Curriculum

This 2-day course is designed for experienced resort snowboarders who are new to the backcountry and want to build a solid foundation in splitboarding. You’ll learn how to use your gear, move efficiently uphill, manage terrain, and transition smoothly between touring and riding.

Students Will Learn:

  • Equipment selection
  • Proper and efficient conversion of the board to skis and back
  • Use of climbing skins for uphill movement
  • Terrain selection for up tracks and down tracks
  • Uphill switchbacking techniques and tips
  • Efficiency
  • Pole usage for snowboarders

Details

Prerequisites

  • Intermediate snowboarding skills; you can confidently and easily ride a blue run inbounds.
  • Good physical fitness; you can hike uphill in deep snow for one or two hours with short breaks.
  • A Level 1 Avalanche Course or equivalent is recommended, but not required.

Avalanche Gear

The AAI Equipment Shop rents avalanche gear, including beacons, probes, and shovels.  They also have splitboards, packs, and poles for rent.  See AAI rental pricing sheet.  You can use your boots with the splitboard.

Course Options

Winter Comprehensive Part 1

We offer a combo course of our Intro to Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding Course, AIARE Avalanche Level 1, and AIARE Rescue.  It’s the most well-rounded and cost-effective way to build the skills you need to confidently venture into the backcountry.  To view the available dates, please visit the webpage.