Taking the leap from resort riding to exploring the backcountry? You're in the right place! Blackbird's Intro to Backcountry program is built for skiers and riders who want to learn the basics of backcountry travel without floundering around. Our expert guides will dial you in on the gear, techniques and safety tips to have you up to speed in no time! We offer options at Mt Baker and at Snoqualmie Pass. This page is for Snoqualmie Pass.

You'll learn:

How to find the best mountain weather forecast for your day's objective
How to find and understand the Avalanche Advisory for the day
How to perform a trailhead transceiver check
Fundamentals of using your touring gear, whether you're using alpine touring skis or a split board. If you're travelling on snowshoes, contact us here and we can get you sorted out with a great setup to make your trip the best it can be! We'll discuss how to use your gear at the onset of the trip and talk about the pros and cons of different setups throughout the day as we travel.
How to apply, maintain and store climbing skins.
Techniques for efficient skinning and track setting.
Basics of backcountry navigation
Basics of avalanche rescue tools

Requisite Experience

The Intro to Backcountry program is for riders with little to no backcountry experience but advanced resort riding skills. The "wild snow" of the backcountry can be tricky and many riders don't get to experience these untamed conditions at the resort. Breakable crust, wind slabs, sticky "hot pow", and deep powder are all snow conditions that are somewhat rare to find at resorts (for better or worse!) and they require higher levels of skill to manage effectively. We want everyone to have a great experience on our programs, so we kindly request your riding skills meet the demands of the snow. Contact us if you're unsure and we can help you figure it out!

Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding in Washington