Backcountry Performance

As low as:

$470.00 / person

(at 2:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

Avi Kit rental $15.00

Avalanche kit rental includes transceiver, shovel and probe. If you are bringing your own avi kit, this must include a modern, digital, 3-antenna transceiver, and a solid shovel and probe. If you do not have all three of these things then you must rent a kit from us to take part. Avi Kits once rented are non-refundable.

Lift ticket $35.00

This specially priced lift ticket is mandatory if you do not own a season pass. If you are not purchasing this add-on, you must email us at [email protected] to confirm that you have a season pass, otherwise we will add a lift ticket to your booking. Lift Tickets once purchased are non-refundable.

Island Turns and Tours Guidebook $69.00

Save on postage and have this indispensable trip planning guide delivered to you at your course. With well over 500 Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale rated Island tours, this guidebook allows you to apply the learning from your IAG/HVI course to doing real trips in the mountains.

About

Knowing how to ride well in natural conditions is essential to enjoyable and safe backcountry travel. It’s also a skill that’s often overlooked in our haste to escape the resort. Backcountry Performance is intended for riders at an intermediate level (or above) on-piste, who are looking to break free from the lifts or step their riding up a notch in the backcountry. 

This course offers two low-ratio sessions (one morning, one afternoon) with a qualified ski or board instructor at Mount Washington, followed by a day in the backcountry with one of our ACMG-certified guides. 

These programs are priced at a 2:1 ratio and are typically set up by request. If you are booking on your own or don’t see a date that works for you, please reach out – we’re always happy to find ways to accommodate your needs.

Curriculum

Each course will be tailored to you, but here is a general list of what we typically cover.

  • Movement assessment
  • Movement pattern correction and weight distribution
  • Re-enforcing correct on-piste riding techniques (such as carving)
  • Introduction of off-piste techniques (such as hop turns, pole plants, kick turns)
  • Riding in powder and other natural conditions
  • Steep skiing and line choice
  • Opportunities for feedback and practice

Included

  • 2x 2-hour sessions with a top-end coach
  • 1 full day of guided backcountry skiing/snowboarding with an ACMG guide

Not included

  • Transport
  • Food
  • Personal equipment
  • Clothing
  • Lift ticket (available as an add-on for the touring day)
  • Avi kit (transceiver, shovel and probe – available for rent)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Location 


This course is delivered in terrain at and surrounding Mount Washington Alpine Resort. 

Itinerary


Below is a typical schedule, but we are happy to adjust times and days upon request. 

Day 1

10:00 – 12:00– Meet your instructor by the sign that says “Private Lessons” located near the tube park by the main lodge at Mount Washington Alpine Resort for your first two-hour session of the day. Your instructor will have your name and will identify themselves to you. Wear what you would normally wear for a day at the hill (no touring gear necessary). 

NOTE: If you do not have a season pass, please arrive slightly early to purchase your lift ticket ahead of time before heading to the meeting area, as we cannot provide a specially price lift ticket on this day.

13:00-15:00 – After you’ve had some lunch, meet your instructor at the “Private Lessons” sign once again for your second two hour session. 

Day 2:

09:00 -16:00 – Meet your ACMG-certified guide (this will be a different person from your instructor) outside Mount Washington Alpine Resort’s main alpine lodge. You will proceed to spend the full day in the backcountry surrounding Mount Washington with your guide, using lifts to speed-access the best touring terrain to maximize your time.  

NOTE: On this day, we can offer you specially-priced lift tickets, which can be purchased as an add-on when you book (if you do not have a season pass).

Please wear touring equipment, carry your avalanche kit (available for rent) and lunch. See our gear list for details.

 Exact meeting details will be provided in your pre-trip email sent one-week before the course. 

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email.

Requirements


If you are considering heading into the backcountry, we recommend that you already be an intermediate level to avoid risking injury. For new riders, we recommend taking some on-piste lessons with a certified ski instructor and spend some time at the resort so that you are comfortable riding blue runs. 

To register for this course, we recommend that you:

  • Be an intermediate skier or boarder (in this case, this means that you are able to ride blue square-equivalent runs comfortably and safely on-piste)
  • Have moderate fitness (able to hike for 2-3 hours/day)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations (consider practicing with your transceiver beforehand and your transitions with your touring set up in and out of walk and ride mode) 
  • Be prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or send us an email. 

Gear List


The equipment list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable on your touring day (day 2) regardless of the weather. Please ensure that all your gear is functioning and in proper repair. 

If you have any questions, please send us an email: [email protected]

Avalanche Safety Gear

These items are available as an add on “avalanche kit” when you book, or by request for $15. 

  • Avalanche Transceiver (must be a modern, digital, three-antenna) 
  • Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel
  • Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm

Hardware

  • Touring skis/board
  • Poles
  • Skins
  • Touring ski/board boots
  • Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)

Clothing

  • Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
  • Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
  • Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
  • Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning 
  • Warm gloves
  • Warm hat
  • Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
  • Baselayers (top and bottom)

Other

  • Water
  • Lunch (and whatever snacks you require) 
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Ski strap
  • Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication, bandaids)
  • Camera
  • Notebook and pencil (Rite in the Rain recommended)

Rentals


Avalanche Kit: We offer rental transceivers, shovels and probes as an add-on kit when you book or by request pre-trip. If you do not have your own modern, digital, three antenna transceiver, collapsible shovel, and/or probe - please request a rental kit prior to your course/trip.

Touring Gear: 'Ski Tak Hut' in Courtenay (https://www.skitakhut.com/pages/rentals) offers backcountry ski and splitboard rentals. Clients on IAG courses and trips are eligible to receive a unique 25% discount code towards their gear rentals from Ski Tak Hut - for the duration of their course/trip with us. These discount codes are distributed directly by IAG to our clients upon request. Rentals from Ski Tak Hut can be ordered online using the unique discount code. Note you will be asked to show the booking confirmation you received from us when you pick up your gear.

Winter 4x4 Vehicle(s): 'Far Out Wilderness' (https://faroutwilderness.com/ski-tours-winter-4x4/) is a 4x4 vehicle rental service in Victoria that offers clients access to a fleet of rugged, reliable, and fully-equipped vehicles designed to conquer the most challenging winter terrain. Their vehicles come with snow tires with the 3 peak mountain symbol, chains, and ski racks. They also provide emergency equipment, including SOS, SPOT messenger systems, GPS, tire pump, toe rope, tire pressure gauge, a map to BC's backcountry roads, and a first aid kit. Everything you need to get safely to the ski slopes! Upon request, IAG clients can receive a 5% discount code towards their rentals from 'Far Out Wilderness'.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for information about gear fitting, rentals, add-ons, and other commonly asked questions, or send us an email.

Testimonials

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