Intro to Backcountry Touring Itinerary
Day 1 – Technical Skills
We’ll tour from Snoqualmie Pass to a zone suited for focused steep skiing practice. The day will be spent on skill-building: cramponing, ice axe use, rope management, belaying, rappelling, anchor building for backcountry skiing, and managing steep entrances. The goal is to create a solid foundation of technical proficiency before heading into bigger terrain.
Day 2 – Skills Application in Terrain
We’ll put it all together on a steep, technical ski tour. Expect sustained skinning and booting, careful route selection, and committing descents. This is a full-day tour where participants will practice decision-making and apply the rope and steep skiing skills learned on Day 1 in a real-world setting.
I had a fantastic time on the 13-day course and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning to get started as an alpine climber. I feel somewhat capable as a climber after taking this course and am excited to continue taking trips through Alpine Ascents.
