Ski touring trip planning and execution in alpine terrain

Offered at Dezaiko Lodge December 10-14, 2026. Limited to 8 participants.

Course Description

The course will be an in-depth, immersion into advanced planning and execution of ski touring day trips. We will use a mix of classroom lectures, case histories and videos while maximizing in-the-field practice in the immediately accessible terrain of Dezaiko Lodge.

Prerequisites

Students should be experienced ski tourers already, ideally already have an AST 2, or an AST 1 with lots of experience, and good base fitness for 1000-1200m days of climbing. Powder skiing skills will come in handy!

The course fee includes instruction, helicopter transportation, meals and lodging. Our Instructor is an ACMG and CAA certified professional.

This lodge-based course offers an exceptional opportunity to immediately practice skills in alpine terrain. Practice makes perfect.

Advanced Backcountry Ski Touring

Students learn what's in the instructors pack.

Training Will Cover

  • Equipment & Gear Selection & Use

  • Snowpack Theory

  • Daily Weather & Snowpack Assessments

  • Trip Planning

  • Navigation & Tracksetting

  • Hazard & Risk Decision Making

  • Snowpack Tests & Observations

  • Trailbreaking & Run Selection

  • Avalanche Rescue

  • Ski Touring First Aid & Evacuation

  • Maximizing the current Decision Making Support Resources

  • Ski Technique

ACMG and CAA certified instructor Sean Fraser explains layers in a snow pit.

Sean Fraser, Course Instructor

Sean has more than 20 years experience in backcountry ski guiding and avalanche safety work for his clients. He guided at Dezaiko Lodge last season.

Sean is a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), and a Level 3 Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA). These professional organizations require continued learning and professional development to ensure members are current with the latest research and technology in the industry.

Sean’s guiding background has included ski touring, catskiing, and heliskiing in the North Coast, North Rockies and Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, and the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

Sean also has commercial snow safety experience in a wide range of industry in BC, from Golden to the Cassiar Mountains, providing services such as avalanche control and forecasting, to site assessments and mapping work. Sean has avalanche experience in the mining, forestry, highways, railway, hydro, and government sectors.

Sean often helps out with local backcountry community events and organizations including SAR operations.

To Register

Click here to complete the Advanced Ski Touring Course Registration Form >

We will then send you confirmation of receipt of your registration and how to arrange payment.

Course fees are non-refundable. It is recommended that you purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Photos: Brett St. Clair

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