Who is Ski/Split Mountaineering for?

This class is for backcountry skiers and splitboarders who want to move into bigger alpine descents where crampons, ice axe skills, transitions, and mountaineering judgment may be required.

Do I need avalanche training?

Yes, avalanche education and rescue skills are important for ski and splitboard mountaineering. This class focuses on mountaineering systems and decision making, not replacing formal avalanche training.

What skills are covered?

Common topics include cramponing in ski boots, ice axe use, booting, transitions, ascent strategies, descent planning, terrain assessment, and decision making in consequential terrain.

How strong of a skier or rider do I need to be?

You should be a confident advanced skier or rider in variable snow and have some backcountry travel experience. The terrain and focus can be adjusted, but this is not a first backcountry day.

Will we ski a steep objective?

Possibly, but the objective depends on conditions, avalanche hazard, group ability, and guide judgment. The class prioritizes skill development and decision making over forcing a specific descent.