Backcountry Mentorship

Trip Overview

After years of teaching recreational avalanche courses and listening closely to feedback, we’ve taken the next step—reshaping how you learn about avalanches and backcountry travel on skis or a splitboard.

This program combines the essential skills from Rescue, Rec Level 1, and Rec Level 2 into one comprehensive course. Running from December through March, it’s designed so participants gain real experience in a variety of conditions and terrain, giving you the tools and confidence you’ll need for a lifetime of safe backcountry travel.

With a maximum of 6 participants per group, you’ll learn in a low-ratio setting alongside a qualified, AAA-approved avalanche instructor who brings both expertise and a passion for teaching.

Highlights

Learn Through Mentorship

  • Small group size — maximum 6 participants per instructor
  • Learn in real conditions, December through March
  • Build skills for a lifetime of safe backcountry travel
  • Combines Rescue, Rec 1, or Rec 2 into one immersive program
  • Instruction from AAA-approved avalanche educators
  • Mix of classroom, field, and mentorship-style learning
  • Develop leadership, decision-making, and tour planning skills

Details

Difficulty: Moderate – 1,500’ – 3,000’ vertical/day
Duration: 6 days
Minimum Age: 10
Meets: Cottonwoods, exact location TBD

Book Today

Backcountry Mentorship

Options

Backcountry Mentorship

Learn alongside a diverse group of skiers and riders in a collaborative setting. Our mixed group mentorship emphasizes shared decision-making, open discussion, and teamwork while building technical avalanche and backcountry travel skills.

Backcountry Mentorship - Women Only

A women-led, women-only environment designed to foster confidence, community, and leadership in the backcountry. Build avalanche knowledge and mountain travel skills while connecting with other women passionate about skiing and riding.

ADDITIONAL INFO

This program is for backcountry skiers and riders who want to do more than complete the avalanche curriculum — it’s for those who value learning through mentorship. If you’re a beginner to intermediate in the backcountry and looking to broaden your skillset, this course will give you the chance to ski and ride with an experienced mentor who can guide your decision-making, terrain choices, and leadership in real time. You’ll benefit from low ratios, direct feedback, and a supportive environment that helps you grow into a more confident, independent backcountry partner.

6 Field Days (Dec 2025–Mar 2026)

Attendance & Scheduling

  • Mandatory kickoff: The first Saturday or the first Wednesday session is required.
  • After the kickoff, choose any 5 of the remaining 6 dates in your track (total of 6 field days).

 

Saturdays

  • 12/20  *(mandatory if you’re on the Saturday track)*  
  • 1/3  
  • 1/17  
  • 1/31  
  • 2/14  
  • 2/28  
  • 3/7  

 

Wednesdays

  • 12/17  *(mandatory if you’re on the Wednesday track)*  
  • 12/31  
  • 1/14  
  • 1/28  
  • 2/11  
  • 2/25  
  • 3/4  

 

Includes:

  • Expert instructors 
  • Write in the rain book
  • Access to our online learning and presentations
  • Individualized feedback throughout the season

 

Not Included:

  • Avalanche Equipment
  • Touring Gear 
  • Food

 

RRA has a limited number of avalanche kits, touring skis, and split boards. These are available for use, but it is highly recommended that you have or get your own equipment for this course. 

A complete gear list will be emailed with your confirmation.

FAQs

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