This program is for experienced backcountry skiers and split-boarders who want to take their skills to the next level, accessing less common terrain by learning technical skills that allow for safe and exceptional access to Idaho’s legendary Central Mountains.

Dates: 

TBD. Six days of guided mountaineering and six evening classes.

Field Sessions: 

Our primary focus will lean towards finding the best snow conditions in technical terrain. We will teach a variety of mountaineering skills; using ropes, building snow anchors, skiing on belay, lowering applications, self arrest and self belay techniques.

Evening Classes: 

Snowpack analysis, weather links, forecasting, rope work, modern navigation tools and tour planning with digital applications such as Gaia, Google Earth, Cal Topo and GuidePace.

Gear: 

Team members will learn about the latest and lightest gear with discounts kindly offered by Sturtevants.

Lead Guides: 

Sun Valley is the gateway to a massive mountain playground, full of classic descents…..many of which require creative applications to make access possible.  IFMGA Guide, Chris Marshall, and AMGA Ski Guide, Jonathan Preuss, are deeply familiar with our local mountains.  They’ve put their higher education to good use, applying technical skills to access semi-complex terrain in an effort to expand their playground.  If you’re ready to learn more about how you can go deeper in our local mountains, JP and Chris will show you how.  

Prerequisite: 

Level 1 avalanche education within the last 5 years.

Rates: 

$TBD | max 8