Overview
This one day camp is ideal for the resort skier or rider who is looking to transition into backcountry skiing or riding. Our guides will help you to make the intimidating transition from from front country to backcountry feel more approachable by sharing the basic fundamental skills in both the classroom and the field.
By the end of the day, participants will have been introduced to the necessary skills to participate in future backcountry tours, either guided or as a well informed recreational partner. This information includes packing, layering, pacing, navigation and emergency planning, as well as any teachable moments along the way.
Participants in the camp should be capable of hiking 3000 feet uphill in a day and must be strong intermediate to advanced skiers who are capable of skiing un-groomed and treed terrain. This camp is ideal preparation for for taking an AIARE 1 course.
Trip Planner
Itinerary
Plan to meet your guide in Estes Park around 8 AM. During this time, you’ll go over the following topics:
- Introductions
- Risk Management
- Gear and Packing
- Avalanche Hazard Discussion
- Navigation and Trip Planning
From there, you’ll head into the field for a tour, throughout which, you will cover the following topics:
- Intro to Avalanche Rescue
- Layering
- Route Finding and Navigation
- Skin Track Setting and Pacing
- Snowpack Assessment
- Traveling in Avalanche Terrain
- Strategies for Downhill Travel
Pricing
Price: $250 per person
Schedule
Click HERE to few available dates and sign up now!
Thinking about signing up, but still have questions? Inquire here!
Equipment
UPPER LAYERS
- Top Long Sleeve: Mid weight backcountry oriented top Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody
- Mid weight insulated Jacket Guide Pick: Black Diamond Solution Jacket
- Shell Jacket with hood. Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Shell
- Puffy Jacket: Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Black Diamond Access Down Hoody
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms Guide Pick: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Base Layer
- Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT Pant
- Socks: Synthetic or wool. Sized for your boots and blister protection. Liners recommended.
HEAD AND HANDS
- Gloves 3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair Guide Pick: Black Diamond Legend Glove
- Hat: medium weight ski hat
- Hat: baseball or visor for sun
- Buff/neck gaiter
ACCESSORIES
- Back Pack: 30 to 40 Liter ski pack, Guide Pick: Black Diamond Jet Force Pro 35 Airbag Pack
- Water & Food: Thermos or insulated water bottles are best. Lot’s of snacks.
- Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
- Ski Goggles
- Extra Prescription Glasses/Contact Lens
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Headlamp Guides Pick: Black Diamond Cosmo 350 R Rechargeable
SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY (Packages available for rent)
- Boots: Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Snowboarding Boots
- Skis: Guide Pick: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95
- Splitboard: Guides Pick: Black Diamond X Cardiff Co-Lab
- Climbing Skins: Guides Pick: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins ( must trip to fit skis)
- Ski Poles: Guides Pick: Traverse Compactor Ski Poles
- Helmet (optional)
SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT (REQUIRED and available for rent from TMG)
Talk To Us
Here you’ll find online tools and information about joining us for a trip of a lifetime! To sign up for a trip, or if you have any questions, please call us. Listed on the left side of these pages are links that you may find useful, including printable forms and policies concerning a trip with TMG. We encourage ALL prospective climbers to read our Preparation advice. Our office can help place you with others who are looking to climb.
