DAY 1

WELCOME & ORIENTATION

The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.

DAY 2

Uphill Pursuits:

The morning will be spent in the classroom discussing the basic information required to transition from a controlled in-bounds environment to an uncontrolled, backcountry environment. An afternoon ½ day ski tour will follow the morning classroom to begin applying this information.

DAY 3

Risk Evaluation and Mitigation:

An elevated risk is inherent in transitioning from the resort to the backcountry. Basic avalanche and backcountry route-finding skills will be discussed in the morning followed by a ½ day ski tour incorporating these principles.

DAY 4

Putting it all together:

Information and experience from the previous two days’ will be applied in a full-day backcountry ski tour. Emphasis will be placed on moving cautiously and efficiently in the backcountry.

DAY 5

The Full Experience:

On the final full day of backcountry skiing, students will expand on previous experience to incorporate the environmental and cultural opportunities available only to those willing to step beyond the boundaries of a controlled environment and into the “Freedom of the Hills.”

DAY 6

CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, and goes through Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Lodging Check-in & Check-out: Lodging check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025, and lodging check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025.

Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.

Optional Airport Shuttle: We provide an optional airport shuttle for those interested. The shuttle service is provided on the first day of the program with a 1:00 p.m. pickup and the last day of the program with a departure from the Lamar Buffalo Ranch at 8:00 a.m.

1st Day of Program | Shuttle Pickup Location:  Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

1st Day of Program | Shuttle Drop off Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Check-out Day | Shuttle Pickup Location: Lamar Buffalo Ranch

Check-out Day | Shuttle Departure Location: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

If you opt-in to the shuttle service, please ensure that your flight booking will allow for you to be picked up and dropped off during the above timeframes.

Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:

Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3

Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm

If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.

General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 5+

• Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing over 12 miles per day with climbs over 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
• ***Planned skis for this course will most likely be less than 12 miles with elevation gains over 1,500 feet.***
• Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
• To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
• All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
• To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• O’Bannon, A. & Clelland, M. 2012. Allen and Mike’s Avalanche Book. Falcon Guides.
• Tremper, B. 2018. Staying Alive in avalanche terrain (3rd edition). Mountaineers.
• House, S., Johnston, S. & Jornet, K. 2019. Training for the uphill athlete: A manual for mountain runners and ski mountaineers. Patagonia Publishing.

*No ski gear will be provided. Participants will require AT, Split-board, or Tele backcountry skis – complete setup including climbing skins. Avalanche gear including beacon, shovel, and probe. Class participants are assumed to be familiar with principles of layering for a winter environment with varying levels of activity, including a light to mid-weight down puffy coat.

*Ski equipment rentals may be obtained from Dan Bailey’s located in Livingston, MT with a 10% discount for participants: 406.222.1673 or click the logo below for the link.

Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:

Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3

Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm

If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.

General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Lamar Buffalo Ranch – Winter General Information document.