INTRODUCTION TO BACKCOUNTRY
Starting from$199
Step into the world of backcountry skiing and build confidence while exploring new terrain. This introduction offers a perfect balance of adventure and education, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to safely navigate off-piste environments. Learn the essentials, enhance your technique, and get ready to unlock the vast, untouched beauty of the backcountry. Whether you’re new to skiing or looking to expand your abilities, this experience opens the door to a whole new realm of outdoor exploration.
Backcountry Skiing
Introduction To Backcountry
What skills will I learn in the Intro to Backcountry course?
You’ll learn essential backcountry skills, including how to use backcountry skiing equipment, uphill skinning techniques, and navigation across varied terrain. We’ll also cover basics of route planning and terrain selection, giving you a beginning foundation for future backcountry adventures.
Do I need any prior backcountry experience to join this course?
No prior backcountry experience is needed! This course is designed as an introduction, making it accessible to anyone interested in exploring the backcountry. Whether you’re new to skiing entirely or just new to off-piste terrain, our guides will tailor the experience to match your skill level and help you gain confidence in this new environment.
How physically demanding is the Intro to Backcountry course?
The course is designed to be accessible and adaptable to a range of fitness levels. We set a pace that works for you, focusing on skill development rather than speed. If you can comfortably ski on groomed runs and handle light physical activity, you’ll be able to enjoy this experience and learn new techniques.
Why choose Apex Mountain School for your backcountry introduction or beginner experience?
Apex Mountain School’s guides are experienced in working with both first-timers and beginners who are new to the backcountry. We focus on providing a fun, educational outing that’s tailored to your skill level and goals. With deep local knowledge and a commitment to personalized instruction, we ensure that your experience—whether it’s your first time off-piste or you’re looking to build your foundational skills—is memorable, rewarding, and confidence-boosting.
Testimonials
Introduction to Backcountry
Discover Backcountry Skiing: Your First Steps into Adventure
Unlock the excitement of backcountry skiing and gain confidence as you leave behind the crowded resort slopes for a more personal, rewarding adventure. This introduction to backcountry skiing course is designed for those eager to explore the quiet, untouched terrain of Colorado’s alpine regions while building the foundational skills needed for future explorations.
Enjoy the serene beauty of snow-covered forests and wide-open slopes as we guide you through a carefully crafted experience at a pace that works for you. Whether you’re completely new to skiing or have experience on the frontside and want to take your skills to the next level, this is the perfect opportunity to step into a new world of skiing.
During this introductory course, we’ll cover important skills and knowledge that will prepare you for more backcountry adventures, including:
- Learning the essential backcountry skiing equipment and how to use it.
- Developing your uphill skinning techniques to improve efficiency.
- Practical instruction on ski touring and navigating varied terrain.
- Insights into backcountry route planning and terrain selection.
This experience is open to individuals, groups, or families ready to explore their first backcountry adventure. Choose from a range of tailored itineraries near Vail, Colorado, and get ready to start your journey into the rewarding world of backcountry skiing.
Difficulty:
Easy – Difficult
Duration:
6 – 7 hours
Location:
Leadville, CO (Chalk Creek)
Vail, CO (Meadow Mountain)
San Juan Range
Policies
Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policy
Contact Us for Large Group bookings.
Welcome & Course Overview
- Meet your instructor and group
- Review course goals and safety guidelines
Gear Orientation
- Introduction to backcountry gear (skis/splitboards, boots, skins)
- Proper packing techniques
- Beacon, probe, and shovel basics
Uphill Travel Techniques
- Skinning fundamentals
- Kick turns and efficient climbing
- Terrain navigation and route planning
Downhill Riding/Travel
- Techniques for skiing/riding in variable conditions
- Managing speed and control in backcountry terrain
Introduction to Avalanche Awareness
- Identifying avalanche terrain
- Basic snowpack and weather considerations
- Group management in avalanche-prone zones
Companion Rescue Introduction
- How to perform a beacon search
- Probing and shoveling techniques
- Practice mock rescue drills
Tour Planning & Field Day
- Create a basic tour plan
- Execute a short backcountry tour with instructor support
- Apply skills learned in real terrain
Wrap-Up & Q&A
- Review key lessons
- Instructor feedback
- Recommendations for next steps (e.g., AIARE Level 1)
Available Daily
Select date on booking calendar above.
Apex Mountain School Provides
- Professional instruction by experienced guides
- Backcountry safety education
- Basic avalanche awareness training
- Introduction to backcountry gear usage
- Field-based learning and skills practice
- Use of avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel – if needed)
- Group management and terrain assessment techniques
- Opportunity to apply uphill/downhill travel skills in real terrain
What to Bring
Each person in your party will need.
- An AT (Alpine Touring), Telemark, or Splitboarding package.
- Beacon/Probe/Shovel (rental available) No Plastic Shovels Please
- 1-2 water bottles or thermos
- Lunch, and high energy snacks such as nut bars, cookies, chocolate
- Headwear – Visor or Cap, Hat or Helmet, Goggles, Sunglasses
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- One pair of gloves, one pair of mittens for cold days
- Synthetic or wool base layer
- Mid Weight base layer fleece or sweater
- Puffy Jacket
- Shell Jacket
- Synthetic or wool long johns
- Ski pants with zippered vents OR mid weight fleece layer and shell pants
- Synthetic or wool socks optimum weight for your boot fit
- Sunscreen
- Pack (26-30 Liters) that can accommodate, shovel, probe, skins, 1-2 water bottles or thermos, lunch, snacks, extra clothing when climbing, goggles…
ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Hot liquid
- Gaiters
- Liner socks
- Adjustable Poles
- Small day pack
- Extra gloves
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Camera
Preparation:
- Be in good physical condition for hiking and skiing/snowboarding uphill
- Dress in moisture-wicking, layered clothing suitable for cold weather
- Wear or bring waterproof outerwear (jacket and pants)
- Bring a backpack (25–35L) to carry safety gear, water, and snacks
- Pack high-energy snacks and at least 1-2 liters of water
- Ensure your boots are compatible with your skis/splitboard setup
- Practice using your gear if possible before the course
- Check the weather forecast and trailhead conditions
- Arrive well-rested and ready to learn outdoors
- Bring a notebook or phone to take notes if desired
Other Outings You Might Like
RESCUE COMBO
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
LEVEL 2
Deepen your avalanche safety expertise with our AIARE Level 2 course, designed for backcountry users who want to advance their understanding of snowpack and risk management.
PRIVATE LEVEL 1
Get personalized avalanche education tailored to your group’s needs. Our private AIARE Level 1 course ensures focused instruction and flexibility in scheduling.
PRIVATE LEVEL 2
Experience a custom learning environment in our private AIARE Level 2 course, designed for people looking for in-depth avalanche training with personalized attention.
RESCUE
Learn and practice the skills needed to respond to an avalanche accident. If there’s an avalanche, an efficient and intentional response is crucial.
ZOOM LEVEL 1
If you have put off taking your Apex AIARE Level 1 course because you couldn’t or don’t want to take a Friday off from work, we have the solution.
LEVEL 1 PREPARATION
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
REFRESHER
During an AIARE course there is a great deal of information presented. Often when we return to the backcountry it is difficult to remember everything we have learned and practiced in the last course.
LEVEL 1
Be prepared when traveling in the backcountry with an AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course. Learn how to make informed decisions in order to mitigate risk in adverse conditions.
Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620