Ability & Fitness

Not sure what to rate your backcountry ability and fitness level? Read through our descriptions below and select the level that resonates with you. We understand these descriptions are generic and may not describe your downhill ability and/or fitness level flawlessly, we simply want a rough gauge so we can manage group dynamics and tailor the trip to your level. If you are still unsure what to rate your ability after reading through the descriptions, feel free to contact our office and we can discuss in further detail.

Relaxed

Downhill Ability: I have good technique and feel confident on open groomed runs however I have little to no exposure skiing/boarding off piste or in treed areas.

Backcountry Experience: I have little to no experience skiing/boarding in the backcountry (heli, cat or ski-touring).

Uphill Fitness: I am comfortable skinning (walking) uphill for short distances with lots of breaks. (<500m elevation gain/day).

Snowboarders: As a snowboarder I struggle maintaining speed across flat areas and often have to walk.

Intermediate

Downhill Ability: I have strong technique and feel confident skiing most blue and black runs at the resort however I slow down in challenging snow conditions or treed areas.

Backcountry Experience: I have been backcountry skiing/boarding up to 5 times (heli, cat or ski-touring).

Uphill Fitness: I am comfortable skinning (walking) uphill at a steady pace with breaks. (500m-1000m elevation gain/day).

Snowboarders: As a snowboarder I can maintain speed to cover flat sections if I am given instructions ahead of time.

Advanced

Downhill Ability: I have excellent technique and feel confident skiing all terrain and conditions on and off piste.

Backcountry Experience: I have been backcountry skiing/boarding up to 20 times (heli, cat or ski-touring).

Uphill Fitness: I thrive skinning (walking) uphill at a steady pace with few breaks. (1000m-2000m elevation gain/day).

Snowboarders: As a snowboarder I have no issue navigating terrain on my own and traversing flat areas.

Expert/Pro 

Downhill Ability: I thrive skiing/boarding off piste and often find jumps, drops and features to launch off of. I most likely live in or near a ski area.

Backcountry Experience: I have been backcountry skiing/boarding for several years, its second nature to me (heli, cat or ski-touring).

Uphill Fitness: The only thing slowing me down are my friends on the skin track or the sun coming down. (2000m+ elevation gain/day).

Snowboarders: You can go everywhere the skiers go.. With more style!


Have you read through the descriptions and feel they are above your current level today? 

We offer the ability to hire a private guide for the trip allowing you to focus on technique without the pressure of keeping up with the group (must be reserved at the time of booking to ensure availability). 

While we are happy to coach new backcountry skiers, we strongly encourage you to enrol in professional ski lessons at your local resort so you can make the most of your time in the backcountry. 

Not interested in hitting the up-track? We also welcome guests who would rather immerse themselves in the mountains from the comfort of the lodge.