Seattle Backcountry Skiing Committee
Mission
Our mission is to build a community of skiers and climbers in the Seattle Branch who use skis or snowboards to travel in the mountains with safety and good style — and to have fun doing it.
We will accomplish our mission by:
- Growing and training a strong team of backcountry ski leaders with diverse strengths and backgrounds.
- Offering courses and clinics.
- Leading trips.
Plans
Our multi-year program is as follows:
- 2022-2023 — boot the committee [Done!], establish an initial group of backcountry ski leaders in the Seattle branch, and offer trips to build our group of leaders and instructors.
- 2023-2024 — offer Seattle backcountry skiing courses and clinics.
- 2024-2025 — launch ski mountaineering courses in the Seattle with courses, clinics, and trips.
Want to help? Please reach out to the committee (contact info above).
Courses / Clinics
Coming soon! We may offer some one-off clinics in the 2024-2025 season like building snow anchors with skis or whippet usage.
If you're looking to learn the basics of backcountry skiing, including efficient uphill travel or lift-assisted (rope tow) skiing in off-piste terrain, check out the Meany Lodge introductory outings.
Trips / Activities
Required skills and knowledge for trips will vary by objective and leader preferences, but general expectations are:
- Familiarity with ski/snowboard gear for touring purposes.
- Avalanche awareness or (ideally) AIARE Level 1 or greater.
- Intermediate to advanced ski ability on un-groomed terrain.
Leadership
Are you an active climb leader or scramble leader with backcountry skiing experience who is interested in leading backcountry ski trips? Please get in touch.