Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

In our Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding course, instructors will initially focus on equipment and procedures for travel in avalanche terrain. Participants will learn and practice strategies for maximizing efficiency on skins and trail setting, with special attention paid to uphill kick-turning skills.

Guides will address route selection as the party ascends to level-appropriate runs. Our 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, and each participant will be given individual tips on how to improve downhill skills. However, general downhill skiing and snowboarding skills are best learned at a ski resort from an instructor.

Instructors will suggest good tours for students to complete on their own and offer insights into a progression of tours and ski mountaineering ascents to help participants reach their goals.

Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding Course Outcomes

• Learn basic use of avalanche beacon, shovel and probe
• Practice efficient skinning
• Learn uphill kick turns for complex terrain
• Practice effective transitions from uphill to downhill
• Gain route-finding and navigational skills
• Improve ability to ski or ride downhill in backcountry snow and terrain
• Know what gear to pack and how to stay warm, energized and hydrated

Max Student : Instructor Ratio

4 : 1

Next Steps in Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

The skinning proficiency and downhill backcountry movement on splitboard and skis gained in this course are the essential prerequisites to UMA’s avalanche courses. 

Graduates of UMA’s Intro to BC and Avalanche Fundamentals / Awareness are ready for our other backcountry courses and custom backcountry ski tours with friendly, professional UMA guides.

Course dates don’t fit your schedule?

Any of our pre-scheduled courses can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.

Course Prerequisites

• No backcountry experience is necessary.
• Previous resort skiing or snowboarding experience is required.
• Practice skiing or riding off groomed runs (in deeper, soft and variable snow conditions) is recommended.

Skill Level

• This is an introductory backcountry course.
• Participants must be able to link turns in variable snow conditions and stop in control.

This full-day course takes place in either Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon near Salt Lake City (expect to be in the field for 8 hours). Participants should bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters). UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.

SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION

The usual meeting time and place is between 7 am and 8 am at the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride lot, but these are subject to change. Exact meeting times and locations will be provided to enrolled participants before the course date.

GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR

You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.

How To Register

• Register Online
• Call us at (801) 550-3986
• Email us at [email protected]

UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 2 participants register.

BACKCOUNTRY TOURING EQUIPMENT LIST

• Non-cotton top and bottom base layer
• Puffy overcoat and/or other insulation layer (fleece, synthetic or down)
• Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants (or bibs)
• Wool socks
• Waterproof snow gloves and mittens (or a second pair of gloves)
• Lightweight gloves for uphill travel
• Warm hat and baseball cap
• Helmet (recommended)
• Sunglasses and goggles
• Sunscreen
• 1-2 liters of water (water bladders not recommended for winter use)
• Thermos of hot drink (optional)
• Sack lunch and snacks
• Ski touring or snowboard boots
• Alpine touring or telemark skis, or splitboard
• Skins
• Ski poles with powder baskets
• Beacon
• Shovel
• Probe
• Backpack (20-45 liters)

Please see our Backcountry Touring Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.

Please see the Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding section on our main FAQ page for common course questions.