Courses & Skills
Ski Touring Courses
Field-based learning for ski tourers who want to make better decisions, move more efficiently, and build confidence in real terrain.
How I teach
Less classroom. More real terrain.
Most ski touring skills only really make sense once you are outside using them. These courses are built around practical days in the mountains, with time to stop, talk things through, practice skills, and make decisions as conditions change.
The goal is not to collect another certificate. The goal is to become a better partner, make stronger decisions, and feel more useful in the group you already ski with.
Scheduled course
Applied Decision Making
The backcountry ski course your friends hope you take. Built for ski tourers who already get out, but want to make better calls with terrain, weather, snowpack, and group dynamics.
- 3-day modules
- Rogers Pass / Revelstoke area
- Strong intermediate to advanced ski tourers
By request / future dates
Crevasse Rescue
Crevasse rescue is not something you want to figure out for the first time when someone is actually in a hole. This course focuses on practical rope systems, glacier travel, and rescue skills for skiers and climbers.
- 2–3 day format
- Private groups or scheduled dates
- Useful for ski mountaineering and glacier travel
Private groups
Custom Skills Days
Some groups do not need a full course. They need a focused day on the things that actually slow them down or create uncertainty: transitions, track setting, route finding, companion rescue, terrain choices, or moving more efficiently.
- Built around your group
- One-day or multi-day options
- Good fit for friends who already tour together
The point
Good learning should show up in your next ski day.
Real terrain
The useful stuff is what holds up when the group is tired, the weather is changing, the skiing looks good, and someone needs to make a decision.
Small groups
Smaller groups make it easier to ask questions, get feedback, and actually talk through what is happening during the day.
Clear debriefs
We will stop, talk through decisions, and look at what worked, what changed, and what could be done differently next time.
Who it is for
For people who already care about getting better.
You tour with friends
You are not trying to become a guide, but you want to be a more useful partner in the group.
You want more confidence
You have taken courses, read forecasts, and spent time outside, but still want more confidence making decisions in real terrain.
You want practical skills
You want skills that actually help on a ski day, not just information that sounds good in a classroom.
You have a group already
Private courses and custom skills days can work well for friends who already ski together and want to improve as a group.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need to be an expert skier?
No, but you should be comfortable skiing ungroomed snow and spending full days outside. Some courses are more physically demanding than others, and each course page will explain the expected level.
Are these avalanche courses?
Not in the AST 1 or AST 2 sense. Applied Decision Making builds on avalanche education and focuses on using decision-making, terrain choices, observations, communication, and group process in real ski terrain.
Can I book a private course for my group?
Yes. Many skills days work well as private group days. If you already have a group of friends or ski partners, we can build the day around your experience, goals, and the conditions.
Where do courses happen?
It depends on the course. Applied Decision Making is usually based around Rogers Pass or Revelstoke. Crevasse rescue and custom skills days may run in other locations depending on snow, terrain, access, and group goals.
What does it cost?
Pricing depends on the course, number of days, location, group size, and whether it is a scheduled course or a private group booking. Each course page will list pricing when dates are confirmed. For private skills days, get in touch and I can provide a quote.
Looking for a course or skills day?
Tell me what you are hoping to work on, who would be joining, and roughly when you want to go. From there we can figure out whether a scheduled course or private skills day makes the most sense.
Ask About a Course