This is a five-day springtime course for backcountry skiers and snowboarders that want to develop the knowledge, skill, and ability to plan and execute remote, multi-day ski and splitboard trips in wild mountains where avalanche forecasts and observations are unavailable. Curriculum is focused on planning, conditions assessment (avalanche safety, snowpack stability, surface conditions, objective hazards), big mountain terrain management, group dynamics, and technical skill development (glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and mountaineering). This course delivers as much mentored big mountain ascending and descending as possible, in addition to skill development for expedition ski touring and mountaineering in glaciated and technical terrain. For interested students, it’s also possible to obtain American Avalanche Association recognized Rec Level 2 certification through this course.

Prerequisites: ability to ski or snowboard advanced terrain in variable snow conditions, fitness to tour via ski or splitboard for consecutive 8+ hour days in the mountains, completion of American Avalanche Association recognized Rec Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue course(s).

Central Chugach (Valdez, Thompson Pass, Tiekel Valley) course dates:

• Wednesday, April 23 – Sunday, April 27, 2025

This five-day course includes glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and mountaineering instruction (with the option to add Rec Level 2 certification). We travel deep into the Valdez, Thompson Pass, or Tiekel Valley area Central Chugach and setup camp(s) for big mountain skiing and splitboarding. Conditions permitting, a snowmobile will be used to transport us as deep into the backcountry as a ski plane or heli drop would provide (and considering snowmobile access is overland it’s more reliable, affordable, and sustainable than a plane or heli to access terrain in this region of Alaska). $2,500 per person includes group camp equipment, all food and hot drinks (breakfast, lunch and snacks while out skiing, dinner), and course fees. The course is limited to five participants.

Call/text 907-831-9686 or email Info@ChugachSnow.org for inquiries and registration.