Backcountry Skiing &
Ski Mountaineering Open Enrollment Courses

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Three-Day AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education) Avalanche Level I

Petra Cliffs Mountaineering School will teach you the basics of avoiding avalanches including route selection, evaluating avalanche potential and rescue procedures. This stand alone course is a must for skiers, snowboarders, climbers & backcountry enthusiasts. The Level 1 Course provides a complete introduction to the avalanche occurrence, avalanche terrain, decision-making, and rescue. It is an ideal first course for those new to travel in avalanche terrain and a great review or upgrade for anyone who has some experience or prior training but feels they need a skills "tune-up." The Level 1 Course is designed to lead into the AIARE Level 2 Courses.

Participants on a Level 1 Course can expect about six hours of classroom instruction and about 10 to 12 hours of field instruction in the following subjects:

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Dates:   January 19 - 21  
OR   March 8 - 10, Bolton Valley Resort
Times:   9am - 4pm
Cost:   $ 225, includes all technical equipment

Mt. Mansfield Ski Tour

Backcountry skiers have been polishing their skills here for years and the terrain here has given them the skills to tackle objectives throughout the world. Many possible routes from low angle glades to the steep and deep on lines such as Tear Drop and Hell's Brook, so let us help you find your perfect line on Vermont's highest peak!

Dates:   January 5, February 9
Cost:   $ 150

Smuggler’s Notch Ski Tour

Smuggler's Notch has many hidden treasures and adventures in the back bowls and beyond. Let us help you find the goods you have been looking for either by lift access or by earning your turns, it is hard to beat the deep fluff loaded into Spruce Peak's bowls, drainages and ravines. Come check out the coveted Birthday Bowls or plunder the plethora of lines on the Elephant's Head traverse!

Dates:   January 12, February 16
Cost:   $ 150

Big Jay Ski Tour

Big Jay has spectacular views, open bowls, a remote feel and that bottomless whisper-light powder you're looking for! Jay Peak may be famous for having the most snow in the east but its backcountry cousin BIG JAY collects even more of the prize powder! Leaving the valley floor and skinning through immaculate forests to the "White Room" the trail gets steep and all of the possible lines begin to present themselves and are at our disposal. Spend the day lapping the skin track and pulverizing the powder!

Dates:   February 2, February 23
Cost:   $ 150

Camels Hump Ski Tour

Explore Vermont's third highest mountain the way it was meant to be traveled- on skis! Camel's Hump is the highest undeveloped mountain in Vermont, which in turn provides a unique backcountry experience for those brave enough to explore its winter bounty. Travel through three different mountain zones from the upper alpine summit, to the tight evergreen forest to open hardwood glades. This trip is a must do for all VT backcountry riders.

Dates:   February 10, March 1
Cost:   $ 150

Bolton Ski Tour

Shhhhhhhh! Discover the local's secret stashes! Lesser known but equally as sweet as some of our more popular backcountry destinations, Bolton promises a secluded backcountry experience and some of the state's best hidden powder. Join us for one of the area's classics like the Woodard Mountain trail, or our guide's personal secret stomping ground which has perfectly gladed hardwood forest with steeps, pillow lines and of course lots of the white stuff.

Dates:   February 3, March 2
Cost:   $ 150

Backcountry Betties

That's right ladies, no need to throw elbows to get your stash, because the guys are left at home while you and your fellow lady rippers explore Vermont's backcountry bounty. This is a course for women taught by women to learn the essential backcountry skills in a no pressure testosterone free environment. Pick your line and prove once and for all that power is no contest to finesse and the perfect touch!

Dates:   January 19 Smugglers Notch, February 24 Big Jay
Cost:   $ 150

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.

Dates:   January 6, February 17
Cost:   $ 150

Gulf of Slides Mt. Washington

Lesser known than the famous Tuckerman Ravine but equally as sweet. Escape the crowds and experience the northeast's highest mountain secret stashes. A great introduction to ski mountaineering with everything from the mellow Sandbox's wonderful wide-open slopes to the radically steep slide paths #1 through #8 to choose from! Spend the day grinning ear to ear and experience what many claim as the right coast's greatest ski descents.

Dates:   March 15, April 12
Cost:   $ 200 (Only $350 for Gulf of Slides & Tuckerman's Ravine when booked together on the same weekend)

Tuckerman Ravine Mt. Washington

The birthplace of extreme skiing, Tuckerman's Ravine has a cult following here in the east. With classic long steep runs such as Hillman's Highway, Right Gully, Left Gully, and the Headwall, it is clear why so many make the pilgrimage to Mount Washington year after year. It also has something for everyone, whether you are a hardened ski mountaineer looking to tackle 50-degree chutes, or a backcountry novice looking to experience the ultimate playground. With some of the planet's gnarliest weather, and surprisingly steep descents it is no wonder that some of the world's best skiers and riders have come out of the northeast, and now their training ground is open to you!

Dates:   March 16, April 13
Cost:   $ 200 (Only $350 for Gulf of Slides & Tuckerman's Ravine when booked together on the same weekend)

Two-Day Backcountry Expedition

Have you ever wanted to wake up to a fresh day of powder already at the top of the mountain in the quiet woods of Vermont? If so, this course is for you. Our experienced guides will teach you the basics of extended winter travel, winter camping, backcountry survival, and construction of snow shelters; everything you need to know to spend a night safely out in the woods- not to mention getting some killer turns and learning the fundamentals of backcountry winter travel.

Dates:   March 8 & 9
Cost:   $ 250

All 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. Please contact Petra Cliffs for a full equipment list for each course.

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