GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY CLINIC

This course is designed to build upon the skills obtained in our Introduction to Backcountry Ski & Splitboarding and AST 1 courses. It is aimed at skiers and splitboarders who have some experience in the backcountry and want to improve their movement skills, enhance their risk assessment abilities, and become more valuable assets to their touring partners.

Participants will solidify their foundation while developing essential skills under the guidance and mentorship of a certified instructor. Both theoretical and practical skills are taught.

A clinic is not just a course; it involves building and refining skills so that they can be applied efficiently and effectively. This, in turn, creates a strong, structured foundation for a safe, rewarding trip and rapid future progression.

Ideally, participants will have already completed their AST1 course, have intermediate to advanced ski or splitboarding skills in various conditions, and are in good physical shape. It’s advantageous to have your own backcountry equipment and be well-versed in its function.

Upon completion of this course, we highly recommend signing up for our AST 2 Course before heading into more advanced terrain.

Lift Ticket: If you do NOT currently possess a valid Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket (Seasons Pass, Spirit Pass, Edge Card, Epic Pass, etc.), you may buy a lift ticket through our office at checkout.

Day 1: We will explore the diverse terrain beyond the Whistler resort. Please meet at 8:30 am sharp!

Homework & Pre-Trip Planning:

Participants are given the next day’s location and are required to create a pre-trip plan using the MSAA Trip Planner, Avalanche Forecast, Weather, and other recommended resources. They have a maximum of 30 minutes to finalize the plan.

Morning Meeting & Day Plan:

Participants meet and spend a maximum of 30 minutes discussing the day's avalanche hazard, snow conditions, and the trip plan. The day is structured like a mission, with participants working towards objectives such as testing the snowpack, identifying the best snow and slope, confirming the safety of a slope for skiing, and recognizing changes in conditions.

Foundational Skills Performance:

After completing the standard trailhead procedures of checking transceivers and equipment, students take turns leading the trip and carrying out the clinic's technical objectives as outlined in the curriculum. They explore the best snow conditions and safest routes, implement the trip plan, learn what to avoid, identify suitable runs, conduct snowpack tests, and monitor changes in conditions.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals, we have teamed up with local companies to provide discounted rates. Visit our rental page HERE for more information!

Clothing (Dress appropriately for the conditions):

• Weatherproof shell jacket and pants
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Mid-layer fleece top
• Insulating top and bottom under layers and socks
• Warm hat/toque and balaclava
• Two pairs of gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen

Equipment:

• Lift Pass
• Backpack-25-35 Litres
• Alpine touring skis or splitboard, skins, bindings, and boots
• Avalanche Safety Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe)
• Helmet
• Poles
• First Aid Kit with blister kit
• Rite in the Rain notebook and pencil (optional)
• Map, compass, GPS (optional)
• Lunch, snacks, and water

Course Topics Covered:

• Hazard identification accuracy: rating, type, layer, location, trigger, mitigation

• Safe, efficient, conservative approach, quality ski terrain identification, best; snow, aspects, elevation, incline, terrain type (anchors, trees or open, supported/unsupported) to ski/ride

• Snowpack Problems & Hazard Identification/Investigation/Mitigation Performance
• Downhill ski/riding Performance
• Human factors