The Backcountry Progression—NEW THIS SEASON!
This seasonal backcountry progression program is designed for skiers and riders who already have touring experience or formal avalanche education, but want more confidence applying those skills in real terrain. If you’ve taken courses and logged days out there—yet still find yourself second-guessing route choices, snowpack assessments, or group decision-making—this program bridges that gap.
Through consistent days in the field, participants develop a personal, repeatable approach to backcountry travel in avalanche terrain. You’ll refine terrain selection, interpret an evolving snowpack, and strengthen decision-making alongside experienced professionals who guide the process without taking it over.
Just as important, this program is about community and fun: learning with a motivated group of like-minded skiers and riders, chasing good snow, and building skills through shared experience. Think summer camp—but for adults, in the backcountry, surrounded by deep powder and big smiles.
Topics Include:
- Dialing in your backcountry setup, learn what to bring and why on certain days.
- Learn how to be a dependable backcountry partner and member of the backcountry community.
- Get feedback, practice and refine your avalanche rescue skills.
- Develop a systematic process to create and execute tour planning based on avalanche conditions, weather forecasts, and Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale.
- Setting realistic goals per tour with guides and group.
- In the field snow assessment, ranging from quick pits, observations, test slopes, etc. We will NOT spend days digging snowpits, we’ll be out skiing while synthesizing information.
- Learn how to become fluid in your avalanche risk and terrain choices as the snowpack changes throughout the season.
- Develop the skills to travel in new terrain, planning and safely executing a new ski objective.
- Advance your downhill movement skills in various snow conditions.
- Challenge yourself for the year with steeps, trees, couloirs, or bigger distance and vertical. If conditions permit ride a classic line in good snow.
- Become a leader amongst your peers and a solid backcountry partner.
What’s Included?
- 4:1 Ratio with an experienced snow professional and backcountry guide.
- Personalized guiding & instruction per group.
- Two evening or après sessions. One focused on gathering PM avalanche and snow information and another regarding maps and trip planning.
- 4 full-day tours beginning February 1
- Assessment & Avalanche Rescue is required to attend the series.
Cost: $1,000/per person includes all taxes and fees ($250 per day for guides/instruction)
Dates: Fridays starting February 1
3-DAY CAMP: Avalanche Course Level 1
This can be arranged as a private course for your small group of 4 to 6 skiers.
Core curriculum includes:
- Avalanche Basics and Characteristics
- Recognizing Avalanche Terrain
- Identifying Avalanche Problems
- Snowpack and Weather
- Information Gathering
- Planning, Communication and Decision-making
- Making Relevant Observations
- Terrain and Travel
- Basic Avalanche Companion Rescue
Join Teton Backcountry Guides for this three-day Level I Avalanche Curriculum established by the American Avalanche Association. Camp is limited to eight participants and is open to both skiers and riders.
Course includes three full days of Level 1 avalanche education, two nights slopeside yurt lodging, two dinners and two breakfasts at yurt (BYO lunches), rental of avalanche safety equipment, sleeping bag, and porter to carry supplies to the yurt.
4-DAY CAMP: Avalanche Course Recreational Level 2+
This course can be arranged as a private course for 4-6 participants
Requirements:
- Level 1 Avalanche course
- The ability to ski or ride in ungroomed snow
- Previous touring experience and ability to travel up hill for several hours
- The desire to learn!
This course exceeds the 24-hour requirements for a Recreational Level 2 course as outlined by the American Avalanche Association. Course and field time will be approximately 34 hours. This is a great prep course for those who aspire to take the Pro Level 1 course.
This four-day course covers a full day in the classroom, a full day on Teton Pass, and a two day/one night yurt trip to Baldy Knoll. We’ll review Level 1 material and delve deeper into snow science, avalanche mechanics, and hazard assessment skills, including route finding in avalanche terrain. Documentation will also be covered and feedback given to those who wish to develop this skill. Be prepared for long days and lots of learning. We will make some turns too!
Course includes four full days of instruction (one in classroom, one on Teton Pass, and two at Baldy Knoll yurt), one night’s lodging at Baldy Knoll yurt (February 7), dinner and breakfast at the yurt (BYO lunches), rental of sleeping bag, avalanche safety equipment, and porter to carry supplies to the yurt.
Participants will need to provide their own lodging and meals for day one and day two, along with lunches while at the yurt.
Itinerary
Schedule is subject to change
Day 1 — Indoor class
- Rescue review and multiple burials
- Documentation
- Plan tomorrow’s tour
- Homework – avalanche bulletin, weather summary and forecast
Day 2 — Day ski tour on Teton Pass
- Discuss avalanche and weather summary
- Terrain assessment and route finding
- Snow tests
- Documentation
Day 3 — Travel and ski tour with instruction to Baldy Knoll yurt
- Full profile class (inside)
- Full profiles (outside)
Day 4 — Ski tour with instruction and return to trailhead
- Review and next steps
- Day tour and instruction including terrain assessment, snow tests and documentation
- Return to trailhead and course closure