Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, the Mazamas will offer a modified Backcountry Ski Touring course in 2021: Backcountry Ski Touring Virtual Lecture Series.
This online-only lecture series is designed to introduce you to tips and tricks for safe and efficient backcountry ski touring, introduce an awareness of avalanche hazards, lay the foundation for an Avalanche 1 course, and provide some safe options for local introductory backcountry tours.
Ski mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest can span the spectrum from multi-day traverses, to skiing off the summits of local volcanoes, to just basking in the sunshine on the south side of Mt. Hood in July. Each tour has its special joys and dangers. Our goal is to connect you to experts on the nuances of backcountry skiing and snowboarding through an online lecture series, who will share their knowledge and expertise on how to make a safe and confident transition from riding advanced slopes at resorts to touring the off-piste environment of mountain wilderness. The focus of this course is to prepare you to take on your first tour in non-avalanche terrain and connect you to resources that can help you to continue your education in avalanche awareness and backcountry preparedness.
This online lecture series takes place over a period of 6 weeks and includes one two-hour online lecture per week with supplemental reading and resources. It is open to AT/randonee skiers, telemark skiers, and split borders, and is taught by experienced Mazama volunteers. Participants must be 13 years or older by the day of the first lecture.