INTRODUCTION TO BACKCOUNTRY

Do you get high when people talk about fresh powder skiing? Do you dream of touring days, where you find the perfect lines in pristine snow in one of the world’s most idyllic landscapes? Do you still lack the knowledge on how to guide around the so-called ‘backcountry’, as well as to assess avalanche safety?

You are not the only one, but it is important to remember that as soon as you leave a world with groomed slopes, a new world opens up. If this world is something YOU need to explore, then the Snowminds Backcountry Course in Canada is for you! Both skiers and snowboarders are welcome as we storm down the mountain in the Canadian powder snow – we’re a family, remember!

The Training

What is the backcountry? The backcountry is the area that is not accessible from a lift system. Here you are really out in the wild and can have extraordinary experiences that are not possible from the established lift system. The classic method of exploring the backcountry is to use touring equipment – other extremes are helicopter, catski, or snowmobile.

The 20-day course is spread from January to March, where you will acquire knowledge, insight and not the least an experience beyond the usual. Our coaches, Bodie Shandro and Ron Betts, are both trained mountain guides and are absolute legends.

The Snowminds Backcountry Course will be your invaluable side-running program, where you will get approx. 2 days weekly training in avalanche safety, skiing technique in the powder snow, first aid, snow profiles, ski touring, use of safety equipment, navigation, rescue operations, and much, much more. Our skilled Canadian trainers will guide you, act as your mentors, show you the ski area’s coolest places, and guarantee to give you some amazing experiences you will never forget. Your view of the mountains will change completely.

Over a total of 20 days, you get a solid introduction to the tools that can be used when you go out into the off-piste yourself. An important component of the course is Avalanche Safety Training (AST) level 1, which acts as an eye-opener for avalanche safety, along with ‘companion rescue’. Both courses are recognized worldwide, and in Canada, there is broad agreement among skiers that it is essential. You will be left with a great deal of respect for the people who make this part of skiing their livelihood.

Meet Your Trainer

Bodie Shandro, one of our most skilled trainers, is a highly passionate mountain guide. Bodie is an educated level 3 ski instructor and educated CSGA ski guide. If these concepts seem unfamiliar, Bodie is, in short, a shark on skis. He has several years of experience as a heli-ski guide and is deeply passionate about delivering the best possible training to our Snowminders. Bodie teaches with the philosophy “you do not know what you do not know”, and will no doubt teach you a lot that you have never thought about.

In addition to Bodie’s skilled skiing, he also places great emphasis on creating community, which you can definitely feel.  True to tradition, the backcountry team usually meets for a cozy evening at Bodie’s when the course is over.

A DAY ON THE COURSE

“The team meets in the morning where weather observations and the weather forecast are discussed and the daily avalanche report is read. After half an hour, all participants leave, with a clear view of what we should be aware of out in the backcountry.

Over ten centimeters of fresh snow has fallen overnight, so today is a combination of touring and learning. Bodie knows very well how great skiing will be today and where we should go, but still actively asks to hear the rest of the team’s observations and opinions. The decision is made together and we end up with a good ski run through dense trees, and after a large bare area opens up. Several hours of skiing must be spent here, in combination with the topic of the day: Navigation. The theory was reviewed yesterday and it is being applied practically today. After wonderful skiing in the open area, there is a lunch break in the seats that we have dug ourselves. This is followed by more skiing, as well as a close study of a the snow profile we dug. The day is coming to an end and we all go home tired and exhausted, but with a huge smile on our face that continues for the rest of the evening.

Had today’s weather offered poor visibility, as well as tracked snow, Bodie would have chosen to do rescue exercises, or show how the ski area assesses their own avalanche safety, and thereby made room for future touring days”.

When you travel with Snowminds we take care of all the practicalities. That way you can pack your bags and good vibes and focus on preparing for your next adventure.

With this course package, you can look forward to the following benefits:

• 3-day Avalanche Safety Training (AST) Level 1 certification incl. 1 day Companion Rescue Course
• 16 days of off-piste and avalanche safety training
• 1 day of Red Cross Basic First Aid & CPR Certification
• Hazard recognition, avoidance, and mitigation.
• Avalanche safety – Tree Well, Snow Profiles, and Companion rescue.
• Guidance in touring, equipment, techniques, and route selection.
• Navigation  – learn basic map and compass skills.
• Rope Rescue – an introduction to rappelling, ascending, and building rescue systems.
• Overnight camp in the backcountry (depending on the weather)
• Help with visa application and all other practical formalities
• A total experience where all the practicalities are arranged for you
• Job placement as an instructor in Canada*
• Arranged Accommodation and season lift pass during your training course**
• A strong community with fellow Snowminders

What is not included?

• Meals during course
• Potential Field Trip with Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing – tour of operations, guide meetings, and SOP’s
• Possible expenses for accommodation, lift pass, and uniform during the season**
• Equipment for the season, such as avalanche equipment, touring skis, etc.***
• Pocket money and anything else not mentioned above

Note: To participate in the program you will need to either participate in our 3-week ski or snowboard instructor training program in Canada in November and December or have a ski instructor education already. We will set you up with a job at the local ski school, where you will work and follow the course during the season.  This product can be purchased as an upgrade to the standard ski instructor course in Canada. To learn more, check out our 3 week course in Canada, or the experienced course option for those who are already educated. 

* This course does not offer a job placement as an off-piste guide. It provides the AST1 certification and training to take the first step to becoming one. The job placement as an instructor applies to all Snowminds Instructors who take this course as an upgrade.

**Applies to all Snowminds Instructors who take this course as an upgrade:  This course takes place at the destination where you are working in a ski school, with which you will have a lift pass and accommodation already arranged as part of your travel. Therefore expenses for lift passes, accommodation etc.  and staff housing are not included as in the price.

***Especially for the backcountry course, it is required that you have touring equipment, which includes the following: skis with touring bindings or split-board (or snowshoes), skins, transceiver, probe, and shovel.

WHO CAN APPLY?

At Snowminds, we take pride in offering everyone with the right passion and attitude the opportunity to become part of our community of ski and snowboard instructors.  

Basically, we expect you to:

• Possess good skiing or snowboarding skills
• For snowboarders, you must bring a split board
• For skiers, you must bring skis with a touring binding 
• Everyone must bring avalanche safety equipment 
• Outgoing, positive, motivated, and responsible
• Speak English at a conversational level
• At least 18 years old

After submitting your application, we will give you a call and review your candidacy. During this conversation, you will also have the opportunity to hear more about our other course options and what it’s really like to be a ski or snowboard instructor in Canada. We’ll then get back to you soon with more information on whether we can offer you a place on our team.

There is great interest in this course and therefore available positions fill up quickly. Generally, we operate on a “first come – first served” principle. That means the earlier you apply, the greater your chances are to join the team. You can apply here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS