Women's Ski / Split Mountaineering Course
Overview
Join our Women’s Ski & Split Mountaineering Course in Jackson Hole and develop the skills needed to travel confidently in technical winter mountain terrain. Designed for advanced backcountry skiers and splitboarders, this hands-on camp covers avalanche rescue, rope systems, snow anchors, navigation, crampon techniques, and steep ski mountaineering travel in the Tetons. Learn alongside a supportive group of women under the guidance of experienced female, AMGA certified mountain guides while building the skills required for bigger backcountry objectives.
Who This Course Is For
- Backcountry skiers and splitboarders advancing into ski mountaineering
- Women preparing for bigger alpine and backcountry objectives
- Skiers and riders looking to build technical mountain skills
- Anyone seeking a supportive, women-focused learning environment
What You’ll Learn
- How to choose appropriate objectives and terrain to step out into.
- The right equipment to bring ski mountaineering and how to use them
- How to read the forecast and choose appropriate steeper objectives with the avalanche hazard
- How to use a rope to rappel with skis, basic self rescue techniques.
Course Format
- Day 1: Ground school and small tour in Grand Teton National Park or on Teton Pass
- Day 2: Ski Objective in GTNP or on Teton Pass
- Day 3: Ski Objective in GTNP
Day 1
Meet on Zoom at 8:00 am to discuss clothing, equipment, packing and current snowpack conditions. We will transition to the field for the remainder of the day to review and introduce the following subjects:
- Avalanche search and rescue
- Ice axe techniques
- Rope management
- Snow anchors
Day 2 and 3
Meet in Grand Teton National Park to put our newly learned skills to use. Participants will have the opportunity to ascend and descend some of the most amazing ski mountaineering terrain that the Tetons have to offer. Participants will also go over the following subjects in the park:
- Steep skiing and riding techniques
- Booting and crampon use
- Skintrack setting and pacing
- Snowpack assessment
- Navigation
Price: $1195 per person
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: 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)
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.