Description

This course is full and will no longer accept students from the waitlist

Get STOKED ACC Vancouver Enthusiasts as the ever so popular 2026 Intro To Backcountry Skiing & Splitboardjng Course is back!!! 😍

IMPORTANT!!!
***PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS BELOW***

Attendee Screening: Attendees are Pre-Screened – The Trip Leader will review your background and contact you before accepting you on the trip. You will get a confirmation that your sign-up is pending right away.

That doesn’t mean that you are confirmed to go on the trip yet. If you are accepted, you should receive an email from the coordinator to confirm your sign-up and coordinate the trip’s details.

Course Description:

Have you ever wanted to plan your own backcountry adventure, use apps like Gaia or SpotWX to prepare, or evaluated snow conditions in the field? If so, this is the course for you!

The ACC Vancouver Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboarding (IBS) course is designed for those new to ski touring and splitboarding who want to move beyond resort boundaries and gain confidence in winter backcountry travel.

Held over one weekend in January in the Hope and Coquihalla Pass area—with a prep evening in Vancouver—the IBS course introduces key skills in route planning, terrain awareness, avalanche safety, and efficient travel techniques. If you’re eager to explore untouched snow and take your first steps into the backcountry safely and knowledgeably, this course is the perfect place to start.

Prerequisites: 

• You must be a proficient resort skier or splitboarder, able to comfortably get down blue resort runs, and get down black runs slowly or on edge.
• Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) is NOT a prerequisite for this course, but is recommended.
• Equipment (Full list to be provided on course acceptance):
  • Three antenna avalanche beacon, 240cm+ probe and metal collapsible shovel are mandatory, no exceptions.
  • Ski touring or splitboarding equipment is required. No resort skis/snowboards.
    • Ski Touring: Frame or pin bindings with compatible boots.
    • Splitboarding: Working bindings with compatible boots.
  • Climbing skins with glue in good condition and proper fitment.
  • Ski Poles
  • Ski helmet
  • Day pack (30l-50l)

Course Dates (all mandatory):

• Tuesday, January 6 – Intro Night Course Session, ~6pm (Vancouver)
• Friday, January 9 – Classroom Session, ~6pm sharp (Hope)
• Saturday, January 10 – Field Day 1, 7am – 9pm (Hope & Coquihalla)
• Sunday, January 11 – Field Day 2, 7am – 9pm (Hope & Coquihalla)

Curriculum Highlights:

• Intro Night (Vancouver): Course goals, avalanche awareness basics, equipment review
• Classroom Session (Hope): Avalanche safety, trip planning with Avalanche Canada app, beacon practice
• Field Days (Coquihalla):
  • Touring technique uphill and downhill in varied terrain
  • Group travel and team dynamics
  • Avalanche rescue practice
  • Terrain assessment and decision-making
  • Navigation and hazard management

What’s Included:

• Instruction from experienced ACC instructors
• Classroom sessions and field-based training

What to Bring:

• Backcountry skis or splitboard, boots, poles, and skins (in good working order)
• Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel (mandatory)
• Warm, waterproof clothing, food, and water for two full field days

What’s not Included:

• Accommodation. Students will be responsible for arranging their own stay in Hope, BC for two nights (Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd). We are more than happy to help facilitate sharing options in motels, etc
• Meals/Food/Drinks. Students will be responsible for their own food while in Hope during the course. There are many eateries and grocery stores in the area.
• Carpooling. Students will be responsible for getting to and from Hope. We are more than happy to help facilitate carpooling groups/options.
• Equipment/AVI gear. Students will be responsible for having all the required and necessary equipment for the course. The ACC-Vancouver does not rent touring gear.

Cost: $135

VERY IMPORTANT!!!!…

How to sign up:

**SIGNING UP FOR THE EVENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE A RESERVED SPOT**

Register for the course AND fill out the questionnaire below to be added to the Waitlist.

Application Form: https://forms.gle/WwD54teJtZ7vfudi9

The Event Organizers will review the responses over the next few of weeks and move people over to the Confirmed List if they fit the course criteria.

***SIGN UP & APPLICATION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 15th OF WHICH PAYMENT WILL THEN BE REQUIRED***

Once on the Confirmed List, we will send out an email with payment instructions. Please DO NOT PAY until you are contacted.

Participation on this trip falls under the ACC waiver that is signed electronically upon membership renewal.

We look forward to having you in this years course!