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SKI SCHOOL
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Uphill travel technique
Avalanche awareness
Equipment selection for the backcountry
Route selection
Pacing and track setting
Try before you buy, all gear included!
Avalanche beacons, probe, shovel included
No formal avalanche training (see AIARE Level I avalanche course)
Randonée, ski touring, ski mountaineering and extreme skiing are all terms used to describe ta new way of experiencing the world of backcountry sking that is rapidly gaining popularity in the US. These forms of skiing can be extremely dangerous if done without considering the hazards of avalanches, uncontrolled falls in steep terrain, fatique, and mountain weather. Alpine touring gear also known as randonée gear offers all the benefits of telemark or cross ski gear with the added power and control of downhill skis and bindings. The pursuit of fresh fallen snow and new challenges draw hundreds off the ski slopes and into the backcountry each year. Having the right gear and knowing how to avoid hazards will keep you safe and eagerly going back for more!
This introductory backcountry ski course is for those who feel comfortable skiing any blue trail. We cover all techniques necessary to start touring safely in the mountains including gear and clothing selection, planning a route, hazard awareness, uphill travel and downhill technique. We focus mostly on techniques necessary for comfortable uphill travel, mounting climbing skins on skis and effective pacesetting. The whole day will be spent outside after gearing up at Eastern Mountain Sports and checking over equipment with your guide. Routes and destination will be decided by your guide and will be based upon weather and snow conditions.
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Course offered 7 days a week:
$275 + $100 each additional person
Special Group Rate:
$150 per person on these dates
January 9
February 20
March 13, 27
April 10, 24
Start/ End:
8:30am to approximately 4pm. Groups will meet at the North Conway EMS.
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Includes: AT/ backcountry ski rental, boots, poles, skins, beacon, shovel, probe, professional instruction
Does Not Include: lodging, transportation, meals, personal gear and clothing
Prerequisite: must have previous alpine skiing experience and feel comfortable on blue trails
Driving Directions
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Equipment List for Backcountry 101
EMS Ski School Provides: AT/ Backcountry or Telemark ski rentals, boots, poles, beacon, probe, shovel
You Provide: (Required) In these courses, you will be going above treeline and will be exposed to the elements. In this environment, it is essential that you pay closer attention to being dressed appropriately for your personal safety. Dressing in layers works the best. This way, you can take off or add on any layers to adjust to the changing environment as you heat up and cool down. Wearing your “winter coat” or heavy “snow pants” is not the best choice when trying to dress in layers. Most likely, you will overheat when being active and you’ll end up sweating and expending more energy than needed.
Cotton has no place in your winter layering system: it keeps you cold if you sweat and it takes a long time to dry out. Synthetic fabrics or wool keep you warmer when they become wet with sweat and certain synthetic base layers are designed to wick the sweat away from your skin to keep you drier and warmer. In order to make your experience more enjoyable, please do not wear any cotton as layering pieces. Also, remember, you have to carry all your clothing with you, so packing efficiently is important. If you can't wear it all at once, you don’t need to bring it. If you have questions about how many or which items to bring, please call 800-310-4504. We expect that you will be dressed and ready to go upon arrival to your lesson.
* indicates rental item from the ski school or retail store. Call 800-310-4504 to discuss rental needs.
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Base Layer
(top and bottom)
Light to mid-weight synthetics, snug fit and close to skin, eg. EMS® Techwick®.
Over-Base Layer
(top and bottom)
Light-weight fleece or heavy-weight EMS® Techwick®. Power-Stretch and micro-fleece are ideal materials for this layer. No heavy, 300 weight fleece trousers—you will be over-dressed.
Insulation Layer
(jacket only)
200 to 300 weight fleece, heavy weight soft shell or Prima-Loft sweater
Uninsulated Waterproof/breathable Shell
(jacket and pants)
EMS System III, Gortex®, or similar waterproof/breathable material. Jacket MUST have an integrated hood. Flimsy “stow-away” nylon hoods are not adequate. Full side zip pants are helpful.
"Over-It-All"
(jacket)
A.K.A. "Puffy" --Hooded, Down or Prima-Loft Jacket.
Gloves/Mittens
(2 pair)
Either warm gloves or mittens.
Fleece Hat
*Backpack
2,000 to 3,000 cubic inches
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Wool/Synthetic Socks
(1 pair)
Balaclava
*Ski Goggles
Ski Helmet
Neoprene Facemask
No “windproof” face masks. Must be neoprene for the best prevention against frostbite.
Headlamp
Lunch
Peanut butter and jelly, cheese and pepperoni…whatever you normally eat on the trail. Temps may be well below freezing, so choose food accordingly, and make sure you can open it and eat it with gloves on.
Snacks
Trail mix and energy bars
Water 1-2 liters
Use a wide-mouth Nalgene plastic bottle. No thin plastic Poland Spring bottles, water bladder hydration systems, or metal water bottles.
Optional Items
Camera
Light-weight thermos (1 liter max, with a hot drink in it)
Water Bottle Insulator (old "clean" socks work well)
Hand/Foot Warmers
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Missing anything on this list?
Don't forget your 20% discount EMS coupon that comes with your Ski School confirmation letter!
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