101 Backcountry Ski

EDUCATIONAL COURSE

Are you ready to step beyond the bounds of the resort and explore the quiet, untracked terrain of Montana’s backcountry?

Our 101 Backcountry Ski course is the perfect introduction — designed for skiers and riders who are comfortable in resort terrain and ready to learn the fundamentals of traveling in the backcountry. This 2-day course focuses on efficient touring technique, basic terrain assessment, and foundational avalanche skills while giving participants a clear understanding of how to move through winter environments responsibly and with good decision-making.

MAG’s 101 Backcountry Ski course is perfect to combine with a Level 1 Avalanche Course from Montana Alpine Guides.

This course combines uphill travel, field-based instruction, and essential rescue practice. Participants learn how to use their equipment effectively, interpret avalanche forecasts, select terrain appropriate for conditions, and travel as a team.
This is a beginner-focused course. The pace is moderate, the terrain is chosen with safety in mind, and instruction emphasizes building a solid foundation rather than covering advanced avalanche concepts. Participants finish the day with a clear sense of how backcountry travel works and what additional training they may want to pursue next.
SKILLS COVERED
- How to use touring equipment: skins, bindings, boots, and pack systems
- Uphill travel skills and efficient skinning techniques
- Transitioning between uphill and downhill travel
- Avalanche basics: recognizing hazard types, reading the daily bulletin, and understanding terrain features
- Companion rescue: beacon searches, probing, and shoveling
- Group travel protocols and communication
- Introductory navigation and route-finding
- Ability to ski confidently on blue or black terrain in the resort
- Basic fitness for several hours of uphill travel
- Touring skis or splitboard, skins, and standard avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
- Avalanche Safety equipment can be rented from MAG
- Professional guiding and instruction
- Food, water, transport, lodging
- Technical clothing, touring equipment, backpack, etc.
- Guide gratuity
MANDATORY GEAR:
Avalanche Safety Packs: Backpack, beacon, shovel, & probe
Rent from MAG: $65/person/day – please contact us if you need to rent Avalanche Safety Packs!
Additional Gear:
- Boots, poles, skins
- Synthetic or wool long underwear bottom and top (base layer)
- Mid layer top and bottom (insulation layer)
- Insulated “puffy” jacket
- Waterproof pants and jacket
- Wool or synthetic socks
- Warm gloves and/or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles and sunglasses
- Day pack backpack (25-40 liters)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottle (1+ liter per person)
- Lunch + snacks
- Hand warmers
- Helmet
- Extra gloves for the uphill
- Chapstick
- Camera
Please see our Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.