Wasatch Ski Mountaineering Course
A ski mountaineering course designed for experienced skiers/riders who dream of the wildest lines of the Wasatch and beyond!
Course Description:
The Wasatch is one of the best training grounds in the world for serious ski mountaineering objectives. We’ve designed this course to give intermediate/advanced backcountry skiers the chance to progress to the next level and learn the technical skills they need to attempt high consequence ski mountaineering descents. Our courses have small ratios so that each student receives the coaching they need. If you comfortably ski black diamonds at your local resort, frequently ski in the backcountry, and if you think you’re ready for steeper and more technical terrain, this course is for you!
Day 1: You’ll learn about avalanche mitigation strategies for high consequence terrain, work on steep skiing techniques, practice fundamental technical skills (knots, hitches, devices, anchors, etc), and learn about group management in difficult terrain. The accessibility and high concentration of steep terrain found close to the road in Little Cottonwood Canyon make this a perfect venue for this day.
Day 2: We will focus on the repetition of fundamental ski mountaineering skills- anchoring, belaying a skier, managing steep entrances, rappelling, etc. Our objectives will be a little bigger than the previous day. Exact location TBD.
Day 3: The goal is for students to apply their new skills to some of the most complex lines in the Wasatch. We will set our sites on some of the more challenging, highly technical objectives where rope work and snowpack assessment will be critical. Big lines such as the NW Couloir of Pfeifferhorn, the Hypodermic Needle, South Ridge of Superior and others have been objectives on past courses.
Course topics include: Gear selection, knots, anchors, technical rope work, belaying a skier, rappelling, use of an ice axe/crampons, steep skiing technique, team/partner communication, terrain assessment and of course, avalanche hazard evaluation in high risk terrain. Glacier travel and crevasse rescue skills are an option, depending on the group’s aspirations.
All ski mountaineering courses will be taught by AMGA Certified Ski Mountaineering Guides and most likely an IFMGA Licensed Guide.
Prerequisites:
Participants should:
- Be comfortable (comfortable = rarely falling and skiing in control in any conditions) skiing black diamond terrain and harder in western ski areas.
- Have the ability to skin up a minimum of 4,000 feet in a day.
- Be competent with alpine touring equipment.
Gear List:
Wasatch Ski Mountaineering Course Equipment List
Contact us for rental gear
2024 Dates:
- Feb 17-19 (FULL)
- March 15-17 (FULL)
- Groups of 3 can book any available dates and the course will be customized for your group. This option is also open to groups of 2 at a higher cost. The course can also be run in 2 days. Please contact us to discuss options.
Course Fees:
$650 each (minimum 3 students)
Transportation is not included. Participants must arrange transportation to and from the trailheads. Chains or all-wheel drive sometimes required by law in the Wasatch.
Apply for the Ski Mountaineering Course Here
Earning some turns in the Wasatch
Scholarships:
American Alpine Club’s Partner in Adventure Grant- for Outdoor Education: “Our goal is to help you and your partner stay safe as you broaden your climbing skill set.” -AAC. This fits perfectly with SIET’s objectives, definitely apply to this one! Grants up to $1,000. Applications are open from September 22—October 29. For courses in the US only.
https://americanalpineclub.org/partner-in-adventure#utm_source=national1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=partnerinadventure
Cancelation Policy: If you need to cancel 60 days prior to the course, you will be given a full refund. Cancelations that occur after 60 days will not receive a refund. The course may also be cancelled due to bad weather, sickness, low enrollment, or other logistical challenges and travel insurance is advised.