The Backcountry Travel class focuses on safe backcountry travel. The class is divided into groups of snowshoers, snowboarders, and skiers (both Alpine Touring (AT) & telemark). The participants are then further divided up by ability. The class is limited to 25 students.

Each touring section will be 5 students with 2 instructors. The first third of the course focuses entirely on Basic Avalanche Avoidance and Assessment and involves little time sliding about. These skills are then applied on backcountry tours (day-trip and one overnight). While out touring, students will learn about snow stability analysis, route selection, avalanche rescue techniques, winter navigation and camping, how to ski varied snow conditions, look good and have fun.

2012 Backcountry Class

Feel free to contact the co-chairs at WAC-BC-CoChairs@yahoogroups.com if you have questions about the class.

The cost of the course is $125, which does not include the cost of the (required) WAC membership fee. Participants are responsible for acquiring their own equipment.

The class is available to skiers, both Alpine Touring (AT) and Telemark; Snowshoers; and Snowboarders using splitboards.

Skiers & snowboarders should be at least of intermediate ability. This means the ability to stop, turn, and get down blue runs comfortably. Skiers and boarders in this class will be skiing in the backcountry in the Cascades in the winter, where challenging snow conditions and trees (and other obstacles) can present serious challenges for all. We'll do our best to accommodate skiers of various abilities, but those who are more comfortable in challenging conditions will probably find this class more enjoyable!

The schedule for the 2012 class will be as follows:

• February 7: Classroom lecture, 7 p.m.
• February 11-12: Avalanche safety, Snoqualmie Pass
• February 21: Classroom lecture, 7 p.m.
• February 25, 26: Intro to winter backcountry travel, location TBD
• February 28: Classroom lecture, 7 p.m.
• March 3-4: Overnight outing, location TBD

Admittance

You must be a member of the WAC to take this class and you can easily sign up and pay for membership at the same time you apply for the class. Please note that the cost of WAC membership ($45) is not refundable. However, you will not be charged the $125 class fee if you do not get in to the class or if the course is cancelled due to lack of snow, but we cannot offer refunds on your WAC membership dues. Admittance is based on a review of applications and is not first come-first served. Applicants turned away from previous classes or who have volunteered as instructors in other WAC courses are given preference.

Travel Type

You can choose to Telemark or AT ski, use a split snowboard or snowshoe. Lightweight nordic equipment (such as touring skis and leather boots) is not appropriate for the class.

Trip Gear List

The gear required for the course for day trips is listed here. Gear required for the overnight trip is listed here.

A few local gear shops rent Telemark and AT ski gear, as well as avalanche beacons. The WAC has a few split boards for rent, so please note on your application if you are interested in using one for the course.

Application

Applications for the 2012 class are now closed. We aim to inform applicants as to whether or not they will be accepted into the class by January 10, 2012.

Should there be vacancies before class begins, they will be filled by the waitlist.

Instructors

Want to improve your backcountry skills while teaching and having fun? Help teach the class!

If you have at least a Level 1 Avalanche certification and a few years experience in the backcountry please contact the co-chairs at WAC-BC-CoChairs@yahoogroups.com to participate. Thanks for your help!