Intro to Splitboarding Clinic

overview

This clinic is a fun and low commitment introduction to the fundamental skills of backcountry splitboarding. You will learn about backcountry gear and the basics of touring while actually touring around the backcountry of classic Pacific Northwest destinations, with one of the Mountain Bureau’s professional guides.

Details

Location: See Session Dates for Locations
Ratio: 5:1 student to instructor
Length: 1 Evening Online Classes & 1 Full Field Day
Cost: $250.00 per person
Dates:

  • Session #1: Snoqualmie Pass - Dec. 12-16, 2023 (Tuesday Evening Online Class, Saturday Field Session)

  • Session #2: Mt. Baker Backcountry - Dec. 19-23, 2023 (Tuesday Evening Online Class, Saturday Field Session)

  • Session #3: Snoqualmie Pass - Jan. 2-6, 2024 (Tuesday Evening Online Class, Saturday Field Session)


Topics covered

Putting on and using skins
Efficient gear management
Avalanche beacon safety check
Basic movement skills on splitboard in uphill mode
Uphill kick turns
Fundamental movement skills for downhill riding (pole use, etc)
Efficient and safe downhill movement in a backcountry setting

Itinerary

Webinar

Day 1 - 6:00pm-8:00pm This is a 2 hour digest of preparation, gear planning, and mental preparation. This will allow us to hit the ground running on our field day and get the most out of the experience.

Field Session
Day 2 - Beginning at 8 am, we will do a gear check and trail head briefing on the conditions and the plan. We will try to get as much elevation as the group desires focusing on efficient movement and transitions from touring to downhill riding. Our exploration will provide plenty of teachable moments, navigation, and pro tips throughout the day you will have no trouble leaving with an extreme sense of value.

Add a Day! - Combine this course with an AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course at Snoqualmie Pass or Mt. Baker to fully prepare you for a full season of touring.


Excludes

Transportation to and from the meeting location
Lunches and snacks
Personal clothing appropriate for conditions
Avalanche Equipment (Transceiver, Probe, and Shovel)
Touring Equipment (Splitboard, Boots, Skins, Poles)

Includes

Professional Splitboard Guide
Webinar planning session
1 Full day of guided instruction and touring at a 5:1 ratio



PREREQUISITE EXPERIENCE OR SKILLS

Participants should be able to ride in-bound “Blue Square” runs in all snow conditions (in control). Participants should have basic uphill fitness and be able to walk uphill with a light (approx. 20lbs.) backpack.

Minimum Age

Students 16-17 years old, with consent from a parent or guardian and prior approval by The Mountain Bureau (please call or email prior to enrolling)


All programs are subject to the Mountain Bureau LLC Terms & Conditions