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NEED THE GEAR? HAVE NO FEAR! WE’LL INCLUDE A Free AVALANCHE SAFETY KIT RENTAL if you book by nov 15, 2026! ($120 VALUE)
Kit includes: Touring Specific 30L Backpack, Avalanche Transceiver, Avalanche Shovel, Probe
COURSE DETAILS
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Walk away from this weekend course with a full set of fundamental backcountry touring skills! And avalanche rescue skills!
You’ll be set to confidently head out on beginner tours, or join a crew for beginner/intermediate tours!
Backcountry gear setup, transitions, and packing essentials
Efficient skinning techniques, kick turns, and energy management
How to read and apply the daily avalanche forecast to your tour
Basic terrain identification and hazard avoidance
Beacon, probe, and shovel mechanics for companion rescue
Official AIARE Avalanche Rescue curriculum and certification
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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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Pre Requisites:
Can onfidently link turns on blue square runs at the ski resort. Must be comfortable linking turns off the groomer on lower angle terrain. Skiiers & snowboarders welcome!
First-time tourers looking for a comprehensive, supportive introduction to the backcountry.
Anyone who wants to build proper habits from day one alongside an encouraging, female-led group.
Moderate fitness. This course is low stress, high vibe, and focuses on learning and building a strong foundation of skills. You can expect to be moving outside for 4 - 6 hours at a conversational pace, with a light day pack. We’ll have plenty of snack breaks, etc!
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3 full days of expert field instruction led by AMGA Trained & Certified female mountain guides, and Certified AIARE Instructors
Official AIARE Avalanche Rescue Certification & course materials
Small group ratios for personalized coaching
Pre-course gear packing list & orientation guidance
Endless supply of skin-track Nerds Clusters & high vibes
Wilderness Permits
Not Included:
Transportation & Lodging
Personal Food/Water
Gear
see Gear List
Don’t have gear? Have no fear! We have rentals available :)
Trip Cancellation Insurance/Evac coverage
See our Cancellation Policy for details
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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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Click the Gear List to see what you’ll need for the course.
Sign up before November 15, 2026 and we’ll include a FREE Avy Safety Kit Rental for the duration of the course ($120 Value).
rental includes avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, probe, and 30L Haute Route Pack (short back) from Ortovox
SPLITBOARD RENTALS:
We offer complete splitboard set ups for rent for this course at a special rate of $60/day.
3 Day Rental includes splitboard, hardware, bindings, skins, and poles. BYO Boots!
We’ll send out a form to fill out after booking if you’re interested in rentals.
You’re welcome to shop around, but we know our prices for our multi-day programs are as good as they get. We’re here to break down barriers to entry as best we can!
TOURING SKI RENTALS:
We don’t yet have our own fleet of touring ski rentals.
However, we work with local shops to get discounted rental rates for this 3 Day Course!
Ski Touring Rental WITH Boots: $70/day
Ski Touring Rental WITHOUT Boots: $60/day
3 Day Rental includes skis, bindings, skins, and poles. If you’re boots are not compatible with touring bindings/do not have “Walk Mode” you will need to rent boots as well.
We’ll send out a form to fill out after booking if you’re interested in rentals.
“this isn’t your standard “intro to backcountry.”
With 3 full days of learnings, you’re able to build a proper foundation of skills AND dedicate a full day to hands-on avalanche rescue practice. It turns the intro experience into one of enjoyment, immersion, and community-building, rather than stress, intensity, and a rushed intake of information. You’ll get to ski/ride in magnificent places, meet future touring partners, and simply, it’s just a darn good way to spend a weekend in the snow!”
— Sammy Rubin, Lead Guide & Founder
reviews that make us smile
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Tina K.
“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.”
Beginner Backcountry Weekend, 2026
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Lisa J.
“I learned that slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. But shoveling is fast. So grateful for such a supportive group of ladies to learn this all with. I’ve wanted to do this forever, but was so intimidated. What a great weekend!”
Beginner Backcountry Weekend, 2026
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Verity S.
“We didn’t know how much we didn’t know. Sammy was so patient, and never made us feel dumb for our millions of questions. We showed up having no idea what we were getting into, and are leaving with so much excitement for what this new journey will bring! Thank you!”
Beginner Backcountry Weekend, 2026