While we try to encourage participation in the local freeride circuit, this is really only a means to finding our athlete’s ‘best skiing self’ and then taking these skills into the back country.  Our backcountry program is optional.  However, if the athlete is 13 years or older, they can explore avalanche safety basics with a certified ACMG guide.  Our program has 4 graduated levels.  We begin with an official Avalanche Skills Training level 1 class (usually done over 2 days).  The athletes then have the option of a slack country ski day.  From there, the athlete has the option for the full back country experience, in simple terrain.  This can be a local day trip (and sometimes cat-skiing), or we offer an overnight option at a backcountry hut.   Beyond that, when we have the participation numbers, athletes and parents have the option for an Avalanche Skills Training level 2 (usually done over 4 days).  This part of the program is at additional cost.