Are you interested in applying your pre-existing ski/snowboard skills to a new environment? Do you want to move off the groomed runs with lift access and into the backcountry where crowds are small, lifts don't exist, and decisions have bigger consequences? This trip might be just what you need.
Join a small cadre of winter enthusiasts to bridge your skillset into broader terrain access and exciting fresh tracks. This trip is designed for folks who are Intermediate or above skiiers/boarders and interested in applying those skills to the backcountry environment. An incredible training trip for overseas adventures in Japan or even Iceland, this trip will orient you to the skills needed for safe and enjoyable backcountry travel.
The trip starts out with a simple but comfortable stay our NOLS' Teton Valley Campus located in Driggs, Idaho. Staying at the campus for a few days while doing day tours will give participants wide access to world-class terrain but also the opportunity to shower each night and share meals in a comfortable environment.
As you build skills around backcountry travel and decision making, the trip will head into the backcountry for 2 nights staying at a yurt. This portion of the trip will be a bit more challenging for most, hauling a bit of gear into the yurt and living in a semi-camping environment in order to spend more time in the backcountry on incredible terrain. Likely, this time away will be the highlight of your trip where your small group will be able to focus on the comraderie of expedition travel and a bit of time disconnected from the business of the world.
Overall Difficulty*:
*You will be spending lots of time skiing uphill and then downhill in powder.
