Skiing at the lift served areas is fun and a great way to improve your technique but as far as we are concerned getting into the backcountry is the best thing in the world; thigh deep powder, fresh tracks and no crowds...that’s the promise of backcountry skiing.

This program is designed for the resort skier who wants to get out and to try something new and different. If you have skied the same area and runs for years you have probably gazed off at those not-to-far off bowls and chutes just outside the ski area boundary. If you want to get out there expand your skiing into this world randonnée equipment is the easiest way.

Randonnée equipment has been popular in Europe for many years now, but is only in the recent past has it become more available in the USA. Unlike free-heel telemark skiing you do not have to relearn skiing again and after a few runs the equipment will feel familiar, The binding allows you to release your heel and, with climbing skins on the skis, climb uphill. Once at the top, lock the heels and ski just like you’re used to. With the bindings in down mode you are locked by the toe and heel to the ski as normal. The boots are a little softer than you might be used to since all around comfort is the most important thing rather than ultimate control on the downhills. The skis vary a lot, but most these days are a shaped ski and for use in backcountry a short ski we prefer shorter rather than long.

So get off the groomed runs and experience the freedom and beauty of “off piste” skiing.

Sierra Mountain Center offers scheduled courses all winter and can also schedule a private course that fits your schedule; simply call and ask if your dates are available.

Itinerary

Day One The focus of this day is getting you familiar with the equipment and how to use it. We will also runover the use of avalanche beacons and how to conduct a search and rescue before heading out.

We meet in Mammoth early for breakfast at the Breakfast Club before doing an equipment check.

Our exact location for the day will depend upon here the best conditions are, but we have a lot of choices. In the Mammoth area the Sherwins are a popular spot. Just down Highway 395 are the slopes of McGee Mountain and the “Batch Plant Bowls” Further north is Chicken Wing and White Wing all offering awesome skiing.

Day Two. More skiing at the best place the guide can find. Too many choices and too little time!!!

Notes
We highly recommend that you spend at least one night at moderate altitude (higher than 8,000') just prior to the trip. Spending a night or two in Mammoth or camped at the trailhead campground would do the trick. Please refer to our Planning for Success info sheet for more info.

SMC does not rent ski equipment, but we work with Mammoth Mountaineering (760 934 4191)to get you set up on the correct equipment. MMS has a very wide range of rental equipment that is probably the best you will find anywhere in California. All gear is current state of the art, well tuned and rental fees are deductible if you buy a set up from them. (We highly recommend renting before you buy so as to find what suits you best, since a full setup is pretty pricy)We can coordinate the rental and suggest that if you can you arrive Mammoth the night before and get fully set up since boot fitting can take some time. If this is not possible we will take time to get gear the morning of Day One but if it is already taken care of we can get out and ski sooner.

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