ADV23151

This course is designed to equip aspiring backcountry skiers and splitboarders with the skills and information needed to safely travel through and interpret the winter environment. The winter environment is fundamental to the course curriculum, focusing on how snow dynamics affect ski conditions, avalanche hazards, and winter ecology. Starting on gently rolling terrain and progressing to more complex terrain, beginning backcountry skiers and riders will start with the diagonal stride and advance stride to more advanced techniques for ascending and descending on touring equipment. Following the American Avalanche Association’s Level 1 curriculum, students will learn about the contribution of terrain, weather, snowpack, and the human factor to avalanche hazards and how to evaluate risks and effectively initiate self-rescue. Students will be introduced to winter ecology including the nivean environment, snow tracking, and plant, animal, and human adaptations for survival. The teaching format involves both experiential and presentation-based instruction. Experiential outings are primarily day trips from a hut, yurt, or lodge and are not lift assisted. Other topics in the course include temperature regulation, snow camping, winter survival; equipment design, care, and repair; cultural implications of snow sports; cold stress and ailments; nutritional requirements; and practical weather forecasting.