Spend seven days learning the fundamentals of backcountry travel in the heart of the Tetons — one of the most celebrated skiing and snowboarding destinations in North America. This course is designed specifically for adults 40 and over who are ready to take their skills beyond the resort boundary.

You’ll start at our NOLS Teton Valley campus, getting oriented on gear and working through the basics of avalanche education. Days two and three take you to Teton Pass, known for its dependable snow, dramatic views, and some of the most accessible backcountry in the lower 48. You’ll practice identifying hazards and reading terrain, returning to the campus each evening for a warm meal.

Photo by Dirk Kramer

Then you’ll ski into a backcountry yurt for three nights and put everything you’ve learned into practice. Days are spent touring and skiing, evenings are spent around the wood stove, building community. The curriculum focuses on assessing snow conditions, recognizing avalanche terrain, and making sound decisions about when and where to travel.

Photo by Alexis Alloway

You’ll leave with an Avalanche Awareness certification, recognized by the American Avalanche Association, and the foundational knowledge to keep exploring the backcountry responsiblyExperience and comfort on skis or snowboard is required.