Have an AT, Tele, or Splitboard setup, but are new to uphilling or backcountry touring?

Looking for some tips from experienced (and friendly!) skiers and riders to get you started? 

Join us for an Introduction to Backcountry Touring during these afternoon clinics hosted by the Catamount Trail Association (CTA) in partnership with CTA Chapters, local resorts, and SCOTT Sports.

Bolton Session - Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025

Overview

Bolton Session - Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
Bolton Valley Resort (with guests from our MBA Chapter)
Meet in lobby / Bryant Room on 4th floor (indoor sessions location)

Participants: 15 maximum (Minimum of 5 participants needed to run event)

Cost + Uphill Pass: CTA/Chapter Member - $45. Non-member - $65. (2 spots open for financial assistance - please email kqinlan@catamounttral.org for details.)
Note: Must have an NBU season pass or purchase NBU day pass ($25), and sign the Bolton waiver prior to the clinic. Backcountry rentals are available at Bolton, but must be picked up before the clinic starts. 

Staff/Volunteers/Leaders: Kim Quinlan (CTA Staff - AT), Kenzie Brunner (MBA Chapter - AT), Kim Dunkley/Scott Meyer (CTA/Bolton Guide - Tele), Kristine Hartooium (Tele), Aaron Mills (Splitboard VT - Split)

General Schedule

12-12:15: Sign-in/waivers (as needed)

12:15 - 1:30: Introductions, indoor sessions/discussions

• Basic safety considerations and staying found (planning, maps, navigation) 20 min.

• What and how to pack for touring (including nutrition) - 10 min.

• Dressing for the elements - layering/heat management - 10 min.

• Indoor backcountry equipment overview (break into groups by gear type) - Alpine touring (AT)/Tele/Split systems, plus adjustable poles, etc. - 30 min. (more time if needed)

1:30:  Break - get ready to go outside! 

1:45 - 2:45: Take it to the snow - Session #1: Gear use & efficient touring techniques (leaders show demos, then all practice)

2:45:  Break / Snack / Q&A
NOTE: This could also include a mini breakout session(s): Julie Frost - Leave No Trace (5 min.)

3:00 - 4:00 (might go 15 min. longer…): Take it to the snow - Session #2: Skintrack session - climbing/traversing/descending (demos & practice session), 30-40 min. uphill tour on skin track, descend on intermediate trail. Probably will include some tips on stream crossings! 🙂(Routes based on weather/conditions)

4:30pm: Last Q&A Session & Apres and Raffle at the resort bar/restaurant with the crew!

Who should attend?

These clinics are tailored toward intermediate-level skiers or riders:

• New to uphill and backcountry travel that want to get more comfortable using their touring gear in a backcountry setting, including alpine touring (AT), telemark, or splitboard setups.

• With some touring experience but would like to hone their skills and feel more comfortable exploring local backcountry zones and beyond.

Note: Participants must be able to navigate intermediate downhill trails in a resort setting, including being comfortable with connecting parallel turns and controlled stopping. Our goal is not to discourage anyone from participating – we only want for you, and the group, to have the best time possible and to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

What will you learn?

You will learn how to use your backcountry gear and tips for touring in backcountry terrain. Our main goal is to equip you with a skills toolbox that includes (but is not limited to):

• Basic safety considerations and staying found

• What and how to pack for touring (including nutrition)

• Dressing for the elements - layering/heat management

• Backcountry equipment overview - Alpine touring (AT)/Tele/Split systems

• Skinning Techniques on various terrain - ascending/traversing/descending

• Gear Transitions - ascending/descending modes and processes

These clinics will offer a mix of indoor information sessions and demos and outdoor demos, skills sessions, and a tour to put it all together on the skin track. We'll end the day with an optional après and raffle at the lodge!

We not only want to create a comfortable and safe space for you to have fun gaining experience on your touring gear and learning more about preparation for the backcountry, but we also hope to connect more folks in the ski and ride community to the beautiful Vermont backcountry zones that we are lucky to have access to explore all across the state.

For more information on each of these clinics, please check out our CTA Intro to Backcountry Touring Clinics link on the Tours & Events page of our website: www.catamounttrail.org/events-tours (pages to come) or email kquinlan@catamounttrail.org.