Summit Pursuits: Mastering Advanced Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding
Welcome to a realm of extreme adventure and unparalleled skill development in the heart of the White Mountains. "Summit Pursuits" beckons to those intrepid backcountry skiers and snowboarders who hunger for the exhilaration of conquering steeper slopes and exploring above treeline terrain.
Embark on an Elevated Journey:
This course is your gateway to a world where the mountains rise taller, the slopes grow steeper, and the challenges become more thrilling. It's tailored for the backcountry enthusiast with a taste for adventure and the desire to push their boundaries.
Course Highlights
Orientation and Gear Check: The day begins with an orientation and comprehensive gear check to ensure you're well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
Safety First: Safety is our utmost priority. We'll start by reviewing the latest updates from the Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and the Mount Washington Observatory forecast to make informed decisions.
Skill Advancement: Throughout the course, our expert guides will delve into critical topics, including:
Precision in safe route finding, especially in steeper terrain
Identifying avalanche-prone areas and other potential hazards
Navigating varying snow stability in advanced environments
Mastering skinning, skiing, and snowboarding techniques tailored for steep slopes
Unveil New Horizons:
As we embark on this thrilling adventure, the course location will be thoughtfully selected based on prevailing weather conditions, snow quality, avalanche risk, group proficiency, and guide insights. Potential destinations include the legendary realms of Mt. Washington, with its iconic Tuckerman Ravine, Gulf of Slides, Oakes Gulf, and Ammonoosuc Ravine. Alternatively, you may find yourself navigating the challenging, picturesque steep gullies of Mount Webster in Crawford Notch or savoring the pristine backcountry ski trails and glades of the White Mountains.
"Summit Pursuits" invites you to elevate your skills, embrace the unknown, and stand on the precipice of adventure. It's time to take your backcountry skiing and snowboarding to the next level in the awe-inspiring White Mountains.
Ratio
This course has a 4:1 ratio of participants per guide. The course cost is higher compared to intro/intermediate courses due to the lower ratio.
Ability Level
Participants looking to take this course should have previous backcountry skiing/snowboarding experience and feel comfortable making controlled turns on steep and/or gladed terrain in variable conditions. You should feel comfortable being outside in the mountains for 6-8 hours with enough physical ability to travel uphill with a pack for 3+ miles (with enough energy leftover for downhill travel and possibly checking out multiple locations).
Avalanche Safety Equipment
This course may travel in or approach avalanche terrain; avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required for participation.
Prerequisites
Advanced resort skier/rider, very comfortable on black diamonds in varying conditions. Minimum of one or two seasons of backcountry experience. Basic experience with an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.
A minimum of two is required to activate this course.