This course equips skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and climbers with the essential skills to confidently spend multiple nights in the winter backcountry. Whether you’re heading out on early winter mountaineering trips like Mt. Baker or find yourself camping on snow in any winter environment, this program prepares you for the challenges of overnight snow camping.
You’ll learn how to select safe and suitable campsites, build effective snow shelters, and utilize techniques to stay warm and dry throughout the night. This hands-on training ensures that, regardless of how you travel through the snow, you’ll be prepared to thrive in cold, snowy conditions.
Because winter backcountry travel can include avalanche-prone terrain, we recommend completing our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course (or an equivalent) before enrolling. This foundation in avalanche awareness will help you make informed decisions during extended winter trips.
Curriculum
