Backcountry Skiing

How to Start Backcountry Skiing

AMGA Assistant Ski Guide, Co-Owner of Wasatch Mountain Guides

Recorded on: December 5, 2024

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Erik shared:

What is backcountry skiing & ski touring, anyway?
The top touring boots, poles, and skis for your adventure
How to dress for the backcountry
Safety essentials: terrain navigation, avalanche awareness & beyond
Why going with a guide is the best way to learn

If you’re a seasoned skier who’s mastered the groomers and navigated the chaos of lift lines, it’s time to level up.

Imagine endless powder, untouched terrain, and breathtaking alpine vistas—all without the resort crowds. Backcountry skiing is the ultimate upgrade for skiers craving freedom and adventure. It’s where the mountains are your playground, and every descent is your own.

But stepping into the backcountry isn’t just about swapping lift tickets for skins. It’s about embracing a whole new way to experience the snow, the mountains, and your love of skiing. Ready to take your skills off-piste?

Watch our webinar on how to start backcountry skiing with seasoned guide Erik Fullmer, who’s helped tons of skiers transition from resorts to the backcountry. In this hour-long session, you’ll learn the essential gear you’ll need (and what to leave behind), some beginner-friendly tips to keep you and your group secure, advice on navigating untracked terrain confidently – and so much more!

Whether you’re curious about backcountry skiing or already eyeing your first guided tour, Erik’s insights will give you the knowledge and stoke to get started.

Quick heads up: This webinar is packed with info, but it’s not a substitute for avalanche safety training or hitting the slopes with a pro. Always get proper training before heading out there!

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Webinar host

Erik Fullmer

AMGA Assistant Ski Guide, Co-Owner of Wasatch Mountain Guides

Erik joined the Wasatch Mountain Guide team in 2021 and became a co-owner in 2024. A certified AMGA Assistant Ski Guide with over 30 years of skiing experience, he also holds a Professional Level 2 avalanche certification and Wilderness First Responder credentials. Erik’s passion for skiing began with night programs at Bolton Valley, Vermont. A former ski instructor and freeride enthusiast, he still enjoys the occasional park lap (despite the harder falls) and creates ski edits for his YouTube channel.

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