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