Backcountry Development Series: Level 1

  • Price: $799.00

This three-day Backcountry Development Series course is your comprehensive introduction to backcountry skiing and riding.

Participant 1

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Overview:

This three-day Backcountry Development Series course is your comprehensive introduction to backcountry skiing and riding. The course combines the avalanche rescue skills with uphill and downhill skiing techniques. Participants will undertake the American Avalanche Institute’s Avalanche Rescue course to gain a solid theory and practice of these vital skills. Day one will focus on uphill and downhill movement skills required for efficient backcountry travel. Day two will cover the AAI Avalanche Rescue course. On day three we apply previous days skills to use in the backcountry with focus on terrain management, staying comfortable, track setting, and finding the best snow that culminates with a classic ski tour in world famous Rocky Mountain National Park. This is your jumpstart into the backcountry!

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Day one teaches a solid foundation of efficient uphill and downhill travel skills. We’ll head into Rocky Mountain National Park to cover track setting, practice riding in backcountry conditions, basic route finding, and where to look for the best snow!

Day 2: Avalanche Rescue: You will learn the basics of companion rescue and receive professional coaching on your rescue skills including the use of an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.

Day 3: The course culminates in Rocky Mountain National Park which offers terrain for all skiers and splitboarders, including mellow glades, open bowls, steep couloirs and lofty summits. Expect a full day using all your new skills on this classic ski tour!

Meeting location:

CMS Lodge,  341 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, Co.

Lodging:

If you require lodging at our Estes Park Adventure Hostel, please make your reservations online in advance. Beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Our hostel features 16 beds in 3 rooms, bathrooms, showers, a full kitchen with appliances, dishes and utensils, wi-fi, ping-pong table, and a lounge area. Please be considerate of others lodgers during your stay.

All Upcoming Dates and Locations:

  • April 13, 2024 - April 15, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • December 9, 2023 - December 11, 2023 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • December 16, 2023 - December 18, 2023 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • December 30, 2023 - January 1, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • January 6, 2024 - January 8, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • January 13, 2024 - January 15, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • January 20, 2024 - January 22, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • January 27, 2024 - January 29, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • February 3, 2024 - February 5, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • February 10, 2024 - February 12, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • February 17, 2024 - February 19, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • February 24, 2024 - February 26, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • March 2, 2024 - March 4, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • March 9, 2024 - March 11, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • March 16, 2024 - March 18, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • March 23, 2024 - March 25, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • March 30, 2024 - April 1, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
  • April 6, 2024 - April 8, 2024 - Backcountry Development Series: Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado

Topics Include:

  • Complete Avalanche Rescue Course
  • Interpreting avalanche and weather bulletins
  • Backcountry ski equipment
  • Layering for uphill skiing
  • Layering for downhill skiing
  • Use and care of alpine touring bindings
  • Use and care of climbing skins
  • Getting into skis in deep snow, or steep, icy slopes
  • Techniques for efficient uphill travel
  • Appropriate downhill skiing/riding turns for variable snow conditions
  • Techniques for managing a group uphill
  • Techniques for managing a group downhill
  • Making kick turns
  • Efficient transitions to uphill from downhill skiing
  • Efficient transitions to downhill skiing from skinning
  • Foot care
  • Maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition
  • Planning ski tours balancing safety and good snow conditions
Experience Level

Beginner

Activity Level

Moderate

Category

Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Duration

Multi-Day

Includes:

  • Trained and/or certified guide
  • Avalanche Equipment if needed
    • Beacon
    • Shovel
    • Probe

Excludes:

  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Clothing, backpack and non-technical personal items
  • A/T or Splitboard Equipment (Recommend Neptune Mountaineering)
  • Park Entrance Fees (where applicable)
  • Eldora Mountain Resort Uphill Ticket; Daily: $25 -or- Annual: $149
  • Rescue Insurance
  • Trip Insurance
  • Gratuity
  • Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Colorado Mountain School

Item Description Quantity Example Purchase At Rent At Equipment Type
Avalanche Beacon

Modern, digital, three-antennae beacon with fresh batteries.

1

BCA Tracker 3 or 4

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School or Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Avalanche Probe

Collapsable metal or carbon rod used to probe avalanche debris while attempting to strike a buried target.

1

BCA Stealth 300

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School or Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Avalanche Rescue Shovel

Ski specific shovel used to dig pits and avalanche rescue. A metal blade is mandatory.

1

BCA B1 Ext

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School or Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Backpack: 20-40 liter

Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing.

1

CAMP M3 30L

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Baselayer Bottoms

Synthetic or Merino Wool, Lightweight or mid-weight are recommended.

1

Men: Rab Syncrino Leggings
Women: Rab Syncrino Leggings

Rab

Clothing
Beanie or Fleece Hat

Should cover the ears and fit under a helmet. Hats with fluff balls on top do not fit under helmets.

1

Filament Beanie

Rab

Clothing
Climbing Skins

Nylon or mohair. Trimmed and adjusted to fit your skis or splitboard ahead of time.

1

Dynafit Speedskin

Neptune Mountaineering

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Face Mask – PPE

Optional; Look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging.

1 Clothing
Floatation (Skis, Snowboard, or Snowshoes)

Students are welcome to participate on snowshoes, skis, or Splitboard. Skis should have touring bindings; lightweight tech bindings are ideal. Splitboards are ideal for snowboarders. Snowboarders using resort snowboards will need to have snowshoes. All students will need poles.

1

Dynafit Free 97; Dynafit ST Radical 100

Weston Backwoods Splitboard

 

 

Neptune Mountaineering

Weston

Skis and Splitboards: Neptune Mountaineering
Snowshoes: Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Food

Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. Feeze-dried meals are acceptable on overnight trips, but not day trips.

1

Made in Nature, Thrive Tribe

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Goggles

Protect your eyes and face from wind and sun burn.

1

Zeal Beacon Goggles

Zeal Optics

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Hardshell Pants

These should be non-insulated pants with ankle cuffs wide enough to fit over your ski or ride boots.

1

Men: Rab Khroma Kinetic Pant
Women: Rab Women’s Khroma Kinetic Pants

Rab Stores

Clothing
Heavyweight Waterproof Glove

This glove comes out when the winter going gets cold and wet or at higher altitudes.

1

Men: Pivot GTX Glove
Women: Pivot GTX Glove

Rab Store

Clothing
Hot Drinks

Coffee, tea, hot cocoa are great for warming up when it’s cold outside.

1

Cusa Tea; Alpine Start Coffee

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Lightweight Baselayer Top

Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a “wicking” layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded base layers add extra versatility.

2

Men: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee
Women: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee

Rab

Clothing
Lightweight Gloves

Synthetic; Thin gloves used when hiking the early morning approach. Belay gloves can suffice if full-fingered.

1

Rab Vapour-Rise Glove

Rab Store

Clothing
Lip ScreenSPF 15 or higher.

Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned.

1

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Lip Balm

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Midweight Baselayer Top

Synthetic or Merino Wool; Adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one base layer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds.

1

Men: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie
Women: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie

Rab

Clothing
Midweight Softshell Glove

This is the workhorse glove and is most often worn on warmer days when mountaineering. Softshell gloves are water-resistant and durable. They often have leather palms and fingers.

1

Rab Khroma Tour Glove

Rab

Clothing
Neck Gaiter

“Buffs” are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind or sun.

1

CMS Neck Gaiter

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Rock Climbing Helmet

UIAA/CE approved; Should be large enough to fit over a beanie. Plastic helmets are more durable, but heavier. Foam helmets are lighter, but more easily damaged when carried in a pack.

1

CAMP Titan

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School

Equipment
Ski Helmet

This item is recommended but not required. We will be skiing in the trees, and in snow conditions where rocks, stumps, and downded logs are present.

1

Camp Speed Comp

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Ski or Snowboard Boots

Footwear should be appropriate to mode of travel i.e. ski, snowboard, or insulated winter boots for snowshoes. For snowshoers, a boot such as the Scarpa Mont Blanc is the minimum level of boot required. Ski Boots should have a walk mode.

1

Scarpa Maestrale RS

Neptune Mountaineering

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Ski or Trekking Poles

Two poles, with powder baskets, are required for all skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers. It is ideal if poles are ski-specific and collapse small enough to fit onto a pack when climbing.

1

BCA Scepter

Neptune Mountaineering

Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Ski Straps

18″ Rubber or velcro straps to connect skis when attaching them to a pack. Also useful for a variety of in-the-field equipment repairs.

2

BCA Ski Strap

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Skis or Snowboard

Skis should have touring bindings; lightweight tech bindings are ideal. Splitboards are ideal for snowboarders. Snowboarders using resort snowboards will need to have snowshoes and poles.

1

Dynafit Beast 98; Dynafit ST Radical 100

Neptune Mountaineering

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Smartphone

Great for taking photos and videos. Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in freezing temps – keep your phone in a warm inner layer. A tether is ideal in the mountains to protet against dropping your phone.

1 Optional
Softshell and Fleece Jacket

Water-resistant, windproof, yet it “breaths,” which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable.

1

Men: Rab VR Summit Jacket
Women: Rab VR Summit Jacket

Rab

Clothing
Sports Bra

Provides support and allows for full range of motion

1

North Face Beyond the Wall

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Sun Hat

A billed hat to keep the bright mountain sun at bay.

1

Rab Trucker Logo Cap

Rab

Clothing
Sunglasses

“Wrap-Around” style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection.

1

ZEAL RAD CLIFF SUNGLASSES

Zeal Optics 

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
SunscreenSPF 30 or higher.

Travel size.

1

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 50

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Synthetic or Down Puffy Jacket

Fits over all other layers and is worn at breaks and on really cold days. Synthetic puffies are more durable, are easily laundered, and dry out quickly if wet. Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet.

1

Men: Rab Mythic Alpine Light Jacket
Women: Rab Mythic Alpine Light Jacket

Rab

Clothing
Synthetic or Merino Wool Socks

Wool and synthetic blends are great for long days on the trail. “Ski” and “Snowboard” socks are especially useful when warmth is desired.

2

Point 6 AT Hike Light Crew

Neptune Mountaineering

Clothing
Thermos

Many ice climbers prefer to bring a thermos of hot water or soup instead of one of their water bottles.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Toe Warmers and Hand Heaters

Help keep you warm on particularly cold days.

1

Neptune Mountaineering

Optional
Water Bottles

1 liter bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Bladders are not acceptable during sub freezing temps. Sports drinks are also acceptable.

2

Nalgene, Hydro Flask

Neptune Mountaineering

Equipment
Waterproof Shell Jacket

Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all other layers.

1

Men: Rab Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket
Women: Rab Women’s Khroma Cirque GORE-TEX Jacket

Rab

Clothing

COVID-19

Q: Will COVID-19 impact my course?

A: 2020 made it clear that running programs while managing the risk of COVID-19 transmission is a challenge. It is a challenge that the Colorado Mountain School team tackled creatively and courageously. We may need to shift our classrooms to virtual settings at a moment’s notice. We may need to put on masks unexpectedly. We may need to go outside and distance ourselves. No matter what though, we are committed to running programs, providing education, and serving our mission, while also maintaining the highest standards of risk management. Please visit our FAQ page or contact us for more information.

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