This is a 5-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 and crevasse rescue). This course delivers as much mentored big mountain ascending and descending as possible, in addition to skill development for expedition ski touring glaciated terrain. Curriculum includes American Avalanche Association recognized Rec Level 2 certification.

Prerequisites: ability to ski or snowboard advanced terrain in variable snow conditions, fitness to tour (via ski or splitboard) and camp consecutive days in potentially inclement mountain weather, completion of American Avalanche Association recognized Rec Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue course(s) or equivalent.

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

• Wednesday, May 13 – Sunday, May 17, 2026

This 5-day course includes snow camping, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and Rec Level 2 instruction. We travel into the Thompson Pass area Central Chugach backcountry and setup camp(s) for big mountain skiing and splitboarding. $2,000 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. To register complete steps 1-6 here: course registration. CMI will email you an invoice after receiving your registration form (delays aren’t unusual – we are often in the field for days without communication during the summer and fall).