Provided by Utah Mountain Adventures
Salt Lake
Friday, December 13, 2024
Season-long Backcountry Mentorship for backcountry skiers and split-snowboarders. Assessment and Avalanche Rescue Tour is December 13, 2024. Tours will be Fridays January-March 2025. Cost is $239 plus tax for first tour and $1600 plus tax for the season-long program.
This is a season-long backcountry touring series meant to bring off-piste enthusiasts together over a common passion for skiing & riding outside the confines of the resort.
This mentorship program is spread out over a full winter season, allowing participants to analyze the changing snowpack, develop a broader knowledge of backcountry terrain in the Wasatch, practice and implement decision-making skills in avalanche terrain, bond with fellow backcountry tourers and build a deeper connection with experts in the field.
Topics Include:
- Dial in your backcountry setup, review what to bring & what not to; learn how to stay warm, yet not overheat on the skin trail
- Implement beacon function and distance checks
- Get feedback, practice and hone avalanche rescue skills
- Methodize your tour planning - use systems to help formulate options and select appropriate tour plans (avi and weather forecasts, red light/green light terrain, etc.)
- Dig pits, practice on-the-go tests, and record daily findings
- Evolve your avalanche risk and terrain decision-making skills in relation to the changing snowpack
- Dial in skinning technique: kick turns, pressure breathing etc
- Learn to set an efficient, low-risk skin track
- Develop your downhill movement skills in a various snow types
- Test your limits - on steeps, trees, couloirs, distance and vertical
- Get a taste for ski-mountaineering - how and when is it useful climb on foot and to use sharps? Pros & cons of ice axe, whippet, ski & boot crampons, belayed skiing/riding
- Ride a novel line - as conditions permit. Apply new skills and push for a Wasatch Classic
- Learn how to be a leader and solid backcountry companion
- Work as a team, build each other up, be your best self, get fit, explore new terrain and celebrate being out in nature!
2024-25 Dates
Friday Dec 13, 2024 (Mandatory Assessment & Rescue Tour)
5 Fridays are included in the price (full field day sessions)
Friday January 17, 2025
Friday January 31, 2025
Friday February 14, 2025
Friday February 28, 2025
Friday March 14, 2025
Friday March 28, 2025
NOTE: The first date (Dec 13th Assessment Tour) is required. 6 dates are offered in the new year, but participants may miss one day. Tuition covers 5 of the 6 days in the new year. UMA understands that sometimes life compels participants to miss a day. Participants may add-on the 6th tour if they have attended the first 5 for $239 plus tax..