intro to
backcountry
Golden State Guiding is excited to announce our Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding programs for the 2026 snow season are here!
Our Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding courses are 8 hours in length and take place in the front country of Mammoth Lakes. Our IBC program is the perfect course for the new backcountry traveler looking to learn the basics and entry level skills to begin getting out into the backcountry with their friends. Our IBC courses consists of multiple intro topics including how to properly use your backcountry ski and splitboard equipment. We’ll review beacon and partner safety checks, fundamental touring techniques and best practices for putting in a skin track, mapping software and resources to help plan your own personal tours in the backcountry, and much more, all with our professionally trained ski and splitboard guides.
By the end of your Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding course you’ll have a general understanding of how to use your backcountry travel equipment and will feel confident in your ability to tour in the front country. You’ll leave our IBC course having an understanding of avalanche equipment and the appropriate safety checks you should be administering. And lastly, you’ll possess the knowledge to begin creating trip plans for the backcountry utilizing your local avalanche advisory and mapping software we expose you to during the course.
INTRO TO BACKCOUNTRY SKIING & SPLITBOARDING INFO
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January 15th, 2026 (Splitboard Only)
January 31st, 2026
February 1st, 2026
February 14th, 2025
February 15th, 2026
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One Person $515
Two People $335
Three People $280
Four People $230
Five People $230
Six People $230
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Learn how to properly use your backcountry setup, whether it be skis or a splitboard, including how to apply and remove your skins and transition from tour to ride mode.
Learn how to do a proper transceiver check with you and your partners at the trailhead.
Learn how to read and navigate your local avalanche advisory.
Review of the best resources to use for weather forecasting.
Mapping software review in the field.
Learn how to put in an effective skin track.
Learn the basics of backcountry etiquette.
And of course, you’ll get some turns in!
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Cost includes avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe)
Cost also includes a 20% discount on snow travel rental equipment at our partners retail store, Mammoth Mountaineering.
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Please note, any guest registering for our Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding course in Mammoth Lakes must be a competent inbounds/ resort skier or snowboarder. Being competent means being able to ski or snowboard blue/black to single black diamond runs inbounds at the resort. Our IBC course is focused on equipment, avalanche safety, trip plans, and touring techniques. The course is not focused on teaching our guests how to ski or snowboard. Please take this into consideration before registering, we want to ensure we set the group up for success!
LOCATION: Mammoth Lakes, CA
PRIVATE OUTING LENGTH: 6 HOURS
BIG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING OUR AIARE AVALANCHE COURSES!
