En-suite bedrooms from £60pn. Book your course and then call us to book your accommodation
Find Out MoreDiscover Backcountry Skiing (2 Days)
Discover LEVEL | 2 day(s)
Overview
Do you want to know what lies beyond the groomed and managed ski area? Do you like the idea of making sweeping turns through untracked powder enjoying the solitude of the mountain environment? Then this is the place to start that adventure!
Over the 2 days you will be introduced to ski touring equipment, look at what to carry when you are skiing off-piste, explore decision making and planning tools as well as receiving personalised coaching to improving your off-piste ski technique. Whether you are looking to progress to our ski touring, off-piste or guided courses, this is the place to begin that journey.
If course dates are full, check out Discover the Wild Side, our 2 day package at the Wild Ski Weekend.
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
The aim of Discover Backcountry is to take your skiing to the next level, with the expertise of the Glenmore Lodge instructors, to prepare you for adventuring away from the groomed slopes and into the untracked mountains.
PRE-REQUISITES
Ski 1 – You are confident on blue pistes and enjoy skiing with smooth rhythmic turns. On red runs you are capable of controlling your speed, speeding up and slowing down by altering the size and shape of your turns. Coping strategies such as side slipping and downhill kick turns may be familiar to you. Mtn 1 – Experience of Ice Axe and Crampons is not necessary. Skiers should be well practiced in putting on and taking off skis on slopes in soft snow. Fit 1 – As a skier you are capable of skiing all day with regular rests without noticing a significant drop in your technique through fatigue. You are capable of hiking in soft snow with skis on your back or skinning uphill for 2 – 3 hours (600 – 800m). A moderately heavy rucksack 5 – 8kgs will be carried during your course.
IS IT FOR ME?
Yes if you are looking for the following:
- Selecting suitable Backcountry ski equipment and clothing.
- Develop Backcountry ski techniques.
- Using ski touring equipment for ascent and descent.
- Introduction to ‘Companion rescue’ and the use of avalanche transceivers.
- Introduction to Avalanche Awareness, weather and Snowpack.
- Introduction to the necessary mountain safety skills, techniques and knowledge required to travel in the backcountry on skis.
CONTENT
During the 2-day course we will give you a good general introduction to the world of Backcountry Snowsports. Our experience and qualified instructors, coaches and leaders will help you develop the skills and confidence to head away from the ski area.
The main topics covered are:
- Introduction to using ski touring equipment
- Personal coaching to develop both on and off-piste ski performance.
- Backcountry specific techniques to allow you to ski with control even in the most unfavourable snow and visibility!
- Using avalanche transceivers and performing a companion rescue
- Equipment to carry when skiing in the backcountry
- Introduction to avalanche awareness, snowpack and weather
- Explore route planning and decision-making tools
Step 1
Book your course place online
Step 2
Call to book accommodation. Prices from £60pn
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USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- Instruction
- Use of kit
- Packed lunch and afternoon tea each day
- In-course transport
- Please note uplift costs are not included in the course price. Students will have to buy their own uplift. Discover Backcountry will often use a full or half day uplift on Day 1.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IF YOU CHOOSE THE RESIDENTIAL OPTION - AS ABOVE PLUS
- Accommodation in an en-suite bedroom. If booking as an individual, you will not be asked to share with a stranger.
- Breakfast on each course day (except one day and back-to-back courses).
- Dinner on each course day (except the final day, and on one day or back-to-back courses).
- Use of the facilities at Glenmore Lodge.
- Linen is provided along with a towel, you may wish to bring an extra towel if you would like to use the facilities.
NEED TO KNOW
ON YOUR LAST DAY
Check out time is 10am on the final day of your booking, we have changing areas, showers and left luggage facilities on site. All courses will finish by 5pm.
WHAT WILL I NEED
The key to happiness and enjoyment in ski touring is having the right equipment so you can cope with whatever the environment throws at you. At Glenmore Lodge we are extremely fortunate to be partnered with Atomic skis and Scarpa ski boots. These partnerships allow us to maintain a modern range of ski touring boots and skis in our purpose-built ski store.
* Starred Items are available to borrow from GL Stores
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
• *Skis with touring bindings, skins and ski crampons
• *Ski Poles – ideally fixed length
• *Ski Mountaineering Boots – for example Scarpa Maestrale 2 or Maestrale RS2
• *Helmet
• *Avalanche Transceiver – for example Pieps DSP Sport or Pro
• *3m Probe and Shovel
PERSONAL CLOTHING
• Waterproof Jacket – breathable, Goretex Proshell is ideal.
• Waterproof Ski Trousers
• Thermal Bottoms, thermal Tops – long sleeves
• Mid Layers – Fleece or synthetic
• Soft Shell or fleece Jacket
• *Lightweight Belay Jacket
• Sun hut and Warm Hat
• Sunglasses
• Ski Goggles
• Warm Gloves: Thick and Thin
• Ski Socks
• *Compass and whistle – your Guide will have all the necessary maps and guidebooks
• Headtorch
• *Rucksack – 35 – 45 litres.
• Water bottle or Flask.
• Suncream and Lip Salve – SPF 30 minimum
• Personal first aid – some tape, Compeed, plaster for blisters and your own pain relief (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Camera
