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 Synthetic: medium to expedition weight long underwear Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman 1/2 zip
- Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear 32 Degree Jacket
- Shell Jacket with hood. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cloudseeker Jacket
- Puffy Jacket: Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Ghostwhisperer Jacket
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman Tight
- Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Highball 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: Mountain Hardwear Cyclone GTX 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: Mammut Pro Short Removable Airbag System Backpack
- 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-Extra batteries
SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY (Packages available for rent at Jackson location ONLY)
- Boots: Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Snowboarding Boots
- Skis or Splitboard with compatible binding for boots
- Climbing Skins (fit to skis)
- Ski Poles
- Helmet (optional)
SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT (REQUIRED and available for rent at JHMG)
- Transceiver Guide Pick:Mammut Barryvox S
- Shovel Guide Pick: Mammut Alugator Twist shove
- Probe Guide Pick: Mammut Fastlock Probe 240
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.
