Intro to Back Country Skiing

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Intro to Back Country Ski

Learn the fundamentals of safe and efficient backcountry travel. This course covers equipment, uphill travel techniques, route selection, terrain assessment, and basic avalanche awareness, giving you the skills and confidence to begin exploring beyond the resort.

 
Location
Boulder, Colorado
Duration
2 days, 16 hours
Minimum Eligible Critera
Be comfortable skiing groomed blue runs and most black runs at a ski resort. Be able to ski confidently in variable snow conditions. Have a reasonable level of fitness to skin uphill for 2–4 hours with a backpack. Be comfortable spending a full day outdoors in winter conditions. No previous backcountry skiing experience is required.
Skilled Covered
  • Leave No Trace Principles and Outdoor Crag Etiquette
  • Equipment overview and proper fit
  • Risk Management Discussion
  • Approach, Climb and Descend the route
  • Fun
Minimum Age
Under 18 will need written consent from parent/guardian
Included
  • AMGA Trained/Certified Guide
  • Group Climbing Equipment
  • Technical Hardware
  • Technical Soft goods
  • Personal Climbing Equipment
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Helmet
  • Harness
Not Included
  • Food
  • Transport
  • Lodging
  • Trip/Cancelation Insurance
  • Non-technical Personal Items
  • Rescue Insurance
  • Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
  • Guide Gratuity
  • Unforseen Cost Incurred Outside of the Control of SAI
Equipment List

Clothing

Bottom

Cotton or synthetic climbing pants/capri’s
Shorts for hot weather

Top

Fleece or lightweight down sweater
Lightweight wind shell
Water proof rain jacket – lightweight gore-tex or similar
Short-sleeved shirt
(Optional) Sun hoody

Head

Baseball hat – for sun protection

Hands

1 pair of lightweight leather belay gloves – hardware store versions are great

Feet

Sticky rubber approach shoes or light hiking/trail running shoes (closed toe mandatory)
Cotton or Synthetic socks

Technical Equipment 

Harness – UIAA/CE rated climbing harness with belay loop and gear loops.  Should be able to fit on the outside of your layers.
Helmet – UIAA/CE rated climbing helmet.
Belay/rappel device – plaquette, tube style device preferred
2 locking carabiners – large, round stock screw gate carabiners that are easily manipulated while wearing gloves
Sticky rubber rock climbing shoes

*All technical equipment will be provided by SAI, but if you have our own, it’s encouraged that you bring it.

Food

2L of water
800 -1200 calories of food – energy bars, sandwiches, fruits, etc

Personal

Backpack – 25-30L
2 Large mouth water bottles, 1L capacity each.
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Smartphone

Location

Scheduled Date Course:
2 Day Course: 1 Class Per Month
Upcoming Winter 2026 Dates in Middle of October

Price Per Person
$529


Book a Private Group
 Price Per Person
1 Person $1058
2 people $658
3 people $538
4 people $458
5 people+ $398

Closed For Summer/Reopens In Mid October 2026

Join the First Ascent List For This Course/Trip Next Season

This trip is currently out of season.
Join the list and we’ll contact you first when new dates open.

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