ACC Yukon’s Backcountry Intro to Touring (BIT) program is intended as an accessible introductory level course for backcountry touring (skiing and splitboarding) including beginner avalanche theory.

**If you wish to register then RSVP to this event posting. RSVPing is not a guarantee of registration. Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted if you are accepted into the program.

NOTE: BIT is NOT an AST1. Our instructors are mostly volunteers, not professional Avalanche Instructors, with varying levels of  experience. The exception is for the Avalanche Theory lectures, which are delivered virtually by ACC National Head Winter Guide Doug Latimer.

The course is broken down into three portions:

1. Avalanche Theory with ACMG Guide Doug Latimer (virtual) – Dec 26/27 @ 7pm
2. Companion Rescue Practice Day (In-person in Whitehorse) – Jan 4 or 12 
3. Field Day covering basic backcountry touring skills and terrain management (In-person in White Pass) – March 1st or 8th

Participants will be split into groups for the in-person days depending on their availability. Attendance is mandatory for each portion to attend the succeeding portion.

Participant Requirements

• Fit enough for a moderate day of ski touring with a day bag
• Completely comfortable skiing/riding blues at the ski hill in variable conditions, with your touring set-up and with a bag on. 
• Able to commit to all three days
• Comfortable in the cold 
• Have some sort of outdoors experience and familiarity with mountain navigation
• Committed to self-learning to keep knowledge fresh throughout the program and willing to engage in pre-trip planning with your leader
• Be an ACC Yukon member (for liability insurance purposes)
• Come prepared with all the proper gear

Gear Requirements

You are expected to provide all the necessary gear yourself. The only acceptable touring set-ups will be Alpine Touring skis, splitboards, or telemark skis (ONLY if you are a very competent /experienced telemarker as none of our leaders are teleskiers and won’t be able to help if anything breaks). Light metal edged skis, cross country skis, nordic backcountry skis, snowshoes + snowboards, etc. will not be acceptable for this program. 

You will be required to provide your own:

• Touring Set-Up 
• Climbing Skins that fit your touring set-up
• Poles, Helmet, Goggles, Gloves (helmets are mandatory)
• AT boots or splitboard boots that are comfortable to walk in
• Appropriate Layers (multiple, non-cotton layers for whole body on cold days and water resistant outer layers)
• Backpack appropriate for a days outing (35-45L) including hydration, snacks, and extra layers.
• Head lamp
• Basic first aid kit
• Avalanche Safety Kit (Beacon, Probe, Shovel) – Beacons MUST be 3 antennae digital transceivers. Older models (2 antennae digital, analog, etc.) will NOT be permitted. We will be skiing in a transitionary/coastal snowpack area and probes should ideally be 280cm at a minimum.
• Ski Repair Kit (based on your set-up, but you should have a multitool, some duct-tape, ski straps, wire, etc.)

See Changing Gear for Avalanche Safety Gear & Backcountry Touring Rentals.