Teton Backcountry Essentials
Overview
Teton Backcountry Essentials: Intro to Backcountry Skiing in Jackson Hole
This course is ideal for the resort skier or rider looking to transition into the backcountry. Our guides will make the leap from front country to backcountry feel more approachable by sharing the fundamental skills with you in both the field and classroom.
Backcountry Essentials at a Glance
- Location: Teton Pass and nearby Jackson Hole terrain
- Level: Introductory
- Prerequisites: None; strong intermediate skiing or riding on ungroomed and treed terrain
- Format: Evening session plus one full field day
- Season: Winter
- For: Resort skiers and riders transitioning to the backcountry; ideal prep for AIARE 1
What You'll Learn in Backcountry Essentials
- Packing, layering, and equipment selection for a backcountry day
- Skinning technique, skin-track setting, pacing, and uphill and downhill transitions
- Navigation, tour planning, and reading the avalanche bulletin
- Avalanche rescue basics with beacon, probe, and shovel
- Group communication, hazard mitigation, and emergency planning
By the end of the camp, participants will have been introduced to the necessary skills to participate in future backcountry tours, either guided or as a well-informed recreational partner. These skills include packing, layering, pacing, navigation, and emergency planning, as well as any teachable moments along the way.
Course Format
The course opens with an evening session covering introductions, tour planning, equipment, and hazard mitigation, followed by a full field day: an hour of avalanche rescue practice, then a guided tour on Teton Pass or nearby terrain practicing skinning, transitions, navigation, and communication, with a debrief to close. See the Itinerary and Schedule tabs for current dates and meeting details.
Who This Course Is For & Prerequisites
Participants in the camp should be capable of hiking 1,500-2,000 feet uphill in a day and must be strong intermediate skiers who are capable of skiing un-groomed and treed terrain. This course is ideal preparation for taking an AIARE 1.
Why Take Backcountry Essentials with The Mountain Guides
- AMGA-trained and certified guides who tour the Tetons all winter
- Teton Pass terrain, the same terrain you want to ski
- Small groups and skills you can use on your next tour, guided or with partners
Continue Your Avalanche Education
Once you have the travel skills down, an AIARE 1 is the next step. Check availability and course dates in the Schedule tab below.
Evening Zoom:
5:30-7:30 PM - Introductions, tour planning, equipment selection and use, and hazard mitigation.
Field Day: Meet in the Field | Location TBA
8:00-9:00 Avalanche Rescue
9:00-3:30 Tour - Trailhead check, gear orientation, skinning techniques, layer management, navigation, skin track setting, down hill transitions, downhill efficiencies and communication, and uphill transitions.
3:30-4:00 Debrief + Course Close
Price: $200 per person
Minimum number of participants: 3
CLICK HERE to check availability and sign up for a course
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:
- 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)
Grand Teton National Park is located roughly 30 minutes from our Jackson, WY headquarters. Our Jackson office is located in the south part of Jackson at 1325 S. Highway 89, Suite 104 and shares a parking area with Smith’s. Our phone number is (800) 239-7642 or (307) 733-4979. Most trips and classes will meet at this office for gear checks, preparation, and classes. The Jackson Hole airport is the closest, but Idaho Falls (a 2 – 2.5 hour drive) is a cheaper option and Salt Lake City (4 – 5 hour drive) are also air travel options. It is helpful to arrive a couple of days prior to your trip/class in order to acclimatize. Otherwise, you should arrive the day before and stop by our office for an equipment check. Do not plan on traveling the day after a significant climb – you will be tired and there are no guaranteed times when we will return to the trailhead. Plan on having accommodations for the night prior to and the night you return from a significant climb. There are a plethora of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Jackson and the surrounding area. Accommodations near our office make your transitions convenient. It is highly advisable to make reservations as early as possible. Lodging recommendations and many more details can be found in the downloadable document below.