Participating in one of Tour Further's Backcountry 101 courses is the ideal way to prepare for the upcoming winter and hone existing skills. One-day programs are designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders wishing to delve deeper into the backcountry. Introductory courses include appropriate use of map, compass and GPS, identifying low risk travelling and skinning techniques, and tips and ideas to help you better identify instabilities in the snow-pack. Our BC 101 series is designed to be an ongoing education process where students will be coached by their guide and encouraged to return for followup sessions. Topics for more advanced ski-tourers include track-setting in more complex terrain, descent techniques and seminars designed to enable better trip planning and preparation.   

Tour Further's BC 101 courses are the most personalised aspect of our education programs. Ideally, we suggest that course participants sign up for a one day or weekend long session with their primary backcountry partners. Having a broad base of fundamental travel skills is essential for all the members of a group, not just the "leader". A specialised class will allow instructors to evaluate students existing skills and create a forum whereby focus can be placed on topics such as multiple burial recoveries, analysing hazardous terrain or better understanding common mental errors and pressures that often lead to poor decision making. 

Developing a sound and flexible decision making framework is the essential component to lowering your risk in the backcountry! The cost for a full day BC 101 course for a group of 4 is $350, or $175 for a privately guided day. The price includes a two hour classroom session in the morning, followed by a 4-6 hour ski tour on either Buffalo Mountain or in the Loveland Pass area. BC 101 tours offer clients an entire day devoted to any specific aspect of backcountry travel they wish to explore. After a brief course introduction, your guide will begin to instill a decision making framework that will allow you travel in the backcountry with minimal risk. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to begin building your skills.