1-day Intro to Backcountry Skiing in the Tetons

Curious about backcountry skiing or splitboarding but not ready to commit to a multi-day avalanche course? This one-day intro is built for skiers and snowboarders who are excited 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 a route plan, chat with your instructors, and check your gear. Don’t have touring gear yet? You can rent everything you need through NOLS! The next morning, you’ll head into the mountains for a full day of touring.

Photo by: Molly Hagbrand

Course topics:

• Tour planning and terrain 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 you’ll get a taste of the risks and rewards that come with earning your turns, and understand what comes next in your backcountry progression.

Photo by: Wilson Cheung

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

Photo by: Anne Johnston