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Intermediate ski touring and splitboarding course in Washington state
Join Mick, an AMGA certified rock and climbing guide, in this 2-day ski touring and splitboarding course in Washington state!
Description
Are you dreaming of moving on the snow beyond ski resorts? Then join me in this 2-day ski touring and splitboarding course in Washington state. We will enjoy freedom in a beautiful mountain scenery!
The course will take place at either Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker or Mount Rainier.
I will give you the tools and tecniques you need for winter mountain ski touring. Besides, along this 2-day program you will gain confidence traveling on the backcountry. Most important, we will have fun while skiing and splitboarding!
The course is perfect for intermediate to advanced in-bound snowboarders and skiers. So, if you think you need more experience to join me in this course, I recommend you my Intermediate Level Avalanche Course.
You should be able to ski/ride black diamond runs in different snow conditions. Besides, you should have a snowboard able to move into “tour” mode. Also, you should be in good physical condition as to hike for 4 to 5 hours with a 13 kg pack.
Throughout these ski touring and splitboarding course in Washington you will learn the following:
- How to select, use & care for the necessary gear for a day of splitboarding or backcountry skiing.
- Use topographic maps for navigation
- Create a convenient tour plan using avalanche warning forecasts
- Practice downhill and uphill travel techniques
- Hazard identification and decision making in avalanche terrain
We plan to drive up to 2.30 hours or less to the spot. We will have an avalanche assessment meeting and a pre-trip route plan at a pre-determined location. Once there, we will begin our ski/splitboard tour.We will spend two days of pure fun and learning on a spectacular setting!
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the program! This 2-day ski touring and splitboarding course in Wasington is a great opportunity to learn and practice new skills. I will be happy to help you and start planning!
More info The price also includes: Group camping and cookware for overnight camping if desired Group rescue equipment Equipment You will receive a full packing list upon registration. Contact me with specific gear questions. You will be responsible for the following: Skis, boots, and bindings (Metal edge skis, plastic boots, and Randonee/alpine touring/downhill Telemark bindings). Cross-country skis will not work for backcountry tours. Splitboard with adjustable bindings that move into “tour” mode efficiently (Soft boots are ok, and hard boots are preferred). Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel. Personal layers If you need any gear, I offer full service rentals. We will meet about 6.30 am on the first day. We plan to be back home by 9 pm on the second day. Please note that chains for your vehicle will be required. |
Meeting point Once registered, I will provide information regarding meeting times, locations and any required parking permits. If interested in carpooling, we will orchestrate a meeting place between participants. |
Photos
Itinerary
Day 1: Avalanche teaching/Ski touring
Today I will teach you avalanche terrain assessment and avalanche rescue drill while on a ski tour. We will make several runs of up to 300 metres. At the end of this first day you can choose either to snow camp overnight near the vehicles, or travel to a lodge hotel room.
Day 2: Skiing/Splitboarding
We will start the day with an avalanche bulletin and a risk assessment meeting. You will be able to make decisions based on your own goals and outcomes. Our priority today will be touring, as well as skiiing/splitboarding. Throughout each day, we plan to ascend and descend up to 300 metres or more. We will make short stops for education in a cold environment. We will stand in the snow for up to 30 minutes at a time. Then, we will have long periods of physical movement.
About the guide
Mick has traveled the world over in search of the perfect mountain experience. After working for years under other companies’ ethos and philosophies, nothing quite fit with his personal convictions and passions. In 2006 he set out on his own to make his vision of the holistic mountain experience a reality for anyone who shared his passion for the outdoors.
Having traveled all over the U.S. as the son of a railroad employee, Mick is accustomed to movement and new views. Mexico, Canada, Thailand, Taiwan, Europe, South America, Tanzania are some of the places and cultures that have shaped and influenced Mick.
Currently, Mick resides in Seattle, WA managing Kaf Adventures and continuing to hold the vision of this ever evolving company. He works tirelessly to continue to provide world-class experiences that provide knowledge and a greater perspective of the great outdoors.
Mick’s true passion is education. He has found a unique passion for educating aspiring instructors and guides in the U.S. You will find him outside helping new leaders gain confidence in their ability to make decisions in complex environments.
When he is not in the field (where he spends over 100 days a year) you can find him creating electronic music and making people dance. Mick has a habit of making those around him smile, and you might just wonder when he sleeps!
Mick is an American Mountain Guide Association certified Rock and Alpine Guide, SPI Program Provider, AMGA Instructor Team Member, LNT Master trainer, a Wilderness First Responder, a certified Level 3 AIARE avalanche graduate, an instructor for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, and speaks Spanish and a little Swahili.
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Prices per person
Group of 1 | USD 511 each |
Group of 2 | USD 511 each |
Group of 3 | USD 511 each |
Group of 4 | USD 511 each |
Group of 5 | USD 511 each |
Group of 6 | USD 511 each |
Group of 7 | USD 511 each |
Group of 8 | USD 511 each |
Want a different number of travellers?
Price includes
• Guiding fee
• Permit and entrance fees
What people are saying about this trip
Jonathan Todd
5.00
November 2018
Grace C
5.00
August 2017
Just took an intermediate rock climbing course. What a fantastic class. Our instructor was Joel and we started off covering all the different types of gear, static vs dynamic force, etc. before going into how to correctly and safely use it. There were only 3 of us and with an 8 hour day we got lots of practice in. Joel was super patient and adapted the class to our skill level and the questions we had. I walked away feeling like I could do this on my own safely. Cannot recommend Kaf enough, if you\'re thinking of transitioning to outdoor climbing, call them up
Ines T.
5.00
June 2017
I just got back from a 3-day Mountaineering Intermediate course on Mt. Baker, and I couldn\'t be happier that Kaf Adventures lead the way. Weather was ideal the first 2 days but on summit day the decision was made to stay put as conditions were questionable and miserable. Our 3 guides (Joel, Archer and Todd) were absolutely fantastic - extremely knowledgeable and high-energy and I loved how they infused the trip with their own personalities and experiences. They were constantly assessing and checking in with us to make sure we were all comfortable physically, mentally, spiritually. :) It was a feeling of complete comfort, which was most welcome in an environment I\'m naturally a little terrified of. Can\'t wait for my Rainier climb with Kaf, and to take more courses. I definitely recommend them, and can\'t say enough good things!
Annabelle L.
5.00
September 2016
My next second training was an Intro to Mountaineering 3 day trip at Mt Baker. Our group included 5 clients, 3 instructors (Paul, Matt and Archer) and 1 Kaf intern (Austin). The Kaf team members were absolutely delightful people - very knowledgeable, approachable, patient and inspiring. They did an excellent job preparing us for the mountain as well as keeping us safe & in high spirits despite some pretty gnarly weather that rolled through! Our summit attempt was cancelled due to a storm that hit Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning, but they kept us busy with training the entire time (not to mention very well fed!) The third training was a 3 night trip up Mt Rainier via Emmons Glacier. Paul, Archer and Austin again led our group (3 clients) up, up and to the summit! They were very attentive to everyone\'s condition the entire time - climbing Rainier was physically & mentally exhausting, and they knew when to encourage us to press on & hold back when needed. I definitely plan to climb more mountains in the NW and continue my training through Kaf Adventures. Absolutely recommend them to anyone who\'s excited to learn how to handle themselves up high
Caroline Brown
5.00
September 2016
My partner Ross Eckert and I took the Intro to Mountaineering Course on Mt. Shuksan in early September. Archer and Amber were such amazing instructors as well as generally awesome people. The weather was just a little less than ideal (pretty much constantly wet and cloudy) but their attitude and advice made the experience even that much more meaningful. They thoroughly taught us the skills we set out to learn and happily answered all of our questions. The insight they provided has left a lasting mark and we can\'t wait to continue this journey. We hope to definitely keep in touch and couldn\'t recommend Kaf Adventures enough!!
Jessica R
5.00
August 2012
yo sólo asisti a este curso en agosto de 2012. El equipo de profesores donde muy paciente, eficientes y una gran actitud. Puedo decir que les encanta lo que hacen y era obvio que donde hay para nosotros los estudiantes, para compartir su pasión y verdaderamente querían que aprender y poder subir por nuestra cuenta con seguridad. donde Los estudiantes de todos los niveles de escalada y parecía que todos tienen una gran actitud. todos llegamos como extraños y de alguna manera separen como amigos, sabiendo que la escalada no es una actividad de solo. El día volamos por pero estaba lleno de nudos, aseguramiento, real escalada, técnicas y maniobras geniales compañía. Recomendaría esta clase a todos los que vayan solos o con amigos que quieran aprender lo básico en verdadero rock, o si quieres ser re-aclimatado después de haber estado ausente para el mundo de la escalada y necesita una revisión. Uno de mis días favoritos hasta ahora este verano!
Kaf Adventures is fantastic. I could not have asked for a better experience with my Intermediate Mountaineering class I took with Kaf. The instructors were knowledgeable, excellent teachers, supportive, and fun. I felt like I was in excellent hands. And I actually got the chance to use my new skills on our climb of Mount Baker, as I took a short fall and self-arrested! I had a great time climbing Mount Baker and improving my mountaineering skills with Kaf. Highly recommended.