3-Day Ski Mountaineering Course
$950.00 / person
(at 6:1 ratio) Next Trip: Mar 13 - 15, 2027-
6 spots available. $950.00
This course date includes three nights (March 12/13/14) of shared accommodations in Sointula's Alpine Cabin @ Mount Cain!
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Add-ons
Avalanche kit rental includes transceiver, shovel and probe. If you are bringing your own avi kit, this must include a modern, digital, 3-antenna transceiver, and a solid shovel and probe. If you do not have all three of these things then you must rent a kit from us to take part. Once purchased our rentals are non-refundable.
Save on postage and have this indispensable trip planning guide delivered to you at your course. With well over 500 Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale rated Island tours, this guidebook allows you to apply the learning from your IAG/HVI course to doing real trips in the mountains.
As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Island Alpine Guides or Hike Vancouver Island trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.
25% off code for all Ski Tak Hut gear rentals (touring gear, snowshoes) for IAG course participants. We'll send you a code once signed up for your course.
Helmet, Harness, Carabiners, Cords, Sling, Ice Axe, Crampons. All these items are required to participate in the course. See the precise technical gear requirements in the 'Gear List' tab within this course information webpage. Once purchased our rentals are non-refundable.
Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.
Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.
Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.
Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.
Once purchased - our rentals are non-refundable.
This course is for confident backcountry skiers who want to move beyond general ski touring and into true ski mountaineering: steeper objectives, exposed ridgelines, and three days to develop the the technical skills that make these lines possible.
Mt. Cain is the perfect place to dive into a course like this. Quick access to a multitude of teaching locations, plus the potential for some wild runs in parts of the Cain backcountry not many people get to explore. With a maximum of 6 participants, you’ll get coaching on the skills that matter and time to practise them in real terrain.
With our booked cabin accommodation, enjoy comfortable digs every evening, plus a chance to dry off, make meals and socialize, and plan the next day's adventure.
- Techniques for steep snow climbing & descending
- Ice axe & crampon use
- Ski carrying and pack management for technical terrain
- Route finding and terrain selection for steep alpine objectives
- Managing exposure: including short roping & snow belays
- Applied avalanche decision-making and group management, with daily terrain and snowpack assessment
- Review and practices with lightweight mountaineering equipment for ski/snowboard touring
- Anchor building
- 3 days of guiding with a certified ACMG guide
- Cabin accommodation for three nights
- Group safety equipment (ropes) and communications
- Transportation to/from Mt Cain
- Meals
- Personal gear
- Lift Tickets - purchased in-person @ Mount Cain (specially priced one-ride lift tickets only available for the course @ $19/each before tax)
- Travel insurance
- Strong (advanced to expert) backcountry skiers who are comfortable skinning uphill for several hours a day and skiing a variety of snow conditions.
- Prior AST 1 course is a requirement.
- Are age 19+ (if you are a minor, please reach out to discuss options).
- Have a basic understanding of your gear, and any limitations.
- Are prepared to spend the day outside in variable conditions (please see gear list).
These items are available as an add on “avalanche kit” when you book or by request.
- Avalanche Transceiver (must be a modern, digital three-antenna)
- Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel
- Probe: Normal length probe somewhere from 220cm to 320cm
- Ski touring skis/board
- Skins
- Poles
- Ski touring/snowboard boots
- Helmet
- Day pack (30 - 40L, or whatever will fit your gear)
- Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants
- Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing)
- Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended)
- Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning
- Warm gloves
- Warm hat
- Balaclava or another type of neck warmer
- Baselayers (top and bottom)
- Crampons – simple, ten point general mountaineering crampon (either step-in or strap- on are fine depending on your boots)
- Ice axe – general mountaineering tool, 60-80cm depending on your height
- 4x locking carabiners – at least one should be pear-shaped
- 3x non-locking carabiners
- Harness – a simple, lightweight alpine seat harness
- Belay/rappel device
- 7mm accessory cord – 2 x 5 metre lengths
- Double shoulder length sewn sling – should be rated to 22kn
- Water
- Lunch and snacks (prepared ahead of time and consumable on the go)
- Sunglasses
- Goggles
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Ski strap
- Personal first aid (e.g. blister kit, medication)
- Camera (optional)
