Have an AT, Tele, or Splitboard setup, but are new to uphilling or backcountry touring? Looking for some tips from experienced (and friendly!) skiers and riders to get you started?
Join us for an Introduction to Backcountry Touring during these afternoon clinics hosted by the Catamount Trail Association (CTA) in partnership with our CTA Chapters MBA and MRVBC and local resorts Bolton Valley and Sugarbush, with event support from SCOTT Sports.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
These clinics are tailored toward intermediate to advanced-level skiers or riders:
- New to uphill and backcountry travel who want to get more comfortable using their touring gear in a backcountry setting, including alpine touring (AT), telemark, or splitboard setups.
- With some touring experience but would like to hone their skills and feel more comfortable exploring local backcountry zones and beyond.
NOTE: Participants MUST be able to navigate intermediate downhill trails in a resort setting, including being comfortable with connecting parallel turns and controlled stopping. Our goal is not to discourage anyone from participating – we only want for you, and the group, to have the best time possible and to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
You will learn how to use your backcountry gear and tips for touring in backcountry terrain.
Our main goal is to equip you with a skills toolbox that includes (but is not limited to):
- Basic safety considerations and staying found
- What and how to pack for touring (including nutrition!)
- Dressing for the elements – layering/heat management
- Backcountry equipment overview – Alpine touring (AT)/Tele/Split systems
- Skinning Techniques on various terrain – ascending/traversing/descending (yes, descending on skins!)
- Gear Transitions – ascending/descending modes and processes
These clinics will include a fun mix of indoor and outdoor discussions, demos and skills sessions, a group tour to put it all together on the skintrack, and a raffle and optional social hour to end the day!
We not only want to create a comfortable and safe space for you to have fun gaining experience on your touring gear and learning more about preparation for the backcountry, but we also hope to connect more folks in the ski and ride community to each other and to the beautiful Vermont backcountry zones that we work to have access to across the state.
CLINIC LOCATIONS & DETAILS:
Bolton Valley Session – Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
Hosted by CTA with guests from our MBA Chapter!
Location: Bolton Valley Resort (map)
Clinic Pricing : CTA/Chapter Member – $45. Non-member – $65.
(2 spots are open for financial assistance. Please email kquinlan@catamounttrail.org for details.)
NOTE – Uphill Pass: Must have an NBU season pass or purchase NBU day pass (additional $25), and sign the Bolton waiver prior to the clinic. Backcountry rentals are available at Bolton, but must be picked up before the clinic start time.
There are 15 spots available for this clinic, but a waitlist will be available.
Sugarbush Resort Session – Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
Hosted by CTA with guests from our MRVBC Chapter!
Location: Mt. Ellen Lodge, Sugarbush Resort (map)
Clinic Pricing: CTA/Chapter Member – $45. Non-member – $65.
(2 spots are open for financial assistance. Please email kquinlan@catamounttrail.org for details.)
NOTE – Uphill Pass: Must sign up online for a FREE uphill day ticket prior to the clinic (includes Sugarbush waiver). No rentals are available for this clinic – must have your own gear to attend.
There are 15 spots available for this clinic, but a waitlist will be available.
General Schedule (for both clinics):
12pm-12:15pm: Sign-in
12:15pm – 1:30pm: Sign-in / Group introductions / Indoor sessions:
- Basic safety considerations and staying found (planning, maps, navigation)
- What and how to pack for touring (including nutrition!)
- Dressing for the elements – layering/heat management
- Backcountry equipment overview – Alpine touring (AT)/Tele/Split systems
1:30pm: Break / Get ready to go outside!
1:45pm – 2:45pm: Take it to the snow – Session #1: Gear use & efficient touring techniques (demos & practice session).
2:45pm: Break / Snack / Q&A
3pm – 4pm (We might go a little longer!): Take it to the snow – Session #2: Skintrack session – climbing/traversing/descending (demos & practice session). Approx. 30-40 min. uphill tour on skin track, descend on intermediate terrain. (Final routes will be based on weather and trail conditions.)
4:30pm: Last Q&A Session. Then head to the resort bar/restaurant for an après and raffle drawing with the crew! (Optional)
We hope to see you at one of these February clinics and on the trails this season!
Please email kquinlan@catamounttrail.org with any questions.
