Camp Over Stay tuned for 2020/21 offerings or check out our Intro to Mountaineering Course.
Eyeing the untracked powder beyond the resort boundary but not sure how to transition to the backcountry safely and responsibly? Our entry level ski & splitboard course is designed for you! Whether it's deciding where to ride, assessing the snowpack or understanding the gear, our highly trained and experienced ACMG guides will show you the way and a free copy of the ACC's Winter Backcountry Leader Manual will provide valuable reference material once you're ready to go it alone. As well as our regular course dates, we offer a women's-only edition for those looking for an all-female learning environment. And we also offer splitboard-specific editions which are taught by splitboarding guru Chucky Gerrard. Whichever, you choose, our fantastic location in Canmore, AB, gives access to the perfect learning environment in nearby Kananaskis and Banff National Park. And for those coming from further afield, enjoy our convenient on-site, award winning hostel accommodation for a modest additional fee.
The main focus of this course is giving you the tools you need to start exploring the backcountry independently. Key topics of learning will include:
Day 1
Day 2
This camp is designed for those who have little to no backcountry experience. However, an intermediate level of ski experience at a resort is essential - you must be comfortable on ungroomed blue runs and you will have a better time on the course if you have some experience skiing with a daypack (30L) and skiing varied terrain and conditions.
You will spend almost all day outside (up to 8 hours), sometimes stopping for discussion or breaks. Come prepared for cold weather with warm layers and please read the gear list carefully making sure you have everything. It is imperative that you have a basic level of fitness to allow for access and learning.
If you have any questions about your suitability for this course, please contact the office.
As this course is offered out of the ACC Clubhouse in Canmore, we invite all out-of-town participants to stay with us. Located on a high bench overlooking the Three Sisters, Ha Ling and Mount Rundle, the ACC Clubhouse hostel is the perfect place to relax while completing your course. You can reserve a room for the night between your field days upon reservation. Or if you need to stay longer, call our reservations team on 403 678 3200 ext. 300. For full details on the Canmore Clubhouse accommodation click here.
Our dedicated on-staff ACC ski Doug Latimer oversees our Intro programs. Doug has almost 20 years of experience in teaching AST and other winter instructional courses, as well as in developing course materials and ski guiding. We are extremely excited to have him on board for a third season after rave reviews the past two seasons. Charles Gerrard, splitboard enthusiast and manufacturer, helped develop and now runs our splitboard specific courses. You can read all about Chucky in this recent ACC blog post. Erica Roles heads ur women's-only edition of the camp. Erica is focused and thoughtful and you can expect her to point every possible learning opportunity during the camp. We want to provide the best possible learning experience and give you maximum opportunity to ask questions. So participant-to-guide ratios will be kept below a maximum of 8:1.
The course was very enjoyable and useful. I liked that day one was used to get familiar with equipment, planning and movement and day 2 was an actual touring day. Thank you for providing women's Specific courses. The guide was excellent, professional, very experienced and knowledgeable. - Winter 18/19 Course Participants-
Please be sure to review our cancellation policy before registering for ACC Adventures: Cancellation Policy We sell Tugo® Travel Insurance suitable for both ACC Adventures and personal trips: Travel Insurance
