Training

Overview

Please review all training information to get a full sense of what type of condition and ability you need to be in for this backcountry course. For those who have not specifically trained for mountaineering and backcountry skiing/riding in the past, we recommend using a targeted training plan to help you prepare.

Books to consider:

Training for the Uphill Athlete by Kilian Jornet, Steve House, and Scott Johnston

For female climbers, we recommend the following two books as supplementary reading:

ROAR and NEXT LEVEL by Stacy T. Sims, PhD

Personal trainers that are familiar with the demands of backcountry skiing / riding are highly recommended as they can create personal training plans utilizing both indoor and outdoor locations with long range objectives and criteria. Trainers and training programs can help build a program based on your location, access to gyms, and outdoor training venues.

For customized training plans and coaching, contact Steve House and the team at Uphill Athlete.  Alpine Ascents climbers are eligible for a discount on Uphill Athlete training and coaching services to help prepare for their next objective. Please email Alpine Ascents to receive the discount code.

Preparation for Traveling in the Backcountry

Prioritize your training efforts in the following way, assuming that you are in good health and injury-free:

Backcountry skiing and snowboarding requires a high degree of fitness.  We can accommodate each day of touring to your level of fitness, but the more you prepare, the more you will enjoy the course.  Typical days of touring are between 3,500 – 4,000 vertical feet of climbing up and skiing / riding down.  Please let us know if you have any questions about your fitness or training for backcountry skiing / riding.

• Strength training – for the lower and upper body
• Cardiovascular training – including both aerobic and anaerobic workouts
• Flexibility training

Skiing and Riding in the Backcountry

While it is important to have a high degree of fitness, it is vital that participants are familiar with downhill skiing or snowboarding skills.  Participants should be advanced riders and should feel very comfortable on black diamond or harder terrain in a variety of snow conditions. Prior experience skiing off-piste (terrain that’s off groomed trails) is essential will pay dividends in the backcountry where snow conditions can vary greatly.   You may encounter deep snow, bumps, steep slopes, chutes, and crud in a single run!   If you are still working on basic ski techniques, we recommend taking a lesson at a ski resort before venturing out in the backcountry.

You should be very familiar with your backcountry touring gear prior to coming to the course.

Feel free to give us a call at 206-378-1927 if you are unsure about your skiing / riding ability.