Location
The 3-day practical course is field-based and utilises access through Cardrona, Treble Cone, or The Remarkables ski fields to backcountry touring areas.
Ski and Splitboard Touring Courses
Freeride Skills Course
The 3-day Freeride Skills Course is designed for skiers and splitboarders with some touring and avalanche skills who want to move beyond low-angle powder and into the technical, high-consequence terrain of the Southern Alps.
This bridges the gap between touring and mountaineering by teaching you how to manage steepness, variable snow, and technical hazards without necessarily reaching for a rope and ice axe just yet.
This bridges the gap between touring and mountaineering by teaching you how to manage steepness, variable snow, and technical hazards without necessarily reaching for a rope and ice axe just yet.
Itinerary
Each day will begin with an morning meeting at the WMG Base in Wanaka before heading up the mountain. Days will usually be wrapped up in town by around 17:00 and evenings will be open to relax and prepare for the next day.
The course is practical focused and days will include plenty of skiing and riding as well as instruction and exercises to develop the skills.
The course runs through all weather and at times when it is not possible to be on the mountain, we can supplement with inside theory and planning. Monitoring conditions during bad weather is a great opportunity for developing an understanding of changing backcountry conditions. Planning will mean that you can be in the right place to get safe, fresh tracks when the skies clear.
Touring Skills Progression
The Freeride Skills Course is one of our specialist ski and split-board touring courses. Check our our Knowledge Base for more advice to plan your training progression.
-
Technical Descent Strategy: Tactics for safely descending steep, active faces.
-
Advanced Terrain Analysis: Identifying safe zones and consequential zones.
-
Variable Snow Mastery: Techniques for charging through difficult crusts, wind-pack, and heavy spring snow.
-
Introduction to Technical Tools: Learning to use boot-crampons and a single ice axe for security on icy ridges before clicking into bindings.
-
Route Finding: Scouting lines in complex terrain and managing high-exposure transitions.
Ski or Splitboard touring equipment is required.
Avalanche safety equipment can be provided.
If you plan to buy any equipment in preparation for the course, first check out our article on ski and splitboard touring equipment.
Skiing or Riding Ability
You should be a confident off-piste rider in the resort, capable of handling black terrain in most conditions.
Touring experieince
Completion of a Backcountry Foundation course (or equivalent experience) and ASC1.
Availability
Can't make these dates? Get in touch to arrange other dates July to September.
5th - 7th August: Places available
12th - 14th August: Places available
25th - 27th August: Places available
2nd - 4th September: Places available
Pricing
Book Now or register interest below.
Excellent course content, well taught and very worth while. Definitely recommend this to anyone interested in backcountry touring.
— Josh, Backcountry Ski and Split board Course
