Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Touring Course

The Backcountry Touring Course for skiers and splitboarders develops the touring and avalanche skills to confidently plan and undertake their own winter day trips or overnight tours. Perfect for those just getting into ski and splitboard touring to learn the latest techniques from NZ-certified mountain and ski guides.

Location and Itinerary

The 3-day practical course is field-based and utilises access through Cardrona, Treble Cone, or The Remarkables ski fields to backcountry touring areas.

Each day will begin with an morning meeting at the WMG Base in Wānaka 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.

It is also possible to arrange multi-day overnight courses staying in mountain huts or winter camping.

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.

Backcountry Touring Syllabus

Courses can be tailored to the group’s abilities and aspirations. There is a strong focus on backcountry travel to maximise the opportunities to refine terrain analysis and touring skills.

Topics covered include:

Ski and splitboard equipment selection, management, and maintenance.
Uphill and downhill backcountry travel techniques in soft and firm conditions, use of ski crampons or ice axe and boot crampons (if required).
Backcountry hazard identification and risk management.
Trip planning including avalanche and terrain analysis and mountain weather forecasting.
Navigation.
Avalanche awareness and rescue.

Download Course Workbook

The MSC Avalanche Skills Course 1 is included in the 3-day Backcountry Ski and Splitboard Touring course.

Equipment

If you plan to buy any equipment in preparation for the course, first check out our article on ski and splitboard touring equipment.

Ski touring equipment can be hired from MT Outdoors in Wānaka for around $100 per day. Splitboards can be hired from Wanaka Splitboard Rentals or Snowboard Workshop in Queenstown. We are able to assist with this to ensure that you have the right equipment for the course.

Download Equipment List

Experience Requirements

Skiers and riders should be intermediate or stronger with some experience off-piste and in different snow conditions to get the most out of the course.

No previous ski or splitboard touring experience is required to take part in this course.

Pricing and Dates

Duration: 3-days

Maximum ratio: 1:5

2025 Dates:

Can’t make these dates? Get in touch to arrange alternative group or private courses from July to September.

2025 Price: $990 per person (minimum for 4 participants).

Includes: applicable taxes, NZMGA or IFMGA certified guide, compliance costs, transport from Wānaka, and avalanche safety equipment.

Excludes: lunch and snacks, touring equipment hire, TC lift pass, accommodation in Wanaka. Accommodation for participants on our trips and courses can be arranged at our Kea Lodge.

If you don’t have a Treble Cone season pass, a backcountry pass can be brought on the day for $75.

Next Steps

Following the course, participants will be set up to continue to build their touring experience on guided or self-led tours.

After consolidating their experience, it is possible to undertake an Avalanche Skills Course 2 or Glacier Ski and Splitboard Touring Course to gain further skills in avalanche risk management or safe travel in more challenging glaciated mountain terrain.