Learn backcountry ski skills through Sierra Mountain Center Ski School Our introductory programs get you out there, and show you that winter is actually pretty pleasant in the backcountry. We work to build up your ski skills set expanding your horizons into the snowy months. Once you are comfortable with these basics it is time to start exploring more and venturing onto steeper slopes discovering what you can do through our more advanced programs, such as our Ski Tours and our backcountry downhill skiing trips.
Introduction to Backcountry Randonnée Skiing
Randonne or alpine touring equipment is the best way for the downhill skier who wants to get into the backcountry to make the switch over. The gear will feel familiar to the alpine skier but with lighter skis and the softer boots. Release the binding for the uphills and then lock it for the downhills. This course will get you out there and open a whole new vista of skiing away from the lift served areas.
June Mountain Skiing
For this program we use the easy access provided by the lifts at June Mountain ski area, warm up with a couple of runs and then duck under the boundary rope and head out to San Joaquin Ridge for the untracked snow. Great open bowls, steep chutes and forested glades abound and we will do as many laps as we can before heading back into the ski area or rounding it off with along run all the way back down to the road
Introduction to Touring Skills
This is the course that will get you out on an overnight backcountry trips and give you the skills to use on longer trans-Sierra tours. We work on ski skills, camping skills and just being comfortable in the beautiful backcountry surrounding Glass Creek out of Mammoth.
Guided Hut Trips
A guided hut trip is an ideal introduction to enjoying the winter backcountry. Some times midwinter camping can be just plain uncomfortable but a hut gives a perfect basecamp and a place to come back to and relax and warm up other than a tent. Our North Lake hut is a Weatherport structure 14×20 feet in size. The hut provides sturdy shelter from the elements. Inside is a wood fired stove to keep things warm and to warm up boots in the morning, a gas lantern to provide light during those long winter nights and a gas stove to keep the hot chocolate coming in the evenings or coffee to start the morning.
We offer Hut Skiing, Hut Snowboard, Parent and Kids Hut and Hut Snowshoe trips
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