Clinics &
Backcountry
Education

Jackson Hole Mountain Guides will be running the following clinics 

March 12 & 13

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Intro to Splitboarding

Sponsored by Weston

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This camp is step one for the competent resort rider who would like to become more knowledgeable about backcountry touring and explore the mountains away from the ski area boundary. Many resort riders have the fitness and riding ability necessary for backcountry touring but lack the basic fundamental skills, so they are intimidated. They should be.

This camp will introduce you to the skills necessary to participate in future backcountry tours, either guided, or as a well prepared and informed member of a non-guided party. The camp starts in our Jackson office learning about clothing and equipment selection, the contents of the backpack, and a discussion about the current snowpack conditions. The rest of the day will be spent in magnificent GTNP, ascending and descending one of many classic winter lines. Along the way you will be learning about route selection, track setting, snowpack assessment, weather assessment, and skiing in variable backcountry snow.

The participant of this camp should be capable of hiking uphill 3500’/day and a strong intermediate to advanced rider to participate. This camp would be a great prep for our AIARE 1 course. Take a break from the worn out boot pack and come join us.

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Advanced Splitboarding

Come learn how professional splitboard guides approach the terrain they are skiing. This camp is the perfect trip for the backcountry rider who wants to take their game to the next level. Improve your understanding of terrain and snowpack assessment, route selection, companion rescue, and backcountry travel techniques. The touring portion takes place in beautiful Grand Teton National Park. Along the way you will be learning about route selection, track setting, snowpack assessment, weather assessment, and traveling in variable backcountry snow. The best part is that you will be learning while experiencing some of the best splitboarding objectives in the Tetons.

The participant of this camp should be capable of climbing and riding 4,000 feet per day. Previous touring experience is a must! This camp is for those who want to improve their understanding of backcountry travel. It’s a good way to prepare for an AIARE 2.

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AIARE Level 1

This comprehensive course focuses on hazard evaluation, decision-making and companion rescue in avalanche terrain. Learn from our AMGA-trained and certified ski and splitboard guides. Discover techniques for evaluating hazard and managing risk when traveling through avalanche terrain. Mammut Avalanche Safety gear is available to demo during the course.

All participants must travel on touring skis or splitboard during the course and be comfortable riding black diamond terrain at the resort or ungroomed backcountry snow on slopes up to 30 degrees (blue square). If you are new to touring, the Intro to Splitboarding Course is a better fit.

This course utilizes a hybrid learning model. You’ll receive access to an online learning module one week prior to course launch. Then you’ll meet with your instructor Thursday evening to review the online learning, discuss the current avalanche hazard forecast and plan the tours for the field days. Saturday and Sunday will be full days touring.

All proceeds from the Splitfest to go to The Bridger Teton Avalanche Center. Join our AMGA-trained splitboard guides for some classic Teton pow!