Intro to Backcountry Skiing (IBSC)

Who is this course for?

The NZAC Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course (IBSC) is a four-day course designed for intermediate (or better) skiers with good fitness wanting to get a good grounding in ski touring so they can go experience the winter backcountry by themselves!

Telemarkers and split boarders are also welcome but must be of a high skill/experience level. Boarders must also have ski crampons as part of their touring setup just like the skiers. When you submit your registration, provide as much detail of your experience as possible, provide as many details of your experience as possible, and we will run it past the instructor before confirming your spot.

This course will be based in Fairlie and you will travel to wherever the snow is best for touring which could be Temple Basin or anywhere in the Craigieburns.

At a minimum, those wishing to register for the IBSC must be capable of:

• Confidently skiing off piste in a range of snow conditions.
• Comfortably skiing steep ungroomed slopes on a ski field.
• Making turns in crusty or heavy snow on steep ground.
• Slide-slip confidently to get down a slope too steep or rocky to turn on.
• Being fit enough to ski for three days in a row. The group will be looking for 600-1000m of ascent each day.

COURSE SYLLABUS

• Equipment - what to carry and why. How to look after your gear.
• Trip planning and preparation - including use of the NZ Avalanche Advisory, weather forecasts and checklists.
• Skins - getting them on and off quick smart without holding too many people up.
• Skinning - good technique - how to lay a good, safe track that others will enjoy.
• Mountain travel - terrain analysis and choosing a safe route.
• Reading the snow - finding the goods and test for analysing snow stability.
• Navigation - map and compass, altimeter, basic GPS. Navigating in a white out.
• Weather - general and specific to the Canterbury high country.
• Avalanches - signs of instability and how to avoid avalanches.
• Companion rescue: avalanche transceivers, probing and shovelling.

INSTRUCTION

The course will be run in a minimum 1:4 Guide to participant ratio, headed by a qualified and experienced IFMGA or NZMGA Guide. All participants must agree to follow the Guide's instruction and directions. Four participants maximum per group. The course has a maximum capacity of eight participants.

COURSE FEES

The course fees include instruction and accommodation. The course fees will be released when course registrations are live.

No refunds will be available should you cancel within 60 days of the course start. Any refunds are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of the NZAC National Office and may depend on whether a replacement can be found. 

No refunds are due for courses voluntarily reduced in length. If weather and/or conditions require the course objectives/itinerary to be modified no refund is due. Some course costs may be returned if they have not been incurred. 

No refunds are due for leaving the trip for medical or fitness reasons. Exceptional circumstances may be considered and are at the discretion of the NZAC.

INSURANCE

We recommend you take out travel insurance and/or personal insurance as part of your preparation for participating on NZAC instruction courses.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND RISK DISCLOSURE

The Course Instructor will have Emergency Management Procedures in place and a satellite phone to immediately contact rescue services in the case of an accident or emergency. It is encouraged to take your own personal locator beacon if you own one.

The natural environment and climbing activities can involve risks. While recognising that the course organisers and instructors are doing their best to manage these risks, and agreeing to accept their direction whenever required, you must accept personal responsibility for your own actions and safety. You must also accept to follow the instructions of the Course Leader and other instructors at all times.

All participants on the course are expected to be as honest and transparent as possible about their experience and fitness as part of their application. If a participant's lack of fitness/ability severely affects the running of the course the participant(s) may be asked to not participate for certain activities. Arrangements may be made to evacuate the participant(s) at their own cost. The instructor is the final arbiter in these decisions.

SCHEDULE

Accommodation is not included prior to the course start.

Course Day 1

Meet at one of the ski field car parks, dressed ready to ski at 8.30am. The instructor will advise you which one to meet at closer to the time dependent on snow conditions and weather. A final gear check and brief for the course will be carried out. Following this enjoy some great skiing whilst learning the foundations of ski touring before returning for an overnight at the accommodation.

Course Day 2 & 3

Putting your new skils to the test, enjoy a full day of backcountry skiing from the ski area with the best conditions. Along the way you'll rrefine and learn new skills whilst seeking out the best snow befroe descending back into the Ski Field and returning to the accommodation.

Course Day 4

From one of the ski fields, you'll access the backcountry and enjoy a final day of ski touring exploring valleys towards the other end of the range. After a final descent back down, you'll head back to the Lodge for a debrief and course summary. Dependant on plans for the final day it may be necessary to position vehicles at the end point of the traverse.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is decided per course - but likely to be a B & Be style accommodation. You will be advised whether you need to bring a sleeping bag and pillowcase. You may want to bring some slippers for inside.

FOOD

Bring food for 4 days. Please ensure you bring lunch and snacks packed ready to go for the first day and arrive having eaten breakfast.

GETTING THERE

Fairlie is approximately two and a half hours drive from Christchurch. Prior to the course start date you will be put in touch with other course participants if you wish to arrange car sharing. All vehicles must carry snow chains. Drivers must know how to fit them.

GEAR LIST

Gear needs to be modern, not outdated, and not borrowed. You must be very familiar with your gear; gear that is borrowed or hired you are most likely not familiar with, unless you have used it multiple times prior. Ski crampons are mandatory as well as modern bindings with brakes and well fitted skins.

OPTIONAL EXTRA ITEMS

Compass, Altimeter, GPS