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 or rider looking to get outside the boundaries? Using a combination of field-based learning and presentations, we’ll demonstrate trip planning, avalanche safety, help you familiarize yourself with backcountry equipment, as well as uphill and downhill ski/travel techniques.

Conveniently located for Boise locals, this one and a half day 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!

*Due to inadequate snow in the Boise area, we have relocated our Boise Intro to Backcountry Courses to Banner Summit for 2026.

Please consider joining us for a one and a half day program on the weekend of January 31 and February 1. January 31 will be a Zoom classroom session from noon to 3pm. February 1 will be a full day of field learning on Banner Summit. 

 

Day 1

4-6pm  Course Meeting at REI in Boise

During this meeting, we’ll cover:

  • Welcome and course overview
  • What’s in your pack?
  • Intro to backcountry skiing equipment
  • Avalanche safety and the avalanche bulletin
  • Overview of avalanche rescue
  • Demonstration of trip planning

Day 2

Day 2 will be a full day in the field.

  • Meeting location at Bogus Basin. Specific time and location TBD.
  • Review tour plan
  • Uphill travel techniques
  • Downhill group management techniques
  • Transitions
  • Field ski tour: Putting it all together
  • Course ends 4:30

 Difficulty: Good fitness, intermediate downhill ski skills

 Duration: 1.5 days

 Meeting Time:

  • 4-6pm REI meeting on Day 1.
  • Meeting time TBD for Day 2.

 Meeting Location:

  • Day 1: Boise REI
  • Day 2: 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
  • Backcountry skiing/riding clothing
  • Bogus Basin season pass or full day lift ticket for Day 2
  • Review the full equipment list
  • Accommodation in the Boise area during the course

 Dates: 

Due to inadequate snow in the Boise area, we have relocated our Boise Intro to Backcountry Courses to Banner Summit for 2026.

Please consider joining us for a one and a half day program on the weekend of January 31 and February 1. January 31 will be a Zoom classroom session from noon to 3pm. February 1 will be a full day of field learning on Banner Summit. 

  • Rescheduled (see above): February 1-2, 2026
  • Rescheduled (see above):February 1 and February 3, 2026

Ratio: 5:1

 Rates: $310/person (3 person minimum)