2011-2012 Backcountry Skiing &
Ski Mountaineering Open Enrollment Courses
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Three-Day AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education) Avalanche Levels I & II
Backcountry Skiing I
This one-day course teaches you the fundamentals of backcountry skiing. We will introduce you to the art of skinning and proper track setting, descent selection and land navigation, and lay the groundwork for establishing a strong backcountry decision-making framework. This course will give you the tools to feed the need to and avoid the resort crowds and pricey lift tickets.
Prerequisites: Intermediate resort skiing ability; should be capable of managing all blue square runs at the resort, in a variety of un-groomed conditions. Must be comfortable skiing in trees.
Dates: January 14, February 25, March 17
Times: 9am - 4pm
Cost: $205/ $165 (with/without demo skis)
Backcountry Skiing II
This full day in the mountains is the perfect follow-up to our Backcountry Skiing I or anyone with touring experience. We’ll tackle more complex ascents and descents while fine-tuning your skills. We practice group management and proper terrain selection, all while maximizing our time skiing. We’ll focus more on hazard awareness, land navigation and most important improve your off piste skiing ability.
Prerequisites: advanced-intermediate skiing or boarding skills and some backcountry experience
Dates: January 29 or February 26
Times: 9am - 4pm
Cost: $205/ $165 (with/without demo skis)
Side Country Skiing
Not interested in earning all of your turns? We’ll utilize the lifts at Smugglers Notch to maximize your time on the down. Smugglers Notch may have the reputation as a family resort, but did you know they also have the easiest and best access to New England’s premier backcountry ski and ski mountaineering playground? Whether inbounds or out of bounds, experience challenging untracked terrain, mind-blowing vistas, the crème de la crème of glade, chute and gully skiing and of course LOTS of snow. To join us mid week for a BC adventure please contact Petra Cliffs and set up a private or group session beyond the area boundaries. Get away from the crowds and get the best snow on the mountain.
Prerequisites: advanced-intermediate skiing or snowboarding skills and some backcountry experience. Touring equipment is recommended.
Dates: (This program runs daily Tuesday-Thursday as a private or group private with reservation)
Times: 9am - 4pm
Cost: $240 for one person
$205 per person for two
$175 per person for three
$145 per person for four our more
Price includes lift ticket! Maximum group size 8 people. Alpine touring skis and skins can be rented for an additional $40 per day
Intro to Ski Mountaineering
Learn the fundamentals of safe winter travel over snow and ice on skis! Prepare yourself for your dream line in the North Cascades, Alaska, the Alps, or the Chilean Andes. Components of instruction include the use of ice axes & crampons, rope team management skills, glissading and self-arrest techniques, crevasse rescue, steep skiing techniques, and snow and ice anchor building. This is the perfect introduction to everything you need to successfully and safely travel in the big mountain environment.
Prerequisites: advanced-intermediate skiing or boarding skills
Dates: By private instruction only
Times: 9am - 4pm
Cost: $205/ $165 (with/without demo skis)
2-Day Steep Skiing Clinic: Mount Washington, NH
Highlighted in Skiing Magazine as one of the best clinics to learn steep skiing techniques!
This two-day course is for expert skiers who wish to explore terrain steeper than the black diamond trails at the resort and take their skills to the wilds of the backcountry. This course utilizes the world-famous Mount Washington’s Gulf of Slides and Tuckerman Ravine to amplify what you are capable of accomplishing on skis. Join us as we refine your terrain selection and teach you the techniques to mitigate steep terrain. Over the two days we help find your limit and then show you how to push beyond. Learn form our guides experience about their risk assessment, define hazards and work through their decision making process.
Prerequisites: Advanced skiing or riding skills, AIARE level I recommended but not required
Dates: March 24-25
Cost: $425*/ $385* (with/without demo skis)
*price does not include food or lodging please contact Petra Cliffs for suggestions
Verbier Haute Route: Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland
Don't part ways with ski season just yet! Join us on our next backcountry adventure: The Verbier Haute Route. This route traverses through the heart of the Alps providing the opportunity for outstanding ski ascents and descents on every stage of the tour.
Dates: April 2 - 10, 2011 (future trips tba)
Information on the Verbier Haute Route Trip
All single-day courses begin at 9:00 am and return by 4:00 pm. Your guide will confirm the meeting place at least 48 hours before your course. Prices include all technical equipment and professional instruction but do not include 7% sales tax. Petra Cliffs will provide a full equipment list for each course.
