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.The Williams Peak Hut in the heart of the Sawtooth Range provides an ideal venue for this course. Inspired by the stunning backdrop, you can explore a variety of ski terrain while learning backcountry ski skills and techniques from instructors who are passionate about the sport. While learning and skill development are the theme of the course, we won’t forget to have fun, ski powder, and soak in the spectacular alpine ambiance of the snow-covered Sawtooths! Read trip reports from previous Backcountry Skills Courses:20132012 Itinerary Day 1Welcome and course overviewIntro to backcountry skiing equipmentTrailhead beacon checksAvalanche safety and the avalanche bulletinFundamentals of avalanche rescueDay 2Trip planningField ski tour:Uphill travel techniquesTransitionsAvalanche safety in the fieldDownhill ski techniquesAvalanche rescue scenariosEvening sessions:What’s in your pack?Gear troubleshooting and repairOptional: rescue sled, emergency shelter, map skillsDay 3Trip planning practice in small groupsField ski tour: putting it all togetherCourse ends 4:30pm Details Difficulty: Good fitness, intermediate downhill ski skills Duration: 3 days Meeting Time: 8am Meeting Location: Sawtooth Mountain Guides Headquarters in Stanley What We Provide:Avalanche rescue equipmentAll food (we will ask you to carry a small 5-10L bag of food to the hut)2 nights at the William Peak HutSleeping bags at the hut – we will provide a compact sleeping bag liner for you to carry inFootwear at the hut What You Need:Alpine touring ski equipment (can be rented at the Elephant’s Perch and Backwoods in Ketchum, or at Idaho Mountain Touring in Boise) or splitboard setup (can be rented at the Board Bin in Ketchum).Backcountry skiing clothing and equipmentReview the full equipment list Dates & Rates Dates: December 7-9, 2018 Ratio: 5:1 Rates: $525/person
tfrazer Last weekend I took the Backcountry Skills course with Sawtooth Mountain Guides. We met at their new HQ in Stanley. While getting to know our group, I was impressed with their facility, big screen monitor to review the online avalanche reports, plenty of room to get packed up. After a good intro, we drove out to the trailhead and skinned up to the Williams yurt. We had three days of great instruction, food that exceeded my expectations and great fellowship. The yurt was cozy and comfortable and all gear provided was high quality and in great repair. The instruction was a great balance of talked and practical experience on the mountain. Our instructors Mark Hanselman and Drew Dailey kept it fun and made sure everything went smoothly. I look forward to my next trip with SMG.