Park City Ski and Snowboard

The PCSS Backcountry Program is designed for athletes ages 13+ who are ready to take their freeride skiing beyond the resort and into the mountains. This program complements winter training by teaching the foundational knowledge, safety practices, and technical skills needed for responsible backcountry travel. Athletes will learn from experienced PCSS coaches and certified avalanche professionals in a safe, structured environment that emphasizes both education and skill development.

The program includes five on-snow sessions focused on terrain awareness, decision-making, and safe touring practices, preparing athletes for future adventures beyond resort boundaries. A minimum of five athletes is required for the program to run, ensuring small group sizes and focused attention.

Backcountry sessions run December through April, scheduled roughly once a month and coordinated with the IFSA competition calendar. If conditions are unsafe to enter avalanche terrain, sessions will be adapted and held in a safe training area.

Session 0: Pre-Season Orientation - Introductory meeting with Head Coach, Sawyer Stroud, to cover gear needs, expectations, and trip planning.
Session 1: Avalanche Training - A multi-day, in-field course taught by a certified avalanche educator. Athletes complete coursework and hands-on fieldwork to meet the standards of an Avalanche Level 1 (Avy 1) certification, typically over 2–3 full days.
Sessions 2–5: Backcountry Objectives & Skill Development - Guided tours focusing on avalanche rescue, route finding, snowpack analysis, terrain management, jump building, and safe travel techniques. Athletes practice using beacons, probes, and shovels while building confidence in real-world scenarios.

Throughout the program, athletes develop technical touring skills, decision-making, and a safe, enjoyable introduction to backcountry skiing—while experiencing the best of the Wasatch snowpack.