Three-Day Ski Mountaineering Course in the Kootenays
This three-day ski mountaineering course in the Kootenays is designed for skiers looking to build essential skills for travelling safely and efficiently in complex alpine and glaciated terrain. Participants learn modern, industry-standard techniques for ski mountaineering, including glacier travel, crevasse rescue, efficient uphill movement, route selection, and avalanche awareness. The course focuses on developing the technical skills and decision-making required to confidently plan and execute ski mountaineering objectives throughout the Kootenay region and beyond.
Our Kootenay based ski mountaineering course is designed to provide hands-on instruction in a real mountain environment known for deep snowpacks, glaciated peaks, and expansive backcountry terrain. Over three days, students practice essential skills such as rope management for glacier travel, crevasse rescue systems, advanced skinning techniques, steep skiing and bootpacking, and the use of crampons and ice axes for travel on steep snow and ice. Instruction combines practical skill-building with guided touring so participants gain both technical proficiency and real-world experience.
The program typically culminates in a ski mountaineering objective on a classic Kootenay peak, giving participants the opportunity to apply their new glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and ski mountaineering skills in a meaningful alpine setting. By the end of the course, skiers will have a strong foundation in travelling on glaciers, managing rope systems, and moving efficiently in steep alpine terrain—building the confidence needed to pursue bigger ski mountaineering objectives throughout the region. ⛷️🏔️
If course participants are interested, this course can be run on the Columbia Icefield for $1200/person.
Kootenay Ski Mountaineering & Glacier Travel Course Overview
Course Level & Prerequisites
This intermediate to advanced ski mountaineering course is designed for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders looking to expand their skills in glaciated alpine terrain in the Kootenays. Participants will develop the technical systems and decision-making required for ski mountaineering objectives on the region’s glacier-clad peaks.
Level 1 avalanche training, intermediate to advanced ski ability, and previous ski touring experience are strongly recommended. The course is open to alpine touring skiers, telemark skiers, and splitboarders.
Participants should be prepared for the physical and technical demands of ski mountaineering in the Kootenays, including glacier travel, steep snow climbing, and long days in the alpine.
Physical & Technical Requirements
This course takes place in challenging alpine terrain typical of the Kootenay Mountains, which may include:
- Ski touring with a day pack or overnight pack up to 45 lbs (20 kg)
- Travel in intermediate to advanced alpine terrain, including slopes up to black diamond difficulty
- Glacier travel and steep snow climbing
- Bootpacking, cramponing, and technical ascents
- Long days in variable mountain weather and snow conditions
Participants should be in strong physical condition and confident skiing variable snow in complex terrain. Comfort moving efficiently in backcountry environments is essential.
Kootenay Ski Mountaineering Course Curriculum
Instruction focuses on practical skills needed for safe and efficient travel on glaciated peaks and complex alpine terrain in the Kootenays, with a strong emphasis on real-world application.
Terrain Management
- Hazard assessment, efficiency, and movement speed
- Uphill track setting and terrain management
- Downhill terrain evaluation and decision-making
- Group management in complex alpine terrain
Snow & Glacier Travel Skills
- Snow climbing techniques and proper ice axe use
- Self-arrest techniques
- Crampon use for steep snow and ice
- Roped glacier travel and movement on glaciated terrain
- Route finding through crevassed glacier environments
Technical Mountaineering Systems
- Snow and ice anchor selection, construction, and equalization
- Crevasse rescue systems and team hauling techniques
- Prusiking and ascending ropes
- Rappelling and rope management
Mountain Awareness & Navigation
- Basic glaciology and crevasse pattern recognition
- Navigation using map, compass, and altimeter
- Mountain weather and alpine hazard assessment
- Leave No Trace ethics in remote alpine environments
By the end of the course, participants will have the foundational skills needed for independent ski mountaineering and glacier travel in the Kootenays, preparing them for bigger alpine objectives and multi-day backcountry expeditions. ⛷️🏔️
Kootenay Ski Mountaineering & Glacier Travel Course – Sample Itinerary
Itinerary
Location TBD based on conditions
Day 1: Approach & Foundational Snow Skills
The course begins in the morning with a group meeting, orientation, and full equipment check before traveling to the trailhead. From here, we begin the ski approach into the alpine training area or base camp.
The approach typically involves 3–5 hours of skinning through forested terrain and open alpine slopes. The route and duration depend on snow conditions, weather, and group pace. Along the way, guides introduce efficient uphill travel techniques and discuss terrain management in the winter alpine environment.
After establishing camp or reaching our alpine training zone, the afternoon focuses on foundational ski mountaineering skills, including:
- Proper ice axe use and positioning
- Traveling efficiently and in balance on steep snow
- Self-belay and self-arrest techniques
- Snow protection placement and snow anchor construction
- Basic rope systems and belay techniques
The day often finishes with a short ski tour or run nearby before returning to camp for the evening.
Day 2: Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue
Day two focuses on the technical systems required for safe travel in glaciated alpine terrain. We begin with instruction on crampon techniques and efficient movement on steeper snow slopes.
From there, the course shifts into glacier travel systems, including:
- Roped glacier travel techniques
- Proper rope spacing and rope team management
- Identifying crevasse hazards and choosing safe travel routes
- When to travel roped on skis versus booting or cramponing
Participants then move into hands-on crevasse rescue training, learning practical rescue systems commonly used in ski mountaineering. Training includes:
- Building secure snow anchors and bollards
- Anchor equalization and redundancy
- Prusiking and ascending ropes
- Crevasse rescue pulley systems and hauling techniques
The group will also complete a short glacier tour where participants practice traveling as rope teams and applying the day’s skills in real terrain. The day typically ends with a ski descent back to camp.
Day 3: Ski Mountaineering Objective
The final day begins with an early start as the group sets out for a classic Kootenay ski mountaineering objective. This ascent allows participants to apply the full range of skills learned throughout the course while traveling through complex alpine terrain.
The climb may involve:
- Glacier travel in rope teams
- Steep snow climbing with crampons and ice axe
- Route finding in alpine terrain
- Group movement and hazard management
Depending on conditions, the ascent typically takes 4–7 hours. After reaching the summit or high point, the group enjoys a well-earned ski descent through alpine terrain before returning to camp.
After packing up, we ski back to the trailhead and conclude the course.
Itinerary Note
This itinerary represents a typical structure for the course. Ski mountaineering in the Kootenays requires flexibility, and weather, snow conditions, avalanche hazard, and glacier conditions may require adjustments to ensure the safest and most valuable learning experience for the group. ⛷️🏔️
Kootenay Ski Mountaineering & Glacier Travel Course
Price
$900 – 3 Days
If course participants are interested, this course can be run on the Columbia Icefield for $1200/person.
Dates
May 15–17, 2026
Price Includes
- Professional ACMG guide services
- Group technical equipment (ropes, glacier travel gear, rescue systems)
- Instruction in ski mountaineering, glacier travel, and crevasse rescue techniques
Price Does Not Include
- Meals during the course
- Personal ski touring and mountaineering equipment
- Avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel)
- Transportation to the meeting location or trailhead
- Guide gratuities
Kootenay Mountain Weather
Spring conditions in the Kootenays can vary widely. Participants should be prepared for cold temperatures, strong alpine winds, snowfall, and rapidly changing mountain weather. While May often provides excellent corn snow and stable travel conditions, winter storms can still occur at higher elevations. Flexibility and proper mountain clothing and equipment are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. ⛷️🏔️
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