Backcountry 101 Courses

Get The 101 On All Things Backcountry

These courses are exclusive to Kootenay Backcountry Guides participants, created by our qualified guides and in collaboration with experienced backcountry, rescue, and safety experts. These courses are designed to help give you the foundational skills, extra knowledge, and useful tips so you can accelerate your backcountry journey.

"Can't say enough about how awesome KBG is. They are committed to backcountry safety above all else, and are fantastic stewards for outdoor enthusiast safety. I'll be doing as much backcountry education as I can through them!"

"My son and I took the Backcountry 101 course and we had the guide to ourselves for the day. Roger was patient with me as I was quite slow and had some trouble with my gear. He could see that my son was a good skier and would likely continue doing some more courses so he really filled him with valuable information. Overall it was a really good day and I recommend Kootenay Backcountry Guides."

Don't just take our word for it, check out what all these awesome past/repeat participants had to say

Backcountry 101 Courses:

Mountain Rescue

With Mountain Med Consulting

This course is a must for anyone looking for practical backcountry rescue skills to go along with a 40-hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification.

Track Setting 101

Break trail like a pro

Enroll in Track Setting 101 and unlock the secrets of building perfect skin tracks. It's not just about getting from point A to point B – it's about doing it with skill, confidence, and the heart of a true backcountry artist.

Snow Science 101

Dig into the Snowpack

In this one-day field course, you will learn how to quickly gather relevant snowpack information. We also include an optional short online learning model to help you sharpen your skills before the course.

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Weathering Forecasting 101

Local Classroom

Whether you're chasing powder, summiting peaks, or conquering trails, the power of weather knowledge will be your compass.

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Traditional Navigation 101

Classroom + Field Day

Modern GPS technology is highly valuable, but what will you do if technology fails?

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Trip Leader 101

lead confidently in any outdoor setting

Working in a group setting to unlock your full potential as a triple leader in outdoor group settings. Our comprehensive program seamlessly blends an engaging in-person classroom session.

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Before You Register...

View Waivers

Please ensure you have read and understood the waiver.

Your guide will go over the waivers on the morning of your tour or course, and you will sign in front of them so they can witness. If you are under the age of 19 you will need to have your parent or legal guardian sign for you.

VIEW WAIVER HERE

Booking & Cancelation Policy

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE BOOKING & CANCELATION POLICY

Each guest must familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions and the information on our website. By submitting, deposit, or payment, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below:

Fitness Levels & Ski/Split Skills

Please ensure you have reviewed our fitness and ski skill descriptions

Having an appropriate fitness level for the trip or course you are joining is a critical component of mountain safety. Please rate yourself honestly and accurately.

AST Level 2 - LODGE BASED

4 Days at a private lodge