Guiding and Instruction
BV Backcountry
Even the most experienced backcountry skiers and riders will appreciate where we can bring them. And for those looking to explore safely and learn about touring from experienced guides and instructors, they’ve now got a one-stop-shop, complete with all the equipment and a full progression of easily accessible terrain options.
Backcountry guiding and instruction are available every day of the week all season long. Tours must be booked at least 24 hours in advance – preferably more to guarantee availability.
On select Saturdays over the course of the season, we offer discounted Intro to Backcountry skiing and riding clinics at reduced rates that include N.B.U. tickets and discounts on rental gear. Scroll down for more info.
Private Guided Tours and Lessons
Option 1: Intro to backcountry – Recommended for those who have little or no experience with backcountry skiing or riding and related equipment. Indoor session to start, covering equipment, packing your pack, and the basics of backcountry touring – safety, route finding, layering – cold, etc. Followed by an instructional tour tailored to the goals and abilities of the group or individual.
Option 2: Instructional Tour – You and your group are familiar with how the equipment works and general practices, but are still keen to learn more, or have questions about gear or uphill techniques, etc. Want to take a couple minutes before heading out to go over what you’re bringing? No problem – your guide is happy to offer suggestions and answer questions.
Option 3: Guided Tour – These folks know what they’re doing and will show up ready to go at the start of the tour. They want a guide to bring them to the goods. Route selection and tour plan is tailored to the ability and fitness level of the group – from mellow untracked glades to steep chutes, drops, and tight trees.
Option 4: Uphill Skiing – for those more interested in the fitness benefits than the backcountry (tree skiing doesn’t appeal to everyone). Taught by BVBC guide and US SkiMo Natl. Team Member, Milan Kubala, the class takes place on groomed uphill routes and covers topics from equipment selection, care and use to uphill techniques, to pacing and tricks for fast transitions. Milan is a gem of a coach – whether you’re just learning or a veteran skimo racer.
Private ½-Day
$240 for one person plus $80 per additional person up to 4 total (groups of 5 can be accommodated at guide’s discretion – please call or email the backcountry program for details)
Price includes a full-day N.B.U. (Nordic, Backcountry, Uphill) ticket with 2 one-ride passes for chairlifts
Starts at 9:30am or 11:00am – 3-4 hours total (please arrive early if you’re renting gear)
Private Full-Day
$340 for one person plus $120 per additional person up to 4-5 total (groups of 5 can be accommodated at guide’s discretion – please call or email the backcountry program for details)
Price includes a full-day N.B.U. (Nordic, Backcountry, Uphill) ticket with 2 one-ride passes for chairlifts
Full-Day – Starts at 9:00am – 5-6.5 hours total (please arrive early if you’re renting gear)
All private tours include NBU (Nordic / Backcountry / Uphill) day tickets and 2 single-ride passes for chairlifts at the resort for that day.
Price does not include rental gear – if renting gear, please arrive 30-40 minutes prior to get equipment sorted.
Maximum 4 people per guide (exceptions can be made for 5 people at guides’ discretion) – groups of 5 or more will need additional guides.
Group Intro to Backcountry Clinics
On select Saturdays over the course of the season, we’ll be offering discounted group Intro Clinics for Backcountry touring. Whether you’re Splitboarding or Alpine Touring, you’ll benefit from these classes if you’re just starting to explore backcountry skiing and riding.
This is a brief introduction to alpine touring and split boarding equipment and its safe application in the backcountry. We’ll cover the basics of the equipment and how to properly and efficiently use it, including climbing skins, touring bindings, boots, and skis. We’ll also cover the basics of backcountry travel, safety, and other necessary and useful equipment – to include preparation, layering, route selection, snow safety, and general environmental awareness.
The class will meet at 10:00 am at the Backcountry & Nordic Center – located at the main base lodge – for an indoor discussion and brief intro, and then head outside for on-snow instruction that will include a short skin and small descent on mild terrain near the base of the Nordic trails.
These clinics include a full-day N.B.U. ticket (Nordic/Backcountry/Uphill), plus participants receive $20 off the daily rate for backcountry rental gear and can keep the gear for the full day – beyond just the time of the clinic.
Select Saturdays from the start of the backcountry season through mid-March – click on the link to book to see available dates.
Intro classes run 10:00am – 12:30pm
$120 / Person (includes full-day N.B.U. ticket plus $20 discount on rental gear)
Uphill Skiing 1.0 – Front-Country Fitness and Instruction
Our Uphill Skiing 1.0 class is for those more interested in the fitness benefits than the backcountry. We know tree skiing doesn’t appeal to everyone, but there are so many benefits to uphill skiing – especially now when so many are seeking alternatives to the traditional resort experience.
Taught by BVBC guide and US SkiMo Natl. Team Member, Milan Kubala, the half-day class takes place on our groomed designated uphill routes and covers topics from equipment selection, care, and use, to uphill techniques, to tricks for fast transitions. Milan will tailor the content to your needs – and there’s no better coach whether you’re just learning or a veteran skimo racer.
Milan is an active competitor and sits on the board of the US Ski Mountaineering Association. He’s organized multiple SkiMo events and regularly presents at backcountry and skimo workshops across New England and online.
Private Uphill Skiing Class: $240 for one person and $80 for each additional person. Maximum 6 people (limited to household groups). Price includes a full-day N.B.U. ticket with 2 one-ride tickets for chairlifts.
For more information, feel free to email us at [email protected].