Get away from the weekend crowds and head to the backcountry for a blissful day ski touring in our backyard! This is an introductory level, drop-in class that is focused on basic backcountry skills. If you are interested in taking an avalanche course and you are new to backcountry touring, this class is a must!

 

DATES:


●      WINTER 2024 (SCHEDULE TBD)

See also our private weekly groups page

What is provided:

●      AMGA certified and/or trained guide

●      Guides will be carrying a first aid kit, navigation equipment, skin wax/scraper, inReach satellite device, repair kit, bivy/rescue sled and survival supplies

 

What you need:

Ski/Snowboard Equipment:

●      Touring skis or splitboard setup

●      Touring ski/snowboard boots (walk mode on ski/hard boots)

●      Climbing skins

●      Adjustable poles (3 piece poles recommended for splitboards)


Avalanche Equipment:

●      Avalanche transceiver (must be a 3 antenna transceiver)

●      Avalanche Probe (click-lock mechanism)

●      Avalanche shovel (metal blade)


Clothing:

●      Long underwear bottoms (a polypropylene/wool or similar blend recommended)

●      Sun hoodie (such as the North Face Wander Hoodie) is recommended

●      Mid layer such as fleece jacket or wool sweater

●      Shell Jacket, wind and water resistant (Hard or Soft Shell), and beneath which three layers may be worn. 

●      Insulated jacket (puffy coat, such as the North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie)

●      Buff, neck gaiter, or facemask

●      Lightweight gloves (touring)

●      Warm Gloves or Mittens

●      Beanie or wool hat


Personal Equipment:

●      Ski goggles

●      Helmet (recommended)

●      Favorite high-energy snack food and lunch (food is NOT provided on day trips)

●      Headlamp (optional)

●      Blister Kit (if prone, carry your own please)

●      Hand/Foot Warmers (if prone to cold)

●      1-2 liters of water (hydration bladders tend to freeze up during winter)

●      Sun glasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and a hat

●      Day Pack (~35 liters) that is big enough to carry all the above items, avalanche equipment MUST be stored inside the backpack

 

Typical Meeting Times and Place:

Full Day 9AM-5PM
Meet at the Sun Valley Guides Headquarters



Pricing:

$225/PERSON       

*Guest to Guide ratio is 5:1 | MAX 5 GUESTS               
**State Tax and Forest Service fees not included
***Guide gratuity not included. As part of the service industry, it is customary to tip your guide(s) if you are happy with their service and should reflect a level of excellence in the service. If you choose to tip, 10-20% of the total trip fee is standard and cash/Venmo is the preferred method.

 

Rentals (Skis, splitboards, boots, avalanche equipment, backpacks, etc.):

Sturtevants Rental & Cycle Haus (mention you are going out with Sun Valley Guides to receive a discount)
(208) 726-4501
340 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340

Backwoods Mountain Sports
(208) 726-8818
711 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340

Elephant’s Perch
(208) 726-3497
280 N East Ave, Ketchum, ID 83340

Board Bin (carries Splitboard setups for rent)
(208) 726-1222
180 4th St E, Ketchum, ID 83340