A student sends up a spray of powder in front of snow laden trees while backcountry splitboarding in the Idaho backcountry.

Snowboarding Courses & Certifications

Camera AJ Linnell

Snowboarding Courses

Develop Your Snowboarding Skills with NOLS

At NOLS, we believe in the power of the wilderness to transform lives, and what better way to experience the magic of winter than through our exhilarating splitboarding and snowboarding courses. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey as you carve through powdery slopes and embrace the snowy wonderland of mountain peaks and backcountry vistas.

You’ll learn about living comfortably in a winter environment. You’ll spend your days learning to construct snow shelters and kitchens, pull a sled, understand avalanche risk, and perform basic avalanche rescue. By the end of these splitboarding courses, you’ll be prepared to face the challenges of the winter environment.

Why Choose NOLS Snowboarding Courses?

Elevate your splitboarding and snowboarding skills with expert instruction, small groups for authentic connections, Leave No Trace ethics, and essential leadership development.

Students listen attentively to instructor before they split board the back-country

Expert Snowboarding Instructors

NOLS has been a pioneer in wilderness education for over 50 years. Each snowboarding course is carefully curated to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to push your snowboarding abilities to new heights. Our experienced snowboarding instructors are passionate about sharing their backcountry snowboarding expertise, guiding you through thrilling adventures with unwavering confidence. With their invaluable support, you'll not only conquer slopes but also navigate backcountry terrain with a risk awareness. Join us on an unforgettable journey, and experience the unmatched expertise that has made NOLS a distinguished leader in outdoor education.
A student sends up a spray of powder in front of snow laden trees while backcountry splitboarding in the Idaho backcountry.

Master Essential Snowboarding Skills

Elevate your snowboarding game and acquire essential leadership skills. Whether you're a novice or seasoned rider, this comprehensive program covers balance, edge control, and carving techniques to enhance your performance on the slopes. Our splitboarding courses offer the unique opportunity to master essential skiing and snowboarding skills. Splitboards split apart into skis for uphill and cross country touring. NOLS courses also emphasize risk management, fostering the ability to make prudent decisions in the mountains. Through hands-on experiences and challenges, you'll develop invaluable leadership qualities like effective communication and tolerance for adversity, empowering you to lead confidently both on and off the snow.
Trip leaders sitting on a rocky ridge above the clouds and gazing out at surrounding snowy peaks in the Pacific Northwest.

Form Lasting Connections

Our snowboarding courses are designed to maintain small group sizes, ensuring a tight-knit environment where you can forge authentic connections with your fellow participants and receive personalized instruction from our skilled guides. We understand that the magic of learning and growing together is amplified when you're part of a closely bonded team. In these intimate settings, you'll not only elevate your snowboarding skills but also create lifelong friendships and memories. So, come join us on an unforgettable journey, where adventure, camaraderie, and personal growth await you in the winter wonderland!
Student performs a frontside grab after launching board off snowy jump

Leave No Trace Ethics

Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring winter landscapes during a NOLS snowboarding course and forge a profound connection with nature and your inner self. Our commitment to Leave No Trace ethics ensures a minimal environmental impact. Throughout the program, we instill responsible wilderness practices in our students, emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural beauty for generations of adventurers to come. By fostering an understanding of sustainable outdoor habits, we empower participants to leave the wilderness pristine, fostering a sense of stewardship and appreciation for the environment that lasts far beyond the course's end.

Embrace the Winter Wonderland of NOLS Splitboarding Courses

Don't miss your chance to experience the thrill of snowboarding and skiing amidst stunning winter landscapes. Join NOLS splitboarding courses and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking personal growth, outdoor skills, or simply want to have a blast on the slopes, NOLS has the perfect splitboarding and snowboarding courses for you!

Popular Snowboarding Courses at NOLS

Our splitboarding and snowboarding courses are designed to cater to all skill levels, from enthusiastic beginner snowboarders to seasoned shredders.

A student smiles as they carve their way down a snowy backcountry slope in Idaho's Teton Valley.

Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding Course

Discover the magic of backcountry skiing and snowboarding amid Wyoming's wilderness. Learn the essentials at Grand Targhee Resort before venturing into remote mountain ranges with your group. Navigate fresh snow, build snow shelters, and assess avalanche risks. This experiential course emphasizes teamwork, communication, and self-awareness, fostering leadership qualities. Earn a NOLS Level I Avalanche Training certificate. Cherish moments like sunrise from a snow cave and gliding through pristine powder. Forge lasting connections with nature and fellow adventurers. Return home with cherished memories, newfound skills, and lifelong leadership abilities.
Student coasts across the backcountry powder

Backcountry Splitboarding Course

Experience the thrill of backcountry splitboarding, riding fresh powder under starlit skies. Expand snowboarding skills or take pre-course lessons. Learn splitboarding basics and avalanche risk management at Grand Targhee Resort. Venture into Wyoming's remote mountains for daily challenges, building snow shelters, assessing avalanches, and refining snow movement. Earn a NOLS Level I Avalanche Training certificate. Enhance leadership through terrain navigation, communication, and decision-making. Cherish memories of sunrises and powder glides. Forge deep connections with nature and fellow adventurers. Return home with lasting leadership skills for life's journey.
A course participant pauses while skiing with a pack sled to look at the mountains in Grand Teton National Park.

Winter Backcountry Touring Course

Embrace winter's allure with adult backcountry touring. Ski or splitboard down fresh snow, savoring the cold air and breathtaking views. Learn at Grand Targhee Ski Resort before journeying to the mountains. Hone touring skills, stay in yurts and build snow shelters. Master snow science and develop leadership abilities—risk management, communication, and decision-making. Embrace challenges and practice daily. Return home equipped for a lifetime of winter wilderness enjoyment, a blend of outdoor expertise and leadership prowess.
Students practicing backcountry avalanche scenarios in Grand Teton National Park.

Teton Valley Backcountry Avalanche Training Course

Prepare for backcountry exploration in Teton Valley with this challenging course. Enhance snow science knowledge, enjoy fresh powder rides, and practice snow pit digs. Venture into the backcountry to apply new skills, focusing on touring and leadership development. Earn the NOLS Level I Avalanche Training certificate endorsed by the American Avalanche Association. Learn risk management and efficient mountain route finding. Embrace hands-on experiences to nurture your leadership style. Sleep in cozy yurts, reflecting on each day's lessons. This course requires experience and comfort on skis or snowboard and comfort on blue and ability to ski black resort runs.

Snowboarding Courses FAQs

  • Q: Who can join NOLS snowboarding courses?

    Most of our snowboarding courses welcome individuals of all skill levels, from beginner snowboarders to advanced shredders. As long as you have a passion for adventure and a desire to learn, you're more than welcome to join us! But please check the course details, as some advanced courses do require a level of comfort and experience snowboarding or skiing.

  • Q: What gear do I need for the snowboarding course?

    The majority of the technical equipment required for backcountry snowboarding can be rented or purchased through the NOLS shop. However, you'll need to bring personal items such as appropriate winter clothing, gloves, and goggles. A detailed gear list will be provided upon enrollment.

  • Q: Do I need prior snowboarding experience?

    No prior snowboarding experience is necessary for many of our snowboarding courses. In these courses, our experienced instructors will teach you the fundamentals of snowboarding from scratch. If you're considering an advanced course, you are required to have a level of comfort and experience snowboarding or skiing.

  • Q: What physical fitness level is required for a NOLS snowboarding course?

    Our snowboarding courses are designed to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels. While being in good physical condition is beneficial, our courses focus on skill-building and can be adapted to suit varying fitness levels.

  • Q: Can I join a NOLS course with friends or as a group?

    Absolutely! We welcome individuals, friends, and groups to join our courses. If you have a specific group you'd like to join with, please let us know during the enrollment process, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.


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