Ready to leave the lift lines behind and see what backcountry skiing or splitboarding is all about? This two-day intro is built for skiers and snowboarders who want to learn the fundamentals of backcountry travel right here in the Tetons!

You’ll start with an evening orientation at our NOLS campus in Driggs, where you’ll go over route plans, chat with your instructors, and check your gear. Don’t have touring gear yet? You can rent everything you need through NOLS.

Over the next two days, you’ll head into the mountains for full days of touring, building skills and confidence with each climb and descent.

Photo by: Molly Hagbrand

Topics covered:

• Tour planning and route selection
• Dialing in your backcountry gear & layering systems
• Refining uphill and downhill travel techniques
• Group communication and decision-making
• Recognizing terrain and hazards in the backcountry

This isn’t an avalanche course, but two days give you enough time to understand the risks and rewards of backcountry travel, and what comes next in your progression.

Prerequisites: Blue run comfort. Ability to ascend 1,000-2,500 feet of elevation per day. No previous avalanche education required.

Photo by: Molly Hagbrand