Beginner Backcountry Weekend
You already know how to ski/ride. We’ll teach you everything else.
The backcountry can be intimidating.
& rightfully so! There’s a lot to learn, like how to use the gear, how to move in the mountains without a trail, learning about avalanches, reading an avalanche forecast, and so much more.
If you’ve wanted to try backcountry touring, but don’t know where to start/feel overwhelmed, this is the 3 Day Beginner Backcountry Weekend course for you!
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Day 1: The Basics
8 am - Meet @ Trailhead
Spend the day learning the basics! We’ll go over setting up and using our gear, practice all sorts of different movement techniques, practice transitions, and ski multiple small laps so we can dial in our fundamentals!
2:30/3 pm: - Debrief @ Trailhead
Day 2: Solidifying Fundamentals/Let’s Go Ski/Ride!
8 am - Meet @ Local Coffee Shop
We’ll spend the first part of the AM going over basic elements of reading an avalanche forecast and tour planning.
10 am - Meet @ Trailhead
Solidify our fundamentals with a proper tour! We’ll explore a new zone, put our skills to use, and get in some wiggles!
3 pm - Debrief @ Trailhead
Day 3: Avalanche Rescue Practice
8 am - Meet @ Trailhead
We’ll spend the day learning how to use our avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels, and run through multiple single and group avalanche incident rescue scenarios.
2:30/3 pm - Debrief @ Cars
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Dial In Your BC Set Up
Skinning Techniques (AVA turns, Kick Turns, Sidehilling)
Transition the Gear to Downhill Mode (and back to uphill mode)
Ski/Ride on BC Gear (it’s different!!)
How to Read and Understand an Avalanche Forecast
Identifying Local Beginner Touring Zones
Basic Tour Planning & Mapping
Basic Decision Making & Communication
How to Effectively Use Beacon, Shovel Probe to Perform an Avalanche Rescue
How to Perform A Rescue By Yourself & or With A Partner
Resources For Backcountry Touring & Next Steps
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Who this course is for:
Femme+ Humans with 0 - 5 Backcountry Tours under their belt.
Must be confident skiing off groomers on blue runs.
Mild to moderate level fitness (able to be outside, moving at a comfortable/casual pace for multiple hours)
Our beginner weekend is low stress, high vibe! The focus is learning, so our pacing will be conversational and relaxed while touring!
Think 1000’ - 2000’ feet of vertical movement uphill/dowhnill over the course of a full day (multiple laps).
This comprehensive 3 day course is the only of it’s kind, and has been specially designed by our experienced female mountain professionals to emphasize:
safety (physical, mental, emotional)
empowerment
FUN
high level learning and skill development
patience
It’s also been designed to specifically address some of the unique skillsets women bring into this sport.
We keep our ratios small to maximize learning outcomes <3.
Things you’ll gain from this Course:
the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to be a participating, thriving member of any touring group setting out for beginner and intermediate level tours.
a full set of fundamental skills to keep building upon
some new touring pals!
“Thank you again for such an amazing weekend. I had the best time and learned so much from our guide, Sammy! Her energy made the whole experience feel so fun, safe, and empowering.”
- Tina K. Beginner Backcountry Weekend, 2026-
Included:
Femme+ AMGA Trained or Certified Ski/Splitboard guide, Certified Avalanche Instructor
Guides carry first aid, repair kit, and emergency response equipment
2 Days of Guided Ski Touring/Splitboarding
1 Day of Avalanche Rescue Practice
1 hr session - How to Read/Interpret an Avalanche Forecast
Wilderness Permits
Not Included:
Transportation & Lodging
Personal Food/Water
Gear
see Gear List
we have limited rentals available!
Trip Cancellation Insurance/Evac coverage
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After booking through our site, you can expect to receive a confirmation email from us within 24 hours that payment has been successfully received, and your spot is reserved!
We’ll follow up with a welcome email full of information about your trip, with gear lists/rental info, waivers to sign, etc.
A week before the course we’ll follow up with further details, like weather and trailhead specifics. We wait to pick a trailhead so we can capitalize on the best current conditions for touring!
Your trailhead will be within the region of the course you select.
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We recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your purchase from unforeseeable circumstances. If you wish to cancel your trip for any reason, a request must be made in writing via EMAIL.
GENERAL:
Trips are refundable minus a 20% admin fee until 60 Days before departure.
Trips are NON REFUNDABLE 60 days or fewer before trip departure.
If you’d like to inquire about putting down a deposit, we can accept a 30% non-refundable deposit for courses and trips. Reach out via Email, and we will set this up. Full payment will be due 60 Days before departure. Trips are NON REFUNDABLE 60 days or fewer before trip departure.
TRIP INSURANCE can be purchased to help cover the trip fees and other costs incurred under the policy. Regardless of which plan you purchase, make sure you have adequate coverage. Tracks of Her Own is not responsible for poor weather and bad and or closed road conditions. We run trips in inclement weather! Unless specifically canceled, please assume the trip will run and arrive at the program venue on time.
Travelex Select Insurance
World Nomads
travelinsurance.com
In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to reschedule, alter the trip’s itinerary, or cancel the trip. Trip cancellation is the last resort and every effort will be made to run the trip in some facility.