KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: BACKCOUNTRY CLINICS WEEKEND
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: BACKCOUNTRY CLINICS WEEKEND
Dec 20 & 21, 2025
Planning on getting into backcountry touring this season? Multiple backcountry seasons under your belt? Either way, the learning never stops. Start off the new season on the right foot by brushing up your skills and learning new ones at Whitewater in the Backcountry Clinic’s Weekend, hosted by Arctos Guides.
All clinics have a 6 person capacity and cost $186 ($150 if you are a Whitewater Season Passholder)
Clinic registration is completed through Arctos Guides, not Whitewater. To register, please email arctosguides@gmail.comspecifying the clinic you wish to participate in.
Dec 20th, 9:00am-3:30pmBACKCOUNTRY SKIING & SPLITBOARDING 101
New to the backcountry? This full-day clinic is designed to give skiers and splitboarders hands-on practice with gear, movement, and safety basics. After covering some essential packing and travel techniques, the group will heading out on a short tour in Whitewater’s 5 Mile area. Note, this clinic gives participants a taster for backcountry travel, but is not a substitute for AST1.
You’ll learn:
- How to set up and use your touring equipment
- Kickturns and efficient uphill travel techniques
- Skin application and removal
- Intro to companion rescue and transceiver use
- Backcountry safety basics while on a short tour
Ideal for anyone with little to no touring experience who’s ready to take their first steps into the backcountry.
To register, please email arctosguides@gmail.com.
Dec 20th, 9:00am-3:30pmCOMPANION RESCUE
When every second counts, practice matters. This clinic dives deeper into avalanche companion rescue and gives you time to refine your transceiver and probing skills in realistic scenarios. While having completeled AST1 is helpful, it’s not required — this course is for anyone looking to refresh or build confidence in their rescue abilities.
You’ll practice:
- Single and complex burial scenarios
- Multiple-burial strategies
- Alternative search methods
- Effective communication and teamwork under pressure
- Applying skills on a short tour in 5 Mile
To register, please email arctosguides@gmail.com.
Dec 21st, 9:00am-3:30pmSKIN TRACK MANAGEMENT AND LINE CHOICE
Smart uptracks make for safer, more enjoyable days in the mountains. This clinic focuses on the art of choosing terrain and setting efficient skin tracks, while respecting backcountry etiquette and group dynamics. After honing your skills, you’ll put them to use on a guided tour in the 5 Mile area.
You’ll learn:
- How to set safe, efficient uptracks in varied terrain
- Terrain selection and route-finding strategies
- Identifying hazards and avoiding terrain traps
- Backcountry etiquette and communication
- Tips for maximizing powder runs with smart planning
Best for those with some touring experience who want to step up their decision-making and leadership in the backcountry.
To register, please email arctosguides@gmail.com.
Dec 21st, 9:00am-3:30pmROPE USE AND RESCUE FOR BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS
This advanced clinic is designed for skiers and riders who travel in glaciated or technical terrain and want to sharpen their rope skills. You’ll practice techniques that are essential for steeper lines, glaciated tours, or when things don’t go according to plan.
You’ll practice:
- Crevasse rescue systems and hauling techniques
- Ski cutting on a rope for slope assessment
- Basic rappelling techniques for ski descents
- Rope management for efficiency and safety
A solid choice for experienced backcountry users looking to broaden their technical toolkit.
To register, please email arctosguides@gmail.com.
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