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Introduction to Backcountry Skiing Snowboarding Course
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Course Rundown

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included.

Food

Food is not included.

Course Cost:
$300 ($150 per day) per person based on 6 participants
5% gst & other taxes extra

Duration:

2 days

Location:

Canmore and Banff, Canadian Rockies

Guide to client ratio:

1:6

Fitness:

Good fitness

Ability:

Introductory

Prerequisites:

AST I, Previous ability to ski - Type 1 Skier

Ages:

15 years old and up

Equipment:

All backcountry ski equipment is included: Backcountry Ski Boots, Ski’s, Skins, Ski Poles, Avalanche Beacon, Probe, Shovel - Backcountry split board rental + $15.00 extra

Transportation:

Transport is not included however this can be arranged for an additional $20.00 per day.

Booking deadline:
n/a

Introduction to Backcountry Skiing Snowboarding Course

Course Description

This course is designed to serve as an excellent introduction to back country skiing/boarding. Build a good foundation in backcountry skiing safety, techniques and important skills. Among the many skills taught, students can expect to learn and refine companion rescue, backcountry ski safety tactics, track setting, technique, route finding, tree skiing and trip planning. We spend two days skiing amongst the amazing mountains of the Rocky Mountains. There is no better place in the world to learn backcountry skiing than Canada. The best skiing in the world, excellent and dependable snow, easily accessible high end skiing in the alpine, trees and glaciers as well as incredible ski mountaineering. Receive excellent mentorship from the best trained ski guides and avalanche experts in the world.

Course Itinerary

View logistics - Course Equipment, Accommodation, Food and Transportation options view logistics
Equipment List - What to bring?, what not to bring? We can answer those questions view equipment list

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Day one 8:00 meeting at GearUp Sports rentals

Meet at GearUp Rentals for equipment fitting and pick-up. Sign Waivers, Formal introductions, Safety discussion and equipment check.
Morning Meeting: Coffee or tea, Revue current Weather and day plan, Q & A session, Days agenda.
Lesson 1: Using the weather and avalanche forecast, ATES scale and local guidebook for trip planning & Route Plan
Drive: Drive to Local area
Lesson 2: Introduction to Backcountry Skiing equipment
Lesson 3: Companion Rescue review, intro to advanced scenario and practice
Lesson 4: Equipment: Backcountry ski binding and boot function, special notes, ski skins and other details.
Lesson 5: Route plan, up-track setting and situational awareness in class 1 (simple) and 2 (challenging) terrain.
Lesson 6: Efficient up track route finding, route setting, pace and technique.
Lesson 7: The kick-turn, rounding out corners, star turn.
Lesson 8: Avalanche awareness, snowpack tests, pole probe test.
Lesson 9: Weather and snowpack recording.
Lesson 10: First downhill run plan, conservative action plan, best compass aspect to ski, current avalanche hazard, terrain considerations.
Lesson 11: Efficient downhill preparation- de-skinning tricks and downhill mode.
Lesson 12: Downhill safety briefing; group count, buddy-up system, hazards, tree skiing, break over considerations and more.
Lesson 13: Avalanche safety protocol, ski cutting, regrouping.
Lesson 14: Introduction to downhill powder technique.
Lesson 15: Continued practice and enhancement of above skills in uphill mode.
Lesson 16: Continues practice and enhancement of above skills in downhill mode.
16:00 drive back to Canmore
Lesson 17: 17:30 Meeting- discuss day, hazards, avalanche and snowpack observation- Next days Avalanche Bulletin, Weather Forecast, Day Plan.

Day two 7:00 meeting at Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.

Morning Meeting: Coffee or tea, Revue current Weather and day plan, Q & A session, Days agenda, equipment check.
Drive: Drive to Local area
Lesson 18: Situational Awareness, Route Finding, Track setting refinement- in class 2 challenging and or class 3 complex terrain.
Review: Avalanche observation, snowpack tests, weather and snowpack recording.
Lesson 19: Downhill technique refinement
Lesson 20: Emergency Response
Lesson 21: Continued enhancement and fine tuning of uphill technique
Lesson 22: Continued enhancement and fine tuning of downhill technique
Throughout the day- ongoing feedback, problem solving and mentoring from your guide.
16:00 drive back to Canmore
17:30 Meeting at GearUp sports- equipment return- discuss day, hazards, avalanche and snowpack observation- Next steps and course wrap up.

Bonus curriculum: Throughout the course students will garner additional knowledge through continuous mentoring in group leadership, avalanche and weather forecasting, route planning and many other relevant skills.

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Course Logistics

View Itinerary - A day by day summary of the course view itinerary
Equipment List - What to bring?, what not to bring? We can answer those questions view equipment list

Accommodation

It is best for participants to base out of Canmore as we begin early each morning.

Should you require accommodation in Canmore, we have organized for your convenience excellent value accommodation packages with local providers: economy option at the Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse $30 per night w/ kitchen facilities, superior option at the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge $123 per night based on double occupancy and luxury options - prices range on luxury level. These choices are made available during the booking process.

Food

Students are responsible for their own food.

Make sure you have a packed lunch with snacks and plenty of fluids everyday or we can arrange this for you at an additional cost.

Canmore has an excellent choice of supermarkets and restaurants to meet any budget. For your convenience, MSA offers discounted meal deals set up with local providers.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation as that of the guide. We encourage car-pooling and usually this works out very well. Transport is available for an extra $20.00 per person per day.

Equipment

This course include all backcountry equipment you will need. If you own your own equipment the course cost is less. Please let us know if you own your own equipment. Own your equipment already? We recommend you use it, since it is best to be familiar with your own equipments specific attributes.

Please view equipment list

Equipment List

View logistics - Course Equipment, Accommodation, Food and Transportation options view logistics
View Itinerary - A day by day summary of the course view itinerary

Clothing

Changes of warm top and bottom under layers and socks.
Mid layer fleece top, optional soft shell top, Hard shell Jacket.
Soft or hard shell pants.
Gaiters
Warm hat, optional baklava or neck tube.
2 pairs of gloves, optional mitts.
Sunglasses and sunscreen.

Equipment

Backpack-25-35 Litres
Backcountry Ski/snowboard boots
Backcountry Skis/snowboard
Skins
Ski poles
Avalanche beacon
Probe
Shovel
Ski goggles
Write in the rain book and mechanical pencil-optional
First Aid Kit with blister kit-optional
Glop stopper-optional
Ski scraper-optional
Compass -optional
Map-optional
Laptop computer-optional
GPS-optional

Food & Water

Please ensure you have a packed lunch everyday and snacks every day with enough high energy food for the day and lots of fluids.

Other
n/a

Course Photographs

Fitness Explained

Good Fitness
In good general health- able to walk or ski for at least two hours at a slow pace (including breaks) in undulating terrain. Able to carry a light load (25lbs = 12 kilos).

Very Good Fitness
Exercise regularly (in gym, mountains, etc)- have fairly good cardio. Can walk or ski for several hours (including breaks) over several days in diverse mountain terrain at a moderate pace (including up hill and down hill). Able to carry a moderate load (35-45 lbs = 16- 20 kilos)

Peak Fitness
Follow a routine exercise schedule and may even be training for sports or expeditions. Excellent cardio and good stamina. Able to walk or ski all day at a moderate pace over several days in diverse mountain terrain including steeper uphill and downhill sections. Able to carry moderate loads of (35 to 55lbs = 25 kilos). You feel it would be reasonable for you to acclimatize on peaks.

Ability Explained

Introductory
Suitable for beginner level, no prior experience required.

Intermediate
You have previous experience and a good general knowledge of the sport.

Advanced
You have very good knowledge of the sport developed from regular practice.

Backcountry Skier Ability Level

Type I Beginner
Skis slowly and conservatively. Newer to backcountry skiing, links parallel turns and able to slide slip more difficult sections. Can stop when desired.

Type II Intermediate
Skis at a moderate pace. Links parallel turns in powder and can come to a full stop on demand. Able to handle varied snow conditions and terrain. Has no problem skiing in trees or negotiating short ski crux's (difficult sections).

Type III Advanced
Skis more aggressively, at higher speeds and able to ski advanced terrain. Can handle different snow conditions. Enjoys more technical terrain. No problem handling short cruxes and steeper sections.

Type IV Expert
Aggressive and fast, capable of skiing in all conditions. Able to negotiate difficult sections, ski in couloirs and prolonged steep terrain.

Course Schedule & Pricing


Scheduled Course Date	Course Price	Register	Inquire
January 28 - 29, 2012	$300 + 5% GST		Inquire
February 13 - 14, 2012	$300 + 5% GST		Inquire
Please contact MSA directly for alternate dates for pre-arranged groups of 4 or more people	$300 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$300 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$300 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$300 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$300 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$300 + 5% GST		Inquire

Private Course Option
We also offer our students the option of a private course. Join a group of friends together, let us know your group size and preferred dates. See chart below for private course prices.

*Bonus! The group organizer will save 10%. Single private course also available.


Private Date Option	Course Price	Register	Inquire
4 People	300		Inquire
3 People	353		Inquire
2 People	495		Inquire
1 Person	920		Inquire

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