SKI MOUNTAINEERING

Ski mountaineering involves both alpine navigation and backcountry skiing. Our course is taught by fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain and Ski Guides to ensure the highest level of expertise for participants.

The first day focuses on intensive skill-building, introducing ski mountaineering techniques and skills. The second day is dedicated to practicing ski mountaineering in the field.

Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to practice and refine their skills, equipping them with a strong foundation in ski mountaineering.

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.

**All Courses are subject to a minimum number of participants. 48-hour notice will be given if the minimum number has not been reached.

Day 1: Meet the guide at 8:30 am. The guide will have everyone sign a waiver before leading a discussion about the current weather and avalanche conditions, the day's objectives, and performing an equipment check. The group will then head up the mountain.

The day will end at approximately 4:30 pm with a debrief of the day, a lesson on creating a ski mountaineering route plan, and a discussion on the next day's weather, avalanche forecasts, and mountain conditions.

Day 2: Meet the guide at 8:30 am. The guide will have everyone sign a waiver before leading a discussion about the current weather and avalanche conditions, the day's objectives, and performing an equipment check. The group will then head up the mountain.

The day will end at around 4:30 PM with a debrief, course review, Q&A, and discussion of next steps for all students.

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:

• Insulated top and bottom under layers and socks
• Mid-layer fleece top
• Weatherproof shell jacket and pants
• Warm hat, optional balaclava or neck tube
• Two pairs of gloves, optional mittens
• Goggles, sunglasses and sunscreen

Individual Equipment:

• Touring skis or splitboard with skins & Poles
• Lift Tickets (Day 1 & 2)
• Ski Crampons (condtion dependent)
• Avalanche Safety Kit (probe, transceiver, shovel)
• Mountaineering Axe
• Harness
• Crevasse Rescue Kit
• 3 locking carabiners
• 4 non-locking carabiners (ideally munter or pear-shaped)
• 2 x 5m 7mm prussik
• 1 auto-block device (ATC Guide)
• 1 double length sling
• 1 x 22cm ice screw (optional)
• 0.5m personal prussik
• 50 meter ski touring rope (optional)
• Minimal alpine rock rack; 2-3 cams, 3-4 stoppers- 4 shoulder length draws (optional)
• Rite in the Rain notebook and mechanical pencil
• First aid kit with blister kit
• Glop stopper (condtion dependent)
• Ski scraper
• Map, compass, GPS, laptop computer (all optional)

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to ski mountaineering equipment
• Ascending/descending
• Belaying and rappelling, anchors
• Ski mountaineering objective
• Glacier travel & alpine hazard evaluation
• “Survival skiing” technique

Click HERE for the full curriculum