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 full-day clinics hosted by the Catamount Trail Association (CTA) in partnership with Magic Mountain and Sugarbush Resort, and event support from SCOTT Sports, and UnTapped.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Dunn, @kdunn.photo – 2025 Sugarbush Intro Clinic Group Shot.
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Sugarbush Resort (Mt. Ellen) – Waitsfield, VT
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 or for resort uphilling, 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.
Please 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?
Our goal is to supply you with a backcountry toolbox that you can then implement on your own, including (but not limited to) these fundamentals:
- Backcountry equipment overview – Alpine Touring (AT)/Telemark/Splitboard systems
- Basic tour planning & safety considerations
- What and how to pack for touring
- Dressing for the elements – layering/heat management
- Skinning techniques on various terrain
- Efficient gear transitions – ascending/descending modes and processes
- Backcountry ethics & etiquette overview
These clinics include a fun mix of indoor and outdoor discussions, demos, and skills sessions, and an afternoon group tour.
We not only want to create a comfortable and fun space to learn more about backcountry gear and preparation, but also hope to connect more skiers and riders in the community because we believe days spent in the mountains with friends are powerful, and that those experiences should be open to everyone!
Cost
CTA Member: $65
Non-Member: $75
Schedule Overview (Subject to change depending on group needs and conditions.)
- 9:00-9:30: Arrival / Meet & Greet
- 9:30-12:00: Indoor Breakout Sessions
- 12:00-12:45: Lunch Break
- 12:45-1:00: Get Ready for the On-snow Session
- 1:00-3:15 : On-snow Skills Session & Group Tour
- 3:15-3:30: Clinic Overview / Q&As
- 3:30-4:30: Optional Social Hour
Required Equipment (Please reach out if any equipment is holding you back from registering – we may have gear to loan you.)
- Backcountry Touring Skis/Board: AT, Tele, Splitboard
- Touring Boots (AT, Tele)
- Poles (compact/adjustable poles for splitboarders – please let us know if needed)
- Climbing Skins that are already sized and cut to fit your skis/board
- Ski/Snowboard Helmet
- Goggles/Eye Protection
- Backpack that will fit your touring gear
- Warm layers, hat, gloves/mittens, neck warmer/buff
Note: Sugarbush does not offer backcountry touring rentals. If you choose to rent gear for this clinic, please have it setup and ready to roll beforehand.
Food & Beverage
- Please be sure to bring water (or a reusable container to fill), and additional beverages and snacks to keep you fueled all day.
- Sample nutrition products will be provided courtesy of UnTapped!
- Lunch: Participants can purchase lunch onsite at the lodge, or bring their own.
- Après available onsite at the Green Mountain Lounge (cash bar).
Please fill out this Participant Form (LINK HERE) and click the blue Register Here button below to make a payment and confirm your spot for March 1st.
Weather & Resort Operations / Refunds
- Sugarbush Resort and/or the CTA may adjust timing/format/venue for safety or operations.
- Day-of refund/credit considered only if the resort fully closes prior to event start or extreme weather circumstances.
- Full refund 10 days prior to the event. 50% refund 7 days prior to the event. 3 days to the day of the event we are unable to refund the fee.
