Shifting Gears and Cascade Mountain Ascents are excited to partner to offer an Intro to Backcountry two-day program for a small group of women interested in taking the first step in their backcountry education.
This two-part program is designed to provide a solid introduction to avalanche awareness and backcountry skiing and riding.
Thursday, December 12: Avalanche Awareness at Backcountry Essentials, 6-8 PM
Saturday, December 14: Intro to Touring Field Day in the Baker Backcountry, 8-4 PM
Particpants are respoinsible for their own transportation, we'll meet at the Heather Meadows Trailhead at 8 AM
1000-2500 ft gain/descent, 2-4 miles, 4-6 hours travel time
Prerequisite: This course is open to new backcountry skiers and riders with previous in-bounds skiing/riding experience. Participants should be able to ski/ride ungroomed blue runs with a 20 lb backpack. Snowshoers must have recent experience hiking for a full day with a backpack.
Gear Required: Avalanche safety gear and touring equipment is available free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please indicate if you need rental equipment during the booking process and we’ll get you set up!
Equipment available through CMA and Backcountry Essentials:
Avalanche safety gear (beacons, shovel, probe)
Touring setups (alpine touring skis, splitboards, or snowshoes)
Rental equipment must be requested during booking!
Individuals are responsible for providing:
Personal gear and equipment detailed on the Gear List (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NEjpzpnRRTuUtyBzlkiN4yiBPovrtJTo/view)
Lunch and snacks
Our partners over at Backcountry Essentials offer 10% off all purchases for CMA clients. Just let them know you’re enrolled in this course to receive your discount.
Cost: Income-Based Payment Plan
Supported Rate: $100
Standard Rate: $150
Sustainer Rate: $200-300
The course starts with an Avalanche Awareness course held at Backcountry Essentials in Bellingham. The class will be taught by CMA guides and offered in partnership with the Northwest Avalanche Center. This educational event is free, co-ed, and open to everyone, bring your friends and family!
The field portion of the course is held in the Baker Backcountry. The one-day Intro to Backcountry courses teach students how to choose and use their gear, travel up and downhill, and plan a day of backcountry skiing or riding. This course is an excellent way to prepare for your first avalanche course and will equip you with the foundational travel skills needed to begin your backcountry riding journey.