Backcountry programs and courses
Fully guided days on Mt. Washington with professional guides, operating under a White Mountain National Forest permit. Our Intro days stay out of avalanche terrain and do not require you to own a beacon, so they are a genuine first step rather than a course you have to qualify for. You do need to be comfortable descending black diamond terrain.
Ten full scholarships are shared across our backcountry programs each season and they cover our entire fee. Rental gear is priced by the shop and is separate. If cost is a barrier at all, start here.
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Intro to Backcountry
The standard first day beyond the resort. Up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, down the Sherburne, learning skinning, transitions and how to read a day.
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Women's Intro to Backcountry
The same day in an all-women and nonbinary group, led by women guides. Supported by Blizzard Tecnica Women 2 Women.
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Queer Intro to Backcountry
Two dates each season, run with Kindling Collective and with All Outdoors Collective.
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BIPOC Intro to Backcountry
A guided first day beyond the resort for BIPOC skiers and splitboarders, led by BIPOC guides.
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Intro to Ski and Snowboard Mountaineering
A step past touring, into bigger terrain with crampons and an axe. For people who already tour. Run with Northeast Mountaineering.
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AIARE Level 1
The standard entry point into avalanche education in North America. Once each season, at a heavily reduced rate.
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A private or group guided day
The same guided day beyond the resort, on a weekday, for people you bring yourself. $300 for up to three, then $100 each, to a maximum of eight.