Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding - Adult

Experience Unparalleled Powder in the Tetons

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of winter’s wild beauty with NOLS’ Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding course. Set in the stunning Teton Mountains and surrounding ranges, this 14-day course equips you with the essential skills for winter backcountry travel, avalanche safety, and leadership in extreme conditions. Whether you’re new to backcountry skiing or looking to deepen your skills, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to safely explore off-the-grid winter landscapes.

Beyond developing technical skills, this course will help you build resilience, adaptability, and leadership—traits that are invaluable in the outdoors and in life. Join a global community of NOLS alumni—adventurers, business leaders, explorers, and professionals—who’ve leveraged their outdoor experiences to thrive in any field.

Photo credit: Kristen Lovelace

Why This Course Will Transform You: Leadership and Winter Travel Skills

Develop Expertise in Avalanche Safety, Backcountry Travel, and Winter Leadership

The Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding course is more than an adventure; it’s an opportunity to become a self-sufficient, confident leader in the wild. You’ll leave with more than technical skills; you’ll gain a new mindset for decision-making in challenging and unpredictable environments.

In this course, you’ll master the fundamentals of avalanche assessment, winter camping, and navigating remote terrain while building essential leadership skills. Throughout the course, you’ll grow as an individual, gaining the resilience and foresight to handle uncertainty, whether in the backcountry or in your professional life. This course is an investment in your personal development, helping you tackle challenges with confidence and clarity.

Explore the Rugged Beauty of the Teton Mountains and Beyond

Your adventure begins at the NOLS Teton Valley base, located in the heart of Wyoming’s stunning mountain ranges. Start by honing your skills at Grand Targhee Ski Resort, where you’ll learn avalanche safety, winter camping, and essential backcountry travel techniques. As you progress, you’ll journey into the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Snake River Range, Palisades, Wyoming Range, or Absaroka Mountains, where the adventure truly begins.

Paddle through dense forests, ascend alpine ridges, and navigate pristine snow-covered slopes while developing the confidence to safely travel in avalanche terrain. Each day, you’ll encounter new challenges—whether it’s hauling gear on sleds, building snow shelters, or making smart terrain choices to manage avalanche risks. With every step, you’ll deepen your connection with the wild, gaining first hand experience in winter wilderness safety and leadership.

What You’ll Learn: Backcountry Skiing, Snowboarding, and Leadership Skills

In this course, you’ll develop the skills to plan, execute, and lead your own backcountry expeditions. Here’s a look at the key skills you’ll gain:

• Avalanche Assessment and Risk Management: Learn to assess snow conditions, identify avalanche terrain, and implement safe travel techniques in high-risk areas.

• Winter Camping and Survival: Build snow shelters, prevent cold injuries, and manage the physical and mental demands of winter camping.

• Backcountry Navigation: Ski or snowboard through challenging terrain while managing gear and travel strategies.

• Leadership in Extreme Conditions: Learn how to make critical decisions, communicate effectively, and lead groups in remote, high-stakes environments.

Course Structure: Your 14-Day Backcountry Skiing Adventure

Day 1: Arrive at the NOLS Teton Valley campus, meet your instructors, and review gear and safety protocols.  

Days 2-5: Ski or snowboard at Grand Targhee Resort, focusing on avalanche safety, winter camping, and backcountry navigation techniques.  

Days 6-12: Transition to backcountry terrain in the Tetons, Palisades, and Wyoming Range. Here, you’ll refine your technical skills, lead expedition groups, and travel through remote wilderness areas.

Day 13: Continue backcountry travel, putting your leadership and risk management skills to the test. Prepare to return to base.

Day 14: Return to NOLS Teton Valley for a debrief and final reflections on your experience. Depart as a more confident, capable leader ready for your next adventure.

Photo credit: Ryan Stowe

Challenges and Rewards: Winter Weather, Cold Injuries, and Leadership

Prepare for the Rigors of Winter Backcountry Travel

This course challenges you physically and mentally, pushing you to navigate the harshest winter conditions. You’ll face:

• Dynamic Weather: In the backcountry, conditions can change in an instant. Learn to adapt to snowstorms, subzero temperatures, high winds, and the occasional sunshine.

• Cold Injuries: Exposure to extreme cold requires constant vigilance. Your instructors will teach you to recognize and prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

• Terrain Risk Management: Traveling through avalanche terrain demands careful planning and execution. You’ll gain the skills to minimize risk while maintaining efficient travel across snow-covered slopes.

Along the way, you’ll develop the skills to stay calm, think critically, and solve problems under pressure—both individually and as part of a team.

Who Is This Course For?

A Perfect Fit for Adventurers Seeking Personal Growth and Winter Skills

This course is designed for adults who want to challenge themselves physically and mentally in one of the most beautiful, remote environments in the world. Whether you’re an aspiring backcountry skier, snowboarder, or simply seeking an adventure that pushes your limits, this course will provide you with the skills and leadership experience to excel in winter wilderness settings. A basic level of skiing or snowboarding experience is recommended, but no previous backcountry experience is necessary.

Join the NOLS Alumni Network: Become Part of a Global Network of Adventurers and Leaders

Graduating from this course means you’ll join a diverse community of NOLS alumni—business executives, outdoor professionals, explorers, and innovators—who rely on the leadership, problem-solving, and resilience skills they honed in the wilderness to succeed in all areas of life.

Photo credit: Anne Johnston

Sign Up Today and Answer the Call of the Backcountry!