Intro to Backcountry Package
Save $100 when you reserve a 1 Day Intro to Ski and Splitboard Touring and an AIARE 1 Course at the same time.
A beginner-friendly backcountry skiing and splitboarding package for riders who want a clear, supported path into backcountry splitboard and ski touring. Hands-on coaching will build the foundational skills that make AIARE courses, guided touring days, and independent tours more productive: gear systems, touring skin care, uphil and downhill transitions, skinning technique, backcountry ski coaching, terrain awareness, positive group communication, and trip planning basics.
Hands-on coaching with the areas most experienced backcountry instructors
Get prepared with the areas most experienced backcountry instructors that will create welcoming transition into your AIARE 1 Course by bundling it with this 1 Day Intro to Backcountry Course. We find participants perform better during avalanche courses after participating in our Intro to Backcountry day.
Part of our ski touring & splitboarding guide →
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Stance Adjustments: Have to get that uphill and downhill stance dialed. Splitboarders optimize stance width and angles while allowing acceptable uphill touring performance.
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Skinning Movement: Dial in efficient skinning techniques for uphill travel such as heel plant, hips forward, and short strides
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Kick Turns: Learn and practice kick turns including AVA, K Turn, Convergent & Divergent, and full on kick turn.
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Quick Transitions: Improve transition times between skinning and shredding.
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Equipment Care: Keep warm, keep dry, stay happy tour longer = Maintenance and care for your touring gear so you can spend all day in the mountains
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Trekking Pole Integration: Its never always, and always- it depends. Have reason to have your poles in hand. Effective use of trekking poles for splitboarders.
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Efficiency Techniques: Enhance efficiency for both ascents and descents.
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Travel Planning: AIARE 1 course- Develop a comprehensive plan for safe travel and avoid avalanche terrain.
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Terrain Identification: AIARE1 Course- Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche-prone areas.
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Risk Management: Utilize the AIARE Risk Management Framework to make informed terrain choices within a group.
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Companion Rescue: AIARE 1- Perform effective companion rescue techniques.
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Expert Instruction: Learn from our professional AIARE instructors who bring extensive backcountry ski experience and in depth personal local knowledge.
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Comprehensive Curriculum: Benefit from a well-rounded program that combines online learning with 2-3 days of hands-on field time.
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Indoor Classroom Location: Our Mount Baker courses meet in our classroom in Glacier Washington the closest guide service to Baker with a short 25 min drive from Mount Baker and provides indoor information gathering.
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Newcomers to splitboarding and ski touring should be comfortable in ski area equivalent blue runs on a variety of snow conditions. Make sure this isnt your 1st day of skiing for the season.
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AIARE 1 Participants: Get out there and ski at the ski area a bit. Get your legs under you right away.
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Experienced Backcountry Travelers: Practice Transitions and get your gear sorted, we can work with every ability level and can guarantee you level up your skills.
Pre-Course: Self-Guided Online Learning with a 2-hour virtual check-in.
Day 1: Intro to touring day focused on movement skills and gear management, with all the avalanche considerations taken care of by your guide.
Day 2: AIARE 1 In-person field days at Mt Baker, Snoqualmie Pass, or Paradise at Mount Rainier.
Day 3: AIARE 1 In-person field days at Mt Baker, Snoqualmie Pass, or Paradise at Mount Rainier.
Optional Day 4: Brief in-person classroom session in Glacier & Field Day at Heather Meadows
Elevate the skills you need to explore the best in winter backcountry ski touring and splitboarding. Take the first step towards becoming a knowledgeable and confident backcountry traveler.
Our custom crafted AIARE course provides several online learning resources for self paced work leading up to our in person sessions. We will have a 2 hour virtual session in the week before our course. Our specially crafted courses give you up to 25% more field time with our pro instructors in the North Cascade Mountains in Washington.
Yes. This package is designed for skiers and splitboarders who are new to touring and want a structured entry point to your AIARE 1 avalanche training.
No, but avalanche training is the next step. This course helps prepare you for AIARE 1 with a discount and future backcountry travel.
Our skilled guides are career minded and with decades of introducing backcountry psyche to all abilities. They have extensive backcountry experience at Mount Baker, Snoqualmie Pass, and Paradise at Mount Rainier.
YES! This is a learn by doing experience. We are with you every step of the way, well help you through your first kick turn, help manage icy skins, and keep your goggle dry all while ripping in the world class Baker Backcountry.
This package covers all the essential skills for and effective introduction to ski and splitboard touring. From then join us every other year to refresh your skills and keep up with current standards. Learning is a life lomng process and check out our AIARE Rescue, AIARE 2, and Advanced Ski Touring and Splitboarding Courses
Gear list
Gear list
Gear required varies trip to trip. Your guide helps you decide what to bring or leave during the gear check. Need to rent crampons, ice axe, harness, or helmet? Let us know when you book.
Cancellation
It is your responsibility to be familiar with our Payment, Cancellation, and Rescheduling Policies. When you book a trip with Guided Exposure, you are agreeing to our policies outlined here:
