Winter Skills Training

Backcountry Ski & Avalanche Courses

Learn from professional IFMGA & NZMGA ski guides

Backcountry Skills & Avalanche Courses

Gain the Knowledge & Confidence to Explore the Backcountry Safely

Venturing into the backcountry requires more than just a love for deep snow and adventure - it demands the right skills, decision-making ability, and avalanche awareness. Our backcountry skills and avalanche courses in New Zealand’s Southern Alps provide hands-on training in real mountain environments, ensuring you’re prepared for safe and rewarding backcountry adventures.

Avalanche Awareness & Safety Courses

Essential Backcountry Training

A must for anyone heading into alpine terrain, our avalanche courses cover the fundamental skills needed to assess avalanche risks, understand snowpack stability, and make smart route choices. Learn from experienced, IFMGA and NZMGA qualified instructors in an immersive backcountry setting.

Courses Include:

Avalanche Awareness (MSC Avalanche Skills Course 1) – A perfect introduction to avalanche safety and backcountry risk assessment.

Backcountry Avalanche Course (MSC Avalanche Skills Course 2) – A comprehensive hands-on course covering snowpack evaluation, terrain management, and companion rescue techniques.

Backcountry Skills & Ski Touring Courses

Essential Backcountry Training

Learn essential mountain skills to build confidence in ski touring, split-boarding, and backcountry navigation. From using touring equipment efficiently to understanding route selection and emergency preparedness, these courses provide the foundation for a lifetime of backcountry adventures.

Courses Include:

Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Split-Boarding – Learn skinning techniques, route planning, and safe downhill travel in alpine terrain.

Advanced Backcountry Skills – Develop glacier travel techniques, crevasse rescue skills, and decision-making for complex terrain.

Why Choose Our Backcountry Training?

Learn in Real Mountain Terrain – Courses take place in authentic backcountry environments, not controlled resort slopes.

Expert Instruction – Led by IFMGA and NZMGA qualified ski guides with extensive experience in New Zealand’s mountains.

Small Group Sizes – More hands-on learning, direct feedback, and personalised coaching.

Comfortable Heated Huts – Train in remote alpine settings with the luxury of a warm, well-equipped backcountry hut.

Get Ready for Your Next Backcountry Adventure

Whether you're looking to safely explore off-piste terrain, start ski touring, or advance your avalanche skills, our backcountry skills and avalanche courses will give you the knowledge and confidence to travel in the mountains responsibly. Invest in your safety, learn from experienced IFMGA & NZMGA qualified ski guides and join a course today!