from Revelstoke Alpine School, but it is recommended that you purchase your own and get familiar with the equipment. Let me know in advance if you are missing anything.