Course Notes

• courses are approximately 6-8 hours
• participants should be comfortable spending a full day outside in the mountains
• final course itineraries and locations will depend on weather, snow conditions, and group ability
• some advanced level courses have a smaller ratio of 4:1 (participants to guide) and higher cost

Gear Notes

• backcountry skiers and snowboarders are welcome
• the best mode of uphill travel would be skis or split boards with skins, but snowshoes are also acceptable
• a limited amount of demo & rental gear will be available from sponsors, but course participants are encouraged to bring their own gear to ensure availability
• keep in mind the weather in the White Mountains is variable; conditions could range from mild & sunny to frigid & dumping snow

Suggested Gear

Some courses will have other gear needs, please see the course descriptions or contact us if you have questions.

• alpine touring or telemark skis or split board with skins
• comfortable ski/snowboard boots
• adjustable poles
• day pack or specialized skiing/climbing pack (approximately 3000 cu. in.)
• hard shell (Gore-Tex or other waterproof/breathable) pants/bibs and jacket
• puffy coat (synthetic or down)
• medium weight fleece jacket
• fleece or softshell pants
• long underwear top and bottom
• ski socks
• hats (one warm and another lightweight)
• balaclava or neck warmer
• 1 pair lightweight gloves for approach
• 1 pair warm waterproof gloves or mitts
• goggles and sunglasses
• headlamp with extra batteries
• 2 liters of water or thermos
• lunch and snacks for each day
• lip balm
• sun screen (very important)
• helmet

Optional Gear

• phone
• repair kit
• camera
• altimeter watch
• first aid kit
• Mt. Washington map
• compass

This course is for skiers and snowboarders looking for an introduction to the world of backcountry skiing in the White Mountains. We’re lucky to have some of the best backcountry ski terrain in the Northeast. Your day will start with an orientation and gear check. You’ll learn how backcountry skiing & snowboarding equipment works and also how to securely put on your skins. Last but not least, we will review the latest Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and Mount Washington Observatory forecast before heading out. Along the way, we'll discuss a number of subjects such as:

• safe route finding
• identifying avalanche terrain and other objective hazards
• snow stability
• skinning and downhill technique
• staying comfortable in the mountains during winter

The location of this course will depend on conditions and the group ability level, but possibilities include:

• Sherburne Trail (possibly into lower angle areas of Tuckerman Ravine) on Mt. Washington
• Gulf of Slides Trail (possibly into lower angle areas of the Gulf of Slides) on Mt. Washington
• various backcountry ski trails and glades in the Mount Washington Valley

Skier & Physical Ability

While this is an intro course, it's not an introduction to skiing. Participants looking to take this course should have alpine skiing experience and feel comfortable skiing "blue squares" in the Northeast. You should feel comfortable being outside in the mountains for 6+ hours with enough physical ability to travel uphill with a pack for 2-3 miles (with enough energy leftover for downhill travel).

Avalanche Safety Equipment

This course may travel in or approach avalanche terrain and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.

This course is for skiers and snowboarders looking for an introduction to the world of backcountry skiing in the White Mountains. We’re lucky to have some of the best backcountry ski terrain in the Northeast. Your day will start with an orientation and gear check. You’ll learn how backcountry skiing & snowboarding equipment works and also how to securely put on your skins. Last but not least, we will review the latest Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and Mount Washington Observatory forecast before heading out. Along the way, we'll discuss a number of subjects such as:

• safe route finding
• identifying avalanche terrain and other objective hazards
• snow stability
• skinning and downhill technique
• staying comfortable in the mountains during winter

The location of this course will depend on conditions and the group ability level, but possibilities include:

• Sherburne Trail (possibly into lower angle areas of Tuckerman Ravine) on Mt. Washington
• Gulf of Slides Trail (possibly into lower angle areas of the Gulf of Slides) on Mt. Washington
• various backcountry ski trails and glades in the Mount Washington Valley

Skier & Physical Ability

While this is an intro course, it's not an introduction to skiing. Participants looking to take this course should have alpine skiing experience and feel comfortable skiing "blue squares" in the Northeast. You should feel comfortable being outside in the mountains for 6+ hours with enough physical ability to travel uphill with a pack for 2-3 miles (with enough energy leftover for downhill travel).

Avalanche Safety Equipment

This course may travel in or approach avalanche terrain and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required. 

This course is the same as Intro to Backcountry Skiing, but we will not be traveling into avalanche terrain and you will not need a beacon/shovel/probe. This course is a good fit if you want to check out backcountry skiing/riding in the White Mountains, but aren't interested in avalanche prone terrain or don't plan to have avalanche rescue gear.

This course is for skiers and snowboarders looking for an introduction to the world of backcountry skiing in the White Mountains. We’re lucky to have some of the best backcountry ski terrain in the Northeast. Your day will start with an orientation and gear check. You’ll learn how backcountry skiing & snowboarding equipment works and also how to securely put on your skins. Last but not least, we will review the latest Mount Washington Observatory forecast before heading out. Along the way, we'll discuss a number of subjects such as:

• safe route finding
• skinning and downhill technique
• staying comfortable in the mountains during winter

The location of this course will depend on conditions and the group ability level, but possibilities include:

• Sherburne Trail on Mt. Washington
• Gulf of Slides Trail on Mt. Washington
• various backcountry ski trails and glades in the Mount Washington Valley

Skier & Physical Ability

While this is an intro course, it's not an introduction to skiing. Participants looking to take this course should have alpine skiing experience and feel comfortable skiing "blue squares" in the Northeast. You should feel comfortable being outside in the mountains for 6+ hours with enough physical ability to travel uphill with a pack for 2-3 miles (with enough energy leftover for downhill travel).

Backcountry skiing can be challenging due to narrow trails, mountain weather, and variable conditions. This course is for skiers and snowboarders looking for an introduction to the world of backcountry skiing in the White Mountains in a more controlled environment. We'll use Wildcat Mountain ski area as our venue and the $10 uphill pass is included in the course. We will not be traveling into avalanche terrain and you will not need a beacon/shovel/probe.

Your day will start with an orientation and gear check. You’ll learn how backcountry skiing & snowboarding equipment works and also how to securely put on your skins. Along the way, we'll discuss a number of subjects such as:

• uphill skinning technique
• downhill skiing in glades and steeper terrain
• staying comfortable in the mountains during winter

Itinerary

• AM - skin to the top of Wildcat, short hike to Mt Washington viewing platform, ski down in a variety of terrain, take another full or partial lap depending on group speed
• lunch break
• PM - skin to the top of Wildcat, ski down in a variety of terrain, take another full or partial lap depending on group speed

Skier & Physical Ability

While this is an intro course, it's not an introduction to skiing. Participants looking to take this course should have alpine skiing experience and feel comfortable skiing "blue squares" in the Northeast. You should feel comfortable being outside in the mountains with enough physical ability to travel uphill with a pack for 2-3 miles (with enough energy leftover for downhill travel).

This course is for snowboarders looking for an introduction to the world of backcountry snowboarding in the White Mountains. We’re lucky to have some of the best backcountry terrain in the Northeast. Your day will start with an orientation and gear check. We will review the latest Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and Mount Washington Observatory forecast before heading out.

Outcomes

• Gain basic route-finding and navigation skills.
• Improve ability to snowboard in backcountry terrain.
• Learn how to stay warm and comfortable.
• Learn and practice efficient touring and transition techniques.
• Feel confident planning day outings - know where you're going and what resources are available, basic awareness of how to avoid avalanche terrain.

Itinerary (approximate, subject to change based on conditions)

• 7:30am - What's in your pack? (What to bring on a day trip, what to ALWAYS have with you).
• 8am - How to pick a route.
• 9am - Skin up the Sherburne Trail, Gulf of Slides Trail, Doublehead, or other backcountry terrain in the Mount Washington Valley (depending on group and conditions).
• 4pm - Back at cars.

Prerequisite Experience & Equipment

• This course is intended to familiarize intermediate/advanced riders with trip planning and backcountry travel technique. No backcountry experience is necessary, although riders should have excellent control and confidence on a board.
• Acceptable means of uphill travel would be a splitboard with skins or snowshoes.

Avalanche Safety Equipment

This course may travel in or approach avalanche terrain and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.

Course Guide:

This course is being led by Jordan Parks. She grew up on the competitive snowboard circuit, participating in such events as the US Open. After traveling around North and South America for three years with her sponsors, Jordan turned her attention to art school and backcountry riding. Jordan is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and has taken the AIARE 1 avalanche course.

This course is for skiers and snowboarders looking to take the next step into backcountry skiing in the White Mountains. For experience level, this course is appropriate if you've already backcountry skied on trails and possibly in some higher terrain on Mount Washington.  Your day will start with an orientation, gear check, and we'll review backcountry skiing/riding basics if needed. Last but not least, we will review the latest Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and Mount Washington Observatory forecast before heading out. Along the way, we'll discuss a number of subjects such as:

• safe route finding
• identifying avalanche terrain and other objective hazards
• snow stability
• skinning and downhill technique
• staying comfortable in the mountains during winter

The location of this course will depend on conditions and the group ability level, but may include:

• Sherburne Trail into moderately steep areas of Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington
• Gulf of Slides Trail into moderately steep areas of the Gulf of Slides on Mt. Washington
• various backcountry ski trails and glades in the Mount Washington Valley

Skier & Physical Ability

Participants looking to take this course should have extensive alpine skiing experience (feeling comfortable skiing variable conditions on "black diamonds" in the Northeast) as well as intro or intermediate backcountry experience. 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).

Avalanche Safety Equipment

This course may travel in or approach avalanche terrain and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.

This course is for more experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to ski steeper and/or above treeline terrain in the White Mountains. Your day will start with an orientation and gear check. We'll review the latest Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and Mount Washington Observatory forecast before heading out. Along the way, we'll discuss a number of subjects such as:

• safe route finding
• identifying avalanche terrain and other objective hazards
• snow stability
• skinning and skiing/snowboarding techniques in steep ski terrain

The location of this course will depend on conditions and the group ability level, but may include:

• Mt. Washington: Tuckerman Ravine, Gulf of Slides, Oakes Gulf, Ammonoosuc Ravine
• steep gullies on Mount Webster in Crawford Notch
• various backcountry ski trails and glades in the Mount Washington Valley

The Advanced Backcountry Skiing course would be appropriate for skiers & snowboarders that already have backcountry skiing experience, although expert resort skiers that have mountain travel experience can also join.

Ratio

This course has a 4:1 ratio of skiers per guide. The course cost is slightly higher (+ $20/day) compared to intro/intermediate courses due to the lower ratio.

Skier & Physical Ability

Participants looking to take this course should have previous backcountry skiing 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 and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.

The Avalanche Awareness & Rescue course is for backcountry skiers & snowboarders looking to take the first step towards learning about avalanches, what causes them, how they can be avoided, and how to respond to an avalanche incident. You’ll start with some handouts & discussion before heading into the mountains. We will cover the following subjects:

• mountain weather including checking out the Mount Washington Observatory forecast and Mount Washington Avalanche Center advisory
• how to identify avalanche terrain
• basic route finding & safe travel in avalanche terrain
• basic snowpit & snowpack analysis
• transceiver training & mock rescue

Course locations will be condition dependent, but are often a tour into either Tuckerman Ravine or The Gulf of Slides on Mount Washington. Other possibilities include Ammonoosuc Ravine (Mount Washington) or some of the gullies and open terrain in Crawford Notch.

Skier & Physical Ability

Participants looking to take this course should have previous backcountry skiing experience or alpine skiing experience (feeling comfortable skiing variable conditions on at least "blue squares" in the Northeast). 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).

Avalanche Safety Equipment

This course may travel in or approach avalanche terrain and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.

This is a 3 day course from Friday through Sunday. The Mt Washington Backcountry Ski Festival AIARE class instructors are able to not only teach the AIARE standard curriculum, but also draw on their own personal experiences and passion for avalanche awareness to prepare you for your own adventures. Upon completion of this class, you will be certified by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education…a globally recognized organization whose mission is to “Save Lives through Avalanche Awareness.” You will also be receiving from us an AIARE Field Book and the AIARE 1 Student Manual. An avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe are provided during the course; however you are encouraged to bring your own if you own it.

The AIARE 1 is a three day (24 hours) introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:

• Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
• Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
• Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.”
• Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.

Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught). A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counseled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course.

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

• Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain
• Recognize avalanche terrain
• Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain
• Learn and apply effective companion rescue

Instructional sessions (24 hours including both class and field instruction):

1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

• Types and characteristics of avalanches
• Avalanche motion
• Size classification
• The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

2. Observations and Information Gathering

• Field observation techniques
• Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
• Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
• Observation checklist
• Avalanche danger scale

3. Trip Planning and Preparation

• Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
• Route finding and travel techniques
• Decision making and Human Factors

4. Companion Rescue and Equipment

No previous experience is required. Appropriate physical and mental fitness is necessary. Participants will be required to perform physically strenuous activities.

The Ski Mountaineering course, like its name, is a combination of backcountry skiing and mountaineering. In addition to searching out good ski runs, we'll focus on mountain travel and reaching summits with skis. Some techniques and topics covered may include:

• crampon and ice axe use for reaching and traveling in ski terrain
• transitioning from foot travel to skiing in steep terrain (chopping ledges and making stable platforms in snow)
• some rope work such as rappelling into steep ski terrain
• snow and ski/board anchors
• ski and split board travel on glaciers
• recognizing avalanche terrain and how to safely travel thought it
• staying comfortable during harsh winter conditions in the mountains

Depending on conditions, this course will most likely take place on Mount Washington or other Presidential Range peaks. Specific locations may include:

• Tuckerman Ravine
• Gulf of Slides
• Huntington Ravine
• Great Gulf
• Ammonoosuc Ravine

Other possibilities include the steep gullies or open terrain in Crawford Notch.

Ratio

This course has a 4:1 ratio of skiers per guide. The course cost is slightly higher (+ $20/day) compared to intro/intermediate courses due to the lower ratio.

Gear Notes

Technical gear such as crampons, ice axe, harness, and ropes will be used for this course (this gear will be provided by Synnott Mountain Guides, but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have it)

Skier & Physical Ability

Participants looking to take this course should have previous backcountry skiing 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 4+ 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 and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.

The 2 Day Ski Mountaineering course will expand upon the one day course, allowing more time for practicing techniques. We will also focus one day on reaching and skiing a peak in the Presidential Range.

The Ski Mountaineering course, like its name, is a combination of backcountry skiing and mountaineering. In addition to searching out good ski runs, we'll focus on mountain travel and reaching summits with skis. Some techniques and topics covered may include:

• crampon and ice axe use for reaching and traveling in ski terrain
• transitioning from foot travel to skiing in steep terrain (chopping ledges and making stable platforms in snow)
• some rope work such as rappelling into steep ski terrain
• snow and ski/board anchors
• ski and split board travel on glaciers
• recognizing avalanche terrain and how to safely travel thought it
• staying comfortable during harsh winter conditions in the mountains

Depending on conditions, this course will most likely take place on Mount Washington or other Presidential Range peaks. Specific locations may include:

• Tuckerman Ravine
• Gulf of Slides
• Huntington Ravine
• Great Gulf
• Ammonoosuc Ravine

Other possibilities include the steep gullies in Crawford Notch.

Ratio

This course has a 4:1 ratio of skiers per guide. The course cost is slightly higher (+ $20/day) compared to intro/intermediate courses due to the lower ratio.

Gear Notes

Technical gear such as crampons, ice axe, harness, and ropes will be used for this course (this gear will be provided by Synnott Mountain Guides, but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have it)

Skier & Physical Ability

Participants looking to take this course should have previous backcountry skiing 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 4+ 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 and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.

While not as well known for backcountry skiing as its neighbor (Tuckerman Ravine), Huntington Ravine has great ski terrain. The catch is that much of the ski terrain requires navigating over or around small ice cliffs during the ascent and descent. The size of these ice cliffs changes depending on the season's snowpack; in big snow years, it's sometimes possible to ski a run like Central Gully on all snow.

Your day will start with an orientation and gear check. We'll review the latest Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and Mount Washington Observatory forecast before heading out. Along the way, we'll discuss a number of subjects such as:

• safe route finding
• identifying avalanche terrain and other objective hazards
• snow stability
• skinning and skiing/snowboarding techniques in steep ski terrain
• climbing gullies with ski gear
• snow and ski anchors
• rappelling to enter steep ski terrain or avoid small ice cliffs

FAQ

Will we ski a gully in Huntington Ravine?

The focus of this course is to practice skills needed to safely ski/snowboard steep exposed terrain like that found in Huntington Ravine. The course will be held in Huntington Ravine pending weather/snow conditions, group ability, and guide judgement.  Gully skiing would likely involve ascending partway up a gully to work on skills and then ski/board down.  For example, you may ascend Central Gully up to the ice bulge, build an anchor to practice rappelling with skis/board on, and then ski down.  A full ski descent of a gully in Huntington is not out of the question, but is unlikely in a group setting like this considering the serious nature of the terrain.

Ratio

This course has a 4:1 ratio of skiers per guide. The course cost is slightly higher (+ $20/day) compared to intro/intermediate courses due to the lower ratio.

Gear Notes

Technical gear such as crampons, ice axe, harness, and ropes will be used for this course (this gear will be provided by Synnott Mountain Guides, but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have it)

Skier & Physical Ability

Participants looking to take this course should have previous backcountry skiing/snowboarding experience and feel comfortable making controlled turns on steep exposed 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). A climbing or mountaineering background would be helpful.

Avalanche Safety Equipment

This course may travel in or approach avalanche terrain and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.

This course is for experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to explore more obscure areas in the White Mountains. Depending on the objective, you may experience a long approach, trail breaking, and navigating through the dense New Hampshire forest. Like any good adventure, you may spend more time on the approach than actual skiing.

Your day will start with an orientation and gear check. We'll review the latest Mount Washington Avalanche Center avalanche advisory and Mount Washington Observatory forecast before heading out. Along the way, we'll discuss a number of subjects such as:

• safe route finding
• identifying avalanche terrain and other objective hazards
• snow stability
• skinning and skiing/snowboarding techniques in steep and variable ski terrain

The location of this course will depend on conditions and the group ability level, but there is no limit to the slides, ravines, and glades we can explore in the White Mountains. You may be sworn to secrecy depending on the location!

Skier & Physical Ability

Participants looking to take this course should have previous backcountry skiing 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 and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required.