WHITEFISH SKI FIELD GUIDE
Backcountry Basics: One Day to Read the Mountain Beyond the Ropes
A focused, one-day backcountry clinic in Whitefish that teaches trip planning, navigation, emergency procedures and safe decision-making in small groups.
Backcountry Basics: One Day to Read the Mountain Beyond the Ropes.
This one-day clinic introduces skiers and riders to the fundamental skills for venturing beyond resort boundaries: trip planning, packing and layering, pacing, navigation, emergency planning and on-snow decision-making. Limited to just four participants per session, the course is intended to prepare attendees to participate in future backcountry tours or to be informed partners on guided outings.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A concentrated curriculum of backcountry essentials
The clinic covers core topics — from trip planning and navigation to emergency planning and safe decision-making — framed as teachable moments so participants leave with practical, usable skills for future tours.
Small groups for hands-on learning
With a very small group size, the format emphasizes one-on-one instruction and applied drills, maximizing time on practical tasks rather than lecture.
A complement — not a substitute — for formal avalanche courses
This clinic is designed to complement a Level 1 avalanche course by introducing field workflow, trip prep and decision-making; it is not a replacement for formal avalanche certification.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a practical, on-snow clinic that moves between brief orientation, hands-on equipment and packing checks, navigation exercises and scenario-based emergency planning. The pace is instructional and deliberate, aimed at building confidence for future independent or guided backcountry outings.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this clinic is arranged for — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Participants must bring their own touring gear (touring skis or splitboard). Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) is available for rent.
A lift ticket or season pass is required for the outing and is not included in the clinic cost.
If you lack avalanche safety equipment, rental gear (beacon, shovel, probe) is available so you can participate with complete kit.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the clinic?
This is a one-day clinic.
How many people are in each session?
Group size is limited to 2–4 participants; only four spots are available per session.
Can I book the clinic privately or as a single participant?
Yes — while a minimum of two participants is required to run the course at the standard rate, it can run with one person or as a private group at a private rate.
Do I need my own touring gear?
Yes — please have your own touring skis or a splitboard. Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) is available for rent if needed.
Is avalanche certification included?
No — the clinic is not a substitute for avalanche certification; it complements the skills taught in a Level 1 Avalanche course.
Is a lift ticket required?
Yes — a lift ticket or season pass is required and is not included in the clinic cost.