For anyone new to backcountry skiing, riding, or snowshoeing, it can be tough to break into the backcountry and form a community. Thankfully, several organizations around Washington are offering classes and workshops throughout the winter season.
Here are a few events to check out this winter.
Skimo Northwest - Skimo Skills Clinics
Where: Summit at Snoqualmie
When: January 20 and March 10 at 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
Skimo Northwest is hosting two free skimo skills meetups at the Summit at Snoqualmie. Experienced skimo athletes will help you perfect your kick turn and skinning technique or speed up your transition.
NWAC - Laying Tracks Virtual Course
Where: Virtual
When: Wednesday nights from January 11 to February 1 at 6:30 pm
Cost: $80 or $64 for NWAC members
The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) is hosting a four-week virtual course on the basics of backcountry travel in the winter. The four course sessions will cover:
Equipment and avalanche rescue gear
Mountain weather forecasts
NWAC avalanche forecasts
Planning for winter mountain travel
You can find more info about the Laying Tracks course and register here.
Summit at Snoqualmie - Wednesday Night Gatherings
Where: Summit at Snoqualmie West
When: Wednesday nights from January 11 to February 15 at 5:30 pm (uphill) or 7 pm (downhill)
Cost: $140 (uphill) or $320 (downhill); lift passes required
Summit at Snoqualmie is offering two six-week courses on Wednesday nights throughout January and February. One course is all about uphill travel, and the other is focused on downhill skiing and riding technique.
You must have your own gear and a lift ticket or season pass for the course.
Find out more and register here.
NWAC - Avalanche Awareness Classes
Where: Multiple locations
When: Multiple days each week from January-March
Cost: Free
NWAC is offering free 90-minute avalanche awareness classes throughout the winter. Classes are available in multiple cities including Seattle, Portland, Bellingham, Leavenworth, and more.
Check out the full schedule and register here.
Comments