This is a five-day (plus self-paced pre-course learning and pre-trip planning) springtime course for advanced backcountry skiers and snowboarders that want to develop the knowledge, skill, and ability to plan and execute remote, multi-day ski and splitboard mountaineering 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 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:

• Thursday, April 18 – Monday, April 22, 2024
• Thursday, April 17 – Monday, April 21, 2025

This five-day course includes glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and mountaineering instruction (with the option to add Rec Level 2 certification). We tour from the road (a snowmobile may be used to transport camping gear and food to lighten loads) into the Central Chugach and setup camp(s) for glacier skiing and ski mountaineering. $1,750 per person includes group camp equipment, all food and hot drinks (breakfast, lunch and snacks while out skiing, dinner), and course fees.

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