- Intermediate Skill Level Intermediate
- Ages 18+ Ages Ages 18+
Traveling in a winter environment has inherent risk. Snow conditions dramatically change throughout the winter, affecting snow stability. Learn to recognize avalanche terrain and more.
Quick Details
This course is designed for intermediate skiers or snowboarders who are looking to develop the skills necessary to travel safely in the backcountry. Students will learn how to use backcountry touring and avalanche safety equipment, the basics of avalanche rescue, and navigation through mountain terrain. The goal of the course is build confidence in traveling on skis or splitboards, while having fun in a beautiful mountain setting!
**Please note any course operating within the Mt. Hood National Forest is run through the Northwest School of Survival. Kaf Adventures is a booking agent for their programming**
This is a one-day course, lasting about 8 hours.
Most days start early and could meet as early 8:00am at the trailhead. These locations vary based on snow levels, but could be as far away as 2.5 hours.
After meeting up, instructors will spend time discussing gear and pre-trip considerations before heading into the backcountry. Throughout the day, students will travel and discuss topics on the go, while also stopping to cover topics and practice skills.
Courses usually get back to the trailhead around 4:00 or 4:30pm.
18+ for adult courses, 16+ with a parent or guardian.
Custom courses can be set up for younger groups.
Students must provide their own personal travel gear and clothing. Please come with some sort of familiarity with how your personal system works. if you’r renting, please get a brief tutorial from the rental staff, and please practice transitioning at home before the course.
Driving times vary based on the course location, which be communicated via email before the course. Please add a time buffer to any predicted driving time to account for traffic and poor driving conditions in bad weather.
After this course, students will be ready to dive into our avalanche education courses, like our AIARE Level 1