Introduction To Backcountry Skiing

NORTH CONWAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Randonée, ski touring, ski mountaineering and extreme skiing are all terms used to describe a new way of experiencing the world of backcountry skiing that is rapidly gaining popularity in the US.  These forms of skiing can be extremely dangerous if done without considering the hazards of avalanches, uncontrolled falls in steep terrain, fatigue, and mountain weather.  Alpine touring gear, also known as randonée gear, offers all the benefits of telemark or cross-country ski gear with the added power and control of downhill skis and bindings.  The pursuit of fresh fallen snow and new challenges draw hundreds off the ski slopes and into the backcountry each year.

Backcountry ski courses only touch on avalanche safety topics and should not be taken in lieu of a sanctioned avalanche training course.  It’s recommended to pair these programs with an Avalanche Training course through AIARE for a more comprehensive understanding of backcountry travel techniques, hazard awareness, and companion rescue.

From here, many of our skiers choose to book privately with a guide or take a Ski Mountaineering course to further develop their skills.

NOTE:  Group ski classes require a minimum enrollment of two people.  If you are booking alone for a class, your reservation is subject to change up until the last day if the minimum enrollment is not reached.  If you have a flexible schedule and you do not mind being matched with other skiers for the day, joining a class is a great cost-saving way to take a lesson.  If you have a limited schedule, or you do not wish to be paired with other skiers, we strongly recommend booking a private ski lesson.  Private lessons can be booked any day of the week (as long as we still have guide availability).  For information about private reservations please call 845-668-2030 or click here.

Itinerary

Groups meet promptly at 8:30am at the Eastern Mountain Sports in North Conway.  Click here for directions.  In the morning you will meet your guide, sign a waiver form, and get outfitted with gear for the day.  You should also bring enough food and water for the entire day.  The day will end around 4:30pm back at EMS.

Included/Not Included

Climbers will be outfitted with all technical ski equipment for the day.  You are welcome to bring your own equipment but it will be subject to approval by your guide.  Equipment provided includes boots, skis, poles, skins, beacon, probe, and shovel.  Skiers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather and provide their own water, snacks, and lunches for the day.  See gear list for complete list of items you will be responsible for bringing.  Meals, lodging, and transportation are not included.

Cancellation Policy

Payment is due in full at the time of booking to secure your reservation.  Events run rain or shine.  Eastern Mountain Sports Schools reserves the right to cancel or reschedule events for low participation, weather, or safety concerns at any time.  We will try to give as much advance notice as possible, but may not always be able to give much advance warning, especially for weather cancellations.

Cancellations or schedule changes more than 14 days prior to the program start date will be fully refunded or credited with no penalty.  Cancellations from 8 to 14 days from the program start date will not be refunded, but changes to reservations may be granted based on availability.  Cancellations or reservation changes within 7 days will not be refunded and you will not be allowed to reschedule or carry over deposits to future events.  Please mark the last day to cancel on your calendar after making your reservation.

Cancellations due to weather are determined only by EMS Schools and the guides – we will not make a weather cancellation at a guest’s behest.  Please note that forecasts change frequently and are rarely accurate more than a day or so out.  If it is determined a program needs to be canceled based on weather, we will call and/or email you prior to your reservation.  This may not always be far in advance of your reservation, so we suggest purchasing travel insurance if you are coming from afar.  If we do not reach out to you, your program will run as scheduled.  A full refund or rescheduling option will be available for those canceled due to weather

Please remember that if you are joining a pre-scheduled group lesson, your reservation will be pending sufficient enrollment.  If the minimum number of participants is not met, we will offer you the option of upgrading to a private lesson, or we will reschedule or refund you.  NOTE:  If you do not arrive on time for a group lesson, we reserve the right to start without you and you will not be rescheduled or refunded.

We highly recommend looking into travel insurance if you are at all concerned that life events may get in the way of your ability to come out with us.  If you have any questions, please call 845-668-2030.  We would be more than happy to review our cancellation policy with you.