Backcountry Skiing Pro Course

Overview

Baker Mountain Guides Backcountry Skiing Pro Course is designed for strong, recreational skiers and snowboarders who dream of big mountains beyond the rope line. An emphasis on digital mapping, tour planning, and leadership prepares students for travel in non-glaciated, challenging avalanche terrain. Explore the backcountry with confidence built on experience, mentorship, and feedback.

Baker Mountain Guides backcountry pro courses fuse avalanche education with big mountain experience to create a complete apprenticeship in backcountry skiing and riding. Mount Baker and the beautiful North Cascades serve as both our classroom and our inspiration.

Questions? Speak with an Instructor

Itinerary

Baker Mountain Guides offers scheduled 4-day Backcountry Skiing Pro 1 Courses organized into 3 comprehensive sections.

Pre-Req: AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course – 3 Days

A solid understanding of the avalanche phenomenon, decision making, and risk management is integral to backcountry skiing and riding. The Backcountry Skiing Pro Course requires that students can incorporate the current avalanche hazard into their tour plans and terrain choices.

Section 1: Digital Mapping & Run Lists – 1 Day

Success in big terrain requires a great plan. The first day will be in the classroom. After morning orientation, students will learn how to build a run list using digital resources. We will spend the day researching venues, planning potential tours, and preparing for backcountry travel.

Section 2: Backcountry Basics – 1 Day

Big lines require big days and efficient travel. Instructors will lead a tour and help students dial in their route finding, track setting, transitions, and emergency response. Expert skiing or riding is required to continue the Backcountry Skiing Pro Course. Please honestly state your abilities.

Section 3: Backcountry Experience – 2 Days

The final two days will provide students the opportunity to build experience under the mentorship of professional ski guides. Our daily goal will be to ski and ride beautiful backcountry lines in challenging terrain. Students will lead and receive instruction and feedback.