Ski Mountaineering Course

Repetition. Systems. Proficiency.

Ski mountaineering requires more than knowing how to tie knots, build anchors, or travel on a rope. It requires the ability to execute technical systems efficiently, confidently, and safely in complex mountain terrain.

This hands-on course focuses on repetition, efficient systems, and practical application to bridge the gap between learning technical skills and becoming proficient in their use.

Our approach is simple: less lecture, more practice.

Rather than covering dozens of skills once, we'll focus on essential ski mountaineering systems, practicing them repeatedly, troubleshooting common mistakes, and applying them in realistic mountain scenarios.

What We'll Cover

• Rope Systems & Transitions: Knots, hitches, rope management, belaying, rappelling, and efficient transitions between skiing and climbing.

• Snow Anchors: Building, evaluating, and using anchors in varying snow conditions.

• Steep Snow Travel: Crampon and ice axe techniques, bootpacking, self-arrest, and managing exposed terrain.

• Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue: Rope team travel, fall arrest, and rescue scenarios.

• Mountain Decision-Making: Avalanche assessment, route selection, weather, exposure management, and group communication.

Our Approach: Learn, Repeat, Refine, Apply

Each skill is broken down, practiced repeatedly, refined through feedback, and applied in increasingly realistic scenarios.

Through small-group instruction, deliberate repetition, and hands-on problem-solving, participants develop greater efficiency, familiarity, and independence with technical systems.

Sample 4-Day Course

Day 1 — Foundations: Rope handling, knots, hitches, anchors, and technical transitions.

Day 2 — Technical Systems: Snow anchors, belays, rappelling, and steep snow movement.

Day 3 — Rescue & Scenarios: Glacier travel, crevasse rescue, systems, and team problem-solving.

Day 4 — Mountain Application: A guided ski mountaineering objective integrating technical systems, terrain assessment, and decision-making.

Who It's For

Backcountry skiers and splitboarders looking to develop or refine their technical mountaineering skills. Ideal for those with some prior experience who want more hands-on practice to build proficiency.

What You'll Gain

Greater confidence with technical systems, more efficient transitions, practical rescue experience, and a repeatable framework for continued skill development.

Because knowing a system is different from being able to use it when it matters.

Your Guide

Hannah McGowan, a certified IFMGA guide will be leading the charge with a 4-1 guide to client ratio.