Intro to Backcountry – Boise

Excited to ski the backcountry but don’t know where to begin? This course is for you!

Are you a resort skier looking to get outside the boundaries? Using a combination of field-based learning and indoor presentations, we’ll cover trip planning, avalanche safety and companion rescue, backcountry equipment use and repair, as well as uphill and downhill ski/travel techniques.

Conveniently located for Boise locals, this weekend course will utilize the lifts at Bogus Basin to access the extensive backcountry terrain outside the ski resort boundary. A perfect intro to the skills needed for accessing the backcountry, you’ll also start learning your backyard terrain!

 Day 1

  • Meet at 8am, location TBD
  • Welcome and course overview
  • Avalanche safety and the avalanche bulletin
  • Fundamentals of avalanche rescue
  • Intro to backcountry skiing equipment
  • Field ski tour:
    • Uphill travel techniques
    • Transitions
    • Avalanche safety in the field
    • Downhill ski techniques
  • Finish the day around 4pm

Day 2

  • Meet at 8am, location TBD
  • Trip planning
  • What’s in your pack?
  • Field ski tour: putting it all together
  • Avalanche rescue scenarios
  • Course ends 4:30pm

 Difficulty: Good fitness, intermediate downhill ski skills

 Duration: 2 days

 Meeting Time: 8am

 Meeting Location: Bogus Basin Ski Resort – TBD

 What We Provide:

  • Highly trained, professional instructor
  • All educational materials

 What You Need:

  • Alpine touring, telemark, or split-board equipment. Bogus Basin does not allow snowshoes on chairlifts, so we cannot accommodate snowshoes on this course.
  • 3 Antenna avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe. To our knowledge, Idaho Mountain Touring is the only shop in Boise that rents 3 antenna beacons.
  • Backcountry skiing clothing
  • Bogus Basin season pass or full day lift ticket for both days
  • Review the full equipment list
  • Accommodation in the Boise area during the course

 Dates: 

  • January 18-19, 2024
  • January 25-26, 2024

Ratio: 5:1

 Rates: $425/person (3 person minimum)