Backcountry Touring; 2-day Seminar | Utah Courses, Classes & Workshops

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Scheduled Course - Backcountry Touring: 2-day Seminar

Backcountry Touring: 2-day Seminar

Learn avalanche awareness, beacon rescue, safe route selection, efficient skinning, downhill technique on skis and snowboard, and enjoy legendary Wasatch touring. Designed for beginner and intermediate backcountry enthusiasts.

Description:

Instructors will initially focus on equipment and procedures for travel in avalanche terrain. Techniques for maximizing efficiency on skins and trail setting will be reviewed.

Special attention will be given to kick turning skills and tricks. The guides will address route selection as the party ascends to appropriate runs. Guides will coach participants in transitions to downhill mode and proper procedures for descent in avalanche-prone terrain. Techniques for skiing and boarding in untracked snow will be demonstrated.

Each participant will be given individual tips on how to improve downhill skills. Time will be allowed for lunch, snacks, water breaks and enjoyment of the winter Wasatch environment. Guides may demonstrate and / or give students a chance to do practice beacon searches. The second day will be a longer tour, usually reaching a classic Wasatch bowl or skiable peak. Participants will apply skinning, downhill, and avalanche procedures while enjoying the best terrain and snow conditions available.

How to Register:

Guides will dig a snowpit and demonstrate other snow stability assessment techniques as the party travels. Instructor will suggest good tours for students to do on their own, and offer insights into a progression of tours and ski mountaineering ascents to enable goals to be achieved.