Routfinding and Reading Terrain

Clinic Date: Saturday March 6, 2010 - All Day

Spaces Remaining: 3 / Capacity: 10

Ability Level:  Intermediate/Advanced (Ability Assessment)

Clinic Codes: 213BC - 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: The basis for routefinding is the ability to read terrain and understand its implications. This foundation can then be used to safely and efficiently travel through the mountains in a winter environment. Reading terrain and routefinding is a core and essential skill for all backcountry skiers. The Whitewater area has excellent terrain for this, complicated and rugged. Spend the day touring with guides who have years of experience and knowledge in the winter backcountry. You should be a strong intermediate skier with some experience skiing ungroomed backcountry conditions.

* 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.