Ski Mountaineering Skills Day

As low as:

$215.00 / person

(at 6:1 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.

IAG Cancellation Coverage $11.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable after 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this addon will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be be used on any Island Alpine Guides or Hike Vancouver Island trip or course or trip for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked.

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.

Mountaineering Kit Rental $20.00

Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet, Harness, Carabiners, Cords and Sling. All these items are required to participate in the course. See the precise technical gear requirements in the 'Gear List' tab within this course information webpage. Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.

About

As backcountry skiers and snowboarders we inevitably start to want to venture into more adventurous terrain and eye up objectives that require more "mountaineering" type skills to manage more technical terrain safely and effectively.

This one day course in the Mount Washington backcountry gives an introduction to a wide range of mountaineering skills applicable in a backcountry skiing/riding setting.

Course curriculum includes:

  • Lightweight mountaineering equipment for ski/snowboard touring (rope kits; harnesses; multi rated helmets; belay, rappel and ascending devices; etc)
  • Steep snow climbing
  • Anchor building
  • Short roping and end roping on steep snow
  • Ice Axe use
  • Snow Rappels
  • Belayed ski descent
  • Cramponing

Included

  • 1 day of instruction with an ACMG guide

Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Personal equipment 
  • Avi Kit (transceiver, shovel, probe – available as an add-on)
  • Lift ticket for quick access to the Washington backcountry (available as an add on) 
  • Personal technical gear (available as add on, see Gear List tab)

Questions? Send us an email to [email protected] or Check out our FAQ page for details about our booking and cancellation policy, and other commonly asked questions.

Location 
These trips utilize the lifts at Mount Washington Alpine Resort for quick access into terrain suitable to course objectives.

Note: Our guides have special permissions to access terrain outside the boundary lines at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. 

Itinerary
A typical day begins at 08:30 and finishes around 16:00.

Exact meeting details will be provided one-week prior in a pre-trip email.
Requirements

To maximize your enjoyment of the day and ensure the safety of our participants, we ask that you: 

  • Are an advanced skier or boarder (able to ride blue/black diamond-equivalent runs comfortably and safely in natural conditions (powder, breakable crust, ect))
  • Have moderate fitness (able to hike for 2-3 hours/day)
  • Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations 
  • Are prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list)
  • Are age 19+ (if you are a minor, please reach out to discuss options)

The choice between alpine touring skis, telemark skis or a splitboard is up to you. Choose a mode of transport you are most comfortable and competent with.

Gear List

The equipment list provided aims to prepare you to be comfortable in the field 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 (link). 

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

  • Ski touring skis/board
  • Skins
  • Poles
  • Ski touring/snowboard boots
  • Helmet
  • 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)

Mountaineering Equipment

Available as a “Mountaineering Kit” rental add on ($20) when you book or as individual/grouped items (please see the "Add-Ons" column for exact rates.

  • Crampons – simple, ten point general mountaineering crampon (either step-in or strap- on are fine depending on your boots)
  • Ice axe – general mountaineering tool, 60-80cm depending on your height
  • 4x locking carabiners – at least one should be pear-shaped
  • 3x regular carabiners
  • Harness – a simple, lightweight alpine seat harness
  • Belay/rappel device
  • 7mm accessory cord – 2 x 5 metre lengths
  • Double shoulder length sewn sling – should be rated to 22kn 

Other

  • Water
  • Lunch and snacks (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go) 
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Ski strap
  • Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication)
  • Camera (optional)

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.

Mountaineering Kit Rental $20.00
Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet, Harness, Carabiners, Cords and Sling. All these items are required to participate in the course. See the precise technical gear requirements in the 'Gear List' tab within this course information webpage. Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.
Crampons only - Rental $5.00
Ice Axe only - Rental $5.00
Carabiners, Belay/Rappel Device, Sling, and Cord Kit only - Rental $5.00
Harness only - Rental $5.00

Testimonials

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