1-day Intro to Backcountry Skiing in the Tetons

Have you always wanted to try backcountry skiing (or splitboarding)? This 1-day intro course in the Tetons is the perfect opportunity to learn the basics and spend the day touring with NOLS!

You’ll meet at our Driggs, Idaho campus in the morning, get an introduction to gear and backcountry basic—and then you’ll head out into the mountains.

Photo by: Molly Hagbrand

Course topics:

• Orientation and planning the tour.
• Intro to gear & equipment.
• Skinning techniques.
• Downhill travel.
• Uphill travel.
• Communication systems.
• This is not an avalanche course, but we will gain awareness of some of the hazards that avalanches pose in a winter backcountry setting.

Photo by: Wilson Cheung

This course is appropriate for a person with ‘blue run’ level comfort at a ski area and no previous avalanche education. It’s designed for those who would like to dip their toes into the sport of backcountry skiing, before sinking their teeth (or checkbook) into an avalanche course or guided experience.

Photo by: Anne Johnston