Renaissance Adventure Guides

Snow Sports

Introduction to Backcountry Skiing

 

Prerequisites:  Intermediate (or better) downhill skiing/snowboarding skills

Price: $160.00/person (Includes rental of avalanche beacon, probe, shovel and admission to RMNP)
4:1 student to instructor ratio
Minimum of 2 students need to run this lesson

This one-day course is for the in-bounds skier or rider who wants to try skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry in a safe and educational environment. Your AMGA-trained ski guide will take a maximum of 4 participants on a half-day backcountry tour in Rocky Mountain National Park, and will demonstrate the fundamental skills of safe backcountry travel including selecting appropriate clothing and equipment, using the avalanche forecast and tour planning, basic avalanche safety skills and rescue procedures, proper use of AT and telemark skis, split-boards and climbing skins, uphill and downhill route finding and travel techniques and group management.

Although this course will expose participants to the fundamental skills for safe backcountry skiing and riding, including the basic avalanche awareness and rescue, we suggest that participants also consider enrolling in an AIARE Level 1 avalanche safety course.

Itinerary:

• 8am-10am: Meet in Estes Park, introductions, discussion of participants' and group's objectives, gear check and review proper use of equipment, introduction to avalanche safety awareness and rescue procedures, review avalanche forecast and tour plan
• 10-11am: Carpool to trailhead in RMNP, get ready for tour
• 11am-1pm: Avalanche beacon tutorial, rescue techniques and practice, lunch break
• 1-5pm: Backcountry tour, including field observations, avalanche terrain and hazard recognition; uphill travel techniques (track setting, kick and step turns, pacing); downhill travel techniques (route selection, turning in varying snow conditions); time and pace management (pacing, breaks, eating and drinking); group management
• 5-6pm: Return to Estes Park, optional tour debriefing and discussion of further learning opportunities

Recommended Gear List:  AT or telemark skis and poles or split-board, climbing skins, backpack, etc. (participants will be provided with a complete list of essential clothing and equipment prior to the tour)

Locations and Dates:  
Rocky Mountain National Park
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010

Get 4 or more people together and we will run a private course on the dates of your choice, schedule permitting. 

Call (303) 988-2943 or email info@raguides.com if you have any questions.

Cancellation (Refund) Policy