The Climbing Company

Backcountry Ski Course 2

Advanced techniques for serious backcountry adventurers. Learn complex snow assessment, technical terrain management, and advanced rescue techniques.

Master the mountains

What is Advanced Backcountry Skiing?

This advanced course builds on fundamental backcountry skills to prepare you for more challenging terrain and conditions. You’ll develop the expertise needed for complex tours, steep terrain, and variable conditions while deepening your avalanche assessment skills.

Next Course Date


Whack your details here and we’ll coordinate together to choose dates that suit you.

What Will We Learn?

Advanced Movement

  • Steep terrain kick turns
  • Technical skinning techniques
  • Using ski crampons
  • Boot packing strategies
  • Ice axe and crampon use
    Snow Science and Safety
  • Advanced snow pit analysis
  • Extended column tests
  • Rutschblock testing
  • Multiple burial rescue scenarios
  • Advanced beacon search techniques
    Technical Systems
  • Rope work for steep terrain
  • Basic anchor building
  • Short roping techniques
  • Simple abseiling

Location:

  • Either Bright or near Mt Hotham. The final location depends on the snow conditions and will be communicated to participants closer to the course date.

    Times:

  • Aim to be learning from 9am to 4pm each day.

    The course fee does not cover:

  • Transport to/from Melbourne, including parking fees on location
  • Food
  • Accommodation
  • Equipment rental

    Note on accommodation: 

  • We have a contact in Bright where a few beds are available for $50 per night and ground accommodation (bring sleeping bag and mattress) is available for $20 per night.

Equipment needed:

  1. Skis or splitboard: Choose appropriate skis or a splitboard for backcountry terrain.
  2. Ski boots or snowboard boots: Ensure they provide proper support and fit comfortably.
  3. Ski poles: Lightweight and adjustable poles for balance and propulsion.
  4. Skins: Adhesive climbing skins to attach to the base of your skis for uphill traction.
  5. Avalanche safety gear: Transceiver, probe, and shovel for snow safety and rescue.
  6. Backpack: A backpack to carry your essentials, including water, snacks, and extra layers.
  7. Helmet: Protect your head with a suitable ski or snowboard helmet.
  8. Goggles or sunglasses: Eye protection from sun, wind, and snow glare.
  9. Layered clothing: Dress in moisture-wicking and insulating layers suitable for changing weather conditions.
  10. Gloves or mittens: Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens for hand protection.
  11. Hat or beanie: Keep your head warm with a suitable hat or beanie.
  12. Sunscreen and lip balm: Protect your skin from sun exposure and windburn.
  13. Food and water: Carry enough food and water to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.

    The guide will carry the following:

  14. First aid kit: A compact first aid kit with essential supplies.
  15. Repair kit: Includes tools and materials for minor equipment repairs on the go.
  • Backcountry Ski Course 2
Backcountry Ski Course 2 - Image 1
5 Over 102 Reviews
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Cameron Scates 5 months ago
Had Aaron teach me and three others over two days. Very informative and answers any questions you have with climbing with confidence. Over all great person and teacher
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Alex Tometzki 2 days ago
Had the most amazing day at Mt Macedon. Carl was a phenomenal guide. He absolutely made the experience. My first time climbing outside of the gym. Felt totally safe at all times while encouraged to push through to do things I didn’t think I could. I’ll remember it forever. Cheers Carl!
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duncan wakes-miller 3 months ago
Great course location and instructors. Really helpful in preparation for my trip to the Himalayas
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Mike Wilson 3 months ago
As an unskilled an inexperienced alpine trekker, I was looking for course to give the me basic knowledge I needed, ideally in a fun and safe environment – and got that and more. Pauli was a highly experienced, very passionate, safety conscious guide with a great energy and sense of humour. He and Hamid adjusted plans and arranged course content specific to our needs … and then patiently helped a bunch of beginners go from confusion, to some understanding, and then to enjoyment.

Thanks for a great weekend. Highly recommended.
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Junge Zhang 3 months ago
Amazing trad course taught by Aaron himself and it couldn’t have been better👍.
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Martin Aylward 3 months ago
Huge shout out to Hamid and Pauly I have just completed both alpine 1 and alpine 2 courses and they were sick, I learnt heaps from basic walking techniques to complex rope systems with crevasse rescue to self arrests I would highly recommend these courses I went in as a complete beginner and now I can’t wait to get back out there despite getting absolutely drenched today I still had the best time these guys know there stuff and are great at teaching it. Yew cheers guys
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A 3 months ago
Excellent course and very enjoyable delivery. Thank you for a brilliant weekend – perfect preparation for our upcoming Himalayan trip
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Alejandro Gaete 3 months ago
I would say that Hamid is an excellent teacher and a very professional one. Hamid was always there to reassure and mentor me even though I had no prior experience. Hamid was always kind and willing to assist me, even though I probably needed more help than anyone else. The course was great , there was structure and safe rails that enable us to test our confidence. Thank you Hamid. I anticipate returning for Alpine 2 next year, in the meantime I will put the lessons into practice.
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