Backcountry Basics
Clinic Date: Saturday March 6, 2010 - All Day
Spaces Remaining: 6 / Capacity: 10
Ability Level: 
Intermediate (Ability Assessment)
Clinic Codes: 215BC - Out of Bounds Clinic
All out of bounds clinics require safety gear (shovel, probe, and beacon). In addition, skins and a day pack with lunch and liquid will be needed as all out of bound clinics will run all day. Unless otherwise indicated, all out of bounds clinics are open to free heel, fixed heel, and boards, based on ability level. The tours will be out for the day so be fit and ready to climb and ski!
Clinic Description: For those who have wanted to go backcountry skiing but have limited backcountry experience and/or are unsure where to start, this is the clinic for you. Learn the basics of travel, both going up and coming down, as well as how to read and move through mountain terrain. While one tour cannot teach you all you need to learn as a backcountry skier, it can give you a taste of the pleasures of touring and point you in the direction of what you need to know and the skills involved.
* Includes Lift Ticket - if you are a season pass holder you can get a refund at the Whitewater office *
General Clinic Information:The festival is a celebration of backcountry skiing so our clinics focus on skiing skills that will improve your skiing in the backcountry - as well as in the ski area. We focus on the three main challenges in backcountry skiing, terrain steepness, terrain obstacles (trees and bumps), and different snow conditions. In the backcountry, these three variables define the challenges of skiing downhill. In keeping with this many of the clinics do not specify free heel or fixed heel - alpine or tele. Techniques may vary but the common threads of successful skiing do not. Most of our instructors teach and ski on both types of gear and have a great understanding of any specifics that may apply. Where applicable, you will find gear specific clinics, but feel free to join in a mixed clinic based on your ability and interest.
