Discusses the essential skills and knowledge to build confidence in the backcountry. Self-assessment for intermediate vs. advanced objectives and setting personalized goals.

Discussing everything from skis to skins for specific backcountry conditions, plus avalanche safety gear, emergency items, and layering for extreme conditions. Gear organization, weight distribution, and essentials for various types of backcountry trips.

Understanding snow, temperature, and wind patterns that affect avalanche risk. Recognizing signs of instability, interpreting avalanche forecasts, and on-site snow observations.

Intro to topographic maps, contour interpretation, and basic compass navigation. Using apps to plan routes, save maps, and set waypoints. Identifying hazards like cornices, cliffs, and avalanche terrain while planning safe ascents and descents.

How to apply, remove, and care for skins; energy-efficient techniques. Kick turns, managing side slopes, and handling challenging snow. Tips for pacing, hydration, and managing fatigue on long tours.

Skills for skiing steep faces, tight couloirs, and controlling speed. Adapting to powder, crust, and variable snow to keep stability and control. Group management during descents, spotting safe zones, and following in phases.

Communication skills, managing risk, and assigning group roles. Practical approaches to making decisions on whether to proceed, adjust, or turn back. Using radios, satellite devices, and setting up emergency contact plans for high-risk environments.

Hands-on practice with beacons, probes, and shovels; simulated scenarios. Improvising with gear, and handling injuries in isolated areas. Key wilderness first aid skills for common backcountry injuries and cold exposure.

Food, water, and gear packing for multi-day adventures. Tracking weather trends, snow conditions, and adjusting plans over multiple days.

Review of key concepts, scenarios, and decision-making exercises. Recommendations for advanced training or future goals. Q & A section.