Foothills Backcountry Skiing Committee

Foothills Winter Programs are dedicated to bringing out the backcountry skier or boarder in everyone. We use a mix of traditional instruction and experiential education, and lots of fun to forge a memorable experience where you learn skills and techniques to become a safe and competent backcountry skier.

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OUR COURSES

AVALANCHE COURSE

AIARE Level 1 - a standard certification for any backcountry skier wishing to travel safely in avalanche terrain. Course covers types of avalanches, rescue scenarios and making decisions as a group. Learn more.

SKI AND SNOWBOARD MOUNTAINEERING

This course is designed for those skiers and boarders who are proficient on Alpine, Telemark, Randonee or Snowboard equipment, who are in good physical condition, and who want to improve their knowledge, skill and safety when entering the realm of the winter alpine. Completion of this course prepares you to safely ski and snowboard in most backcountry destinations and when coupled with our Glacier Travel Course gets you ready to, as an example, climb and snowboard off Mt. Baker. Learn more.

GLACIER TRAVEL

For those with competent backcountry skiing or snowboarding skills who desire to safely travel on glaciers and to perform crevasse rescues. Learn more.

TELEMARK AND RANDONNEE SKI LESSONS

The Telemark/Randonnee ski course is a multi-week program featuring class sections at all ability levels from beginners through advanced skiers. The course emphasizes learning ski technique, be it free-heel or fixed heel, to develop skills for having fun in the backcountry. Class meets in the evenings at Snoqualmie Summit. Learn more.