Winter Backcountry Touring - Adult
Start exploring wilderness in winter. On this course, you’ll join a group of motivated adults to learn to ski or splitboard in the backcountry.
Duration
12 days
Age
23+
Overview
About this course
Start exploring wilderness in winter
Breathe in cold air as you ski down fresh snow. Feel your muscles burn as you top a ridge showing you a view of the next snow-covered valley. Enjoy the quiet of a winter night after a good, hard day of work. On this course, you’ll join a group of motivated adults to learn to ski or splitboard in the backcountry.
You’ll start with ski or snowboarding lessons at the Grand Targhee Ski Resort, then head to the mountains. During the day you’ll work on your touring skills, spending some nights in yurts and others in snow shelters you’ll build yourself. You’ll find fresh powder for skiing or snowboarding and start learning snow science. In addition to these technical skills, this course will focus on leadership. Every day will give you new challenges to meet and practice growing skills in risk management, communication, and decision making. Leadership on this course is about doing and practicing as much as possible. With this combination of outdoor and leadership skills, you’ll go home prepared for a lifetime of enjoying the wilderness in the winter.
NOLS adult courses are designed for both beginners and experienced individuals. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level!
Resources
Resources & downloads
Schedule
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Detailed daily objectives and skills progression
Complete packing & equipment checklist
Sample student journal from Unaweep Canyon
Pre-course preparation guide
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Financial aid & Scholarships
NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:
- AmeriCorps
- 529 College Savings Plans
- Veteran's Benefits (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)
Ready
Ready to get certified?
Find a WFR course near you, talk to an admissions advisor, or request a free catalog to learn more about NOLS Wilderness Medicine.

