Whistler: Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Whistler’s "Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding" promises an immersive 8-hour experience for those eager to venture beyond the resort’s boundaries. With expert guidance and a focus on safety, you will gain the essential skills to navigate the backcountry confidently. From avalanche rescue to efficient travel techniques, this comprehensive group tour equips beginners with the knowledge to explore the snow-covered wilderness responsibly. Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder, this course could open up a whole new world of winter adventures.

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About Your Stay

This 8-hour group tour provides an introduction to backcountry skiing and splitboarding for beginner skiers and snowboarders in Whistler, British Columbia.
The tour covers essential skills such as avalanche rescue, terrain analysis, efficient uphill techniques, and safe downhill skiing/riding.
Participants must be comfortable on intermediate terrain and bring their own equipment, with rentals and lift tickets available at additional cost.
The tour is limited to 6 participants and includes a debrief at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre after the backcountry experience.
The tour guide selects appropriate terrain based on participants’ experience and provides feedback throughout the experience to ensure safe and efficient backcountry travel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Whistler: Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding experience offers an 8-hour group tour priced at $116.63 per person.

The Whistler: Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding experience offers an 8-hour group tour priced at $116.63 per person.

The group size is limited to 6 participants, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour covers basic avalanche rescue, terrain analysis, track setting, route finding, and uphill/downhill skiing/snowboarding techniques.

It’s geared towards beginner skiers/snowboarders interested in backcountry travel, who are comfortable on intermediate terrain.

Rental equipment, lift tickets, and avalanche safety gear aren’t included, incurring additional costs.

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Course Content and Skills

This tour focuses on imparting the fundamental skills for backcountry skiing and splitboarding.

The curriculum covers:

Equipment setup, including boots, skins, skis/splitboard, and trailhead procedures with transceiver.
Efficient uphill walking in touring mode, terrain selection and limitations based on hazards, evaluating slopes, and maintaining situational awareness.
Downhill safe terrain choice and techniques, transition from touring to skiing mode, care of skins, and safe regrouping practices.

Participants will gain the knowledge and abilities to venture safely into the backcountry alongside Whistler Blackcomb.

Target Audience and Requirements

Geared for beginner skiers or snowboarders interested in backcountry travel, this tour requires participants to be comfortable and confident in intermediate terrain (blue runs) across various snow conditions.

Those with mobility impairments or without skiing/snowboarding experience may find the course unsuitable.

The focus is on developing essential skills for safe backcountry exploration, including avalanche rescue, terrain analysis, and efficient uphill and downhill techniques.

Meeting Location and Additional Costs

Participants will meet at the RMU Whistler, located at 113-4557 Blackcomb Way, Le Chamois Hotel, Plaza Level, Upper Village, Whistler, BC V8E 0Y2, Canada.

The tour doesn’t include:

Lift ticket, which costs an additional $47.25 CAD.
Avalanche safety equipment, such as a transceiver, shovel, and probe.
Rentals, which can be arranged separately.

These additional costs are the responsibility of the participants.

The tour will conclude with a debrief at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre around 4:30 PM.

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Preparation for the Day

Guests will want to ensure they arrive at the meeting location with all the necessary equipment and clothing for a day of backcountry skiing or splitboarding. This includes their touring setup – boots, bindings, skis/splitboard, and skins.

Warm, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and weatherproof outerwear are a must. Proper avalanche safety gear, like a transceiver, shovel, and probe, is required.

Bringing snacks, water, and sun protection is also recommended. Participants should be comfortable navigating intermediate terrain across various snow conditions.

The guide will provide feedback on technique and route selection throughout the day.

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Experience in the Backcountry

Once at the meeting point, the guide will lead the group into the backcountry, carefully selecting terrain that aligns with the participants’ experience and abilities.

The day will focus on:

The day will focus on efficient uphill travel, slope evaluation, and safe downhill skiing or riding.

Efficient uphill travel techniques, including managing skins and transitions.
Evaluating slopes and maintaining situational awareness to identify and avoid potential hazards.
Practicing safe downhill skiing or riding, with an emphasis on choosing appropriate terrain.

Throughout the experience, the guide will provide feedback and advice to help participants develop their backcountry skills.

The day will conclude with a debrief and suggestions for further improving their knowledge and abilities.

Post-Activity Debrief

At the end of the day, the guide leads the group back to the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre for a debrief.

The group discusses their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned throughout the day. The guide provides feedback on the group’s performance, highlighting areas for improvement and offering suggestions for furthering their backcountry knowledge and skills.

The debrief covers topics like route selection, uphill and downhill techniques, and safety protocols.

Furthering Backcountry Knowledge and Skills

After the debrief, the guide provides participants with suggestions for furthering their backcountry knowledge and skills.

The guide recommends:

Joining a local backcountry skiing/snowboarding club to continue learning and gain experience in a group setting.
Enrolling in a more advanced avalanche safety course to deepen understanding of snow science and decision-making.
Practicing skills like companion rescue, skinning, and transitions on their own time to build muscle memory and confidence.

The guide emphasizes the importance of continuing education and regular practice to develop into a safe and capable backcountry traveler.

Questions About Your Stay

What Type of Transportation Is Provided to the Meeting Location?

The transportation to the meeting location is not provided. The information states that the meeting location is at RMU Whistler, where the course takes place, and participants are responsible for getting themselves there.

Is It Possible to Customize the Course Content Based on Participants’ Experience?

The course is designed to cover the core skills for beginner backcountry travelers. While the content can’t be fully customized, the guide will adapt the pace and focus based on the participants’ experience and abilities to ensure an engaging and valuable day.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Age Requirements for Participants?

The course doesn’t have any age restrictions, but participants must be comfortable and confident in intermediate terrain across various snow conditions. It’s not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or without experience.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Avalanche Safety Equipment if They Have It?

Participants can bring their own avalanche safety equipment if they have it. This includes a transceiver, shovel, and probe. Using personal gear is allowed and encouraged to ensure familiarity with the equipment during the course.

Is There Any Food or Snacks Provided During the Day-Long Activity?

No, the activity doesn’t provide any food or snacks. Participants should bring their own lunch, snacks, and drinks to sustain themselves throughout the day. The guide will likely recommend what to pack for the outing.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The "Introduction to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding" tour in Whistler provides a comprehensive, hands-on experience for beginner skiers and snowboarders. With a focus on safety and efficient travel, participants learn essential skills like avalanche rescue and terrain analysis. The tour concludes with a debrief, allowing attendees to apply their newfound knowledge and continue exploring the backcountry with confidence.

You can check availability for your dates here: