Intro to Backcountry – Sun Valley

Curious what the backcountry buzz is all about? Learn the fundamentals of backcountry skiing and riding with a professional instructor.

Ready to ski untracked snow away from the crowds? Never been in the backcountry? No problem! You don’t even need to be an expert skier. If you can ski the bowls at Sun Valley ski resort, you’re ready for backcountry skiing! Our professional (and fun) instructors can teach you the fundamentals of backcountry skiing – equipment, risk management, and uphill and downhill techniques.

Sun Valley backcountry skiing is as good as it gets, providing incredible opportunities for powder ski tours. Only 30 minutes from Sun Valley and Ketchum, the Galena Summit area provides easily-accessible backcountry skiing with terrain for all abilities.

Day 1

  • Meet at 9am, 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 4:30

Day 2

  • Meet at 9am, 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: 8 -8:30am

 Meeting Location: TBD

 What We Provide:

 What You Need:

  • Lunch and water
  • Alpine touring ski equipment (can be rented at Backwoods in Ketchum) or splitboard setup (can be rented at the Board Bin in Ketchum).
  • Suitable backpack and outdoor ski clothing
  • Review the equipment list
  • Accommodation in Stanley or Ketchum during the course

 Dates: 

  • December 21-22, 2024: Meet at Sawtooth Mountain Guides office in Stanley at 8:30am
  • January 18-19, 2025: Meet at Galena Lodge at 8am

Ratio: 5:1

 Rates: $450/person (3 person minimum)