We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
Longterm experience (50+ days) skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
Start off your backcountry experience in a judgment free zone, where we can all learn the tricks that make this sport (somewhat) easier.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
FAQsÂ
FAQsÂ
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
Longterm experience (50+ days) skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
We will discuss the importance of risk mitigation, of coaching, of site selection, of defining roles, and of communication. Everyone will have the opportunity to practice skills, and to demonstrate their competency with both the systems as well as the approach. We hope that everyone will end the day being confident in their ability to safely support an adaptive athlete.
FAQsÂ
Home /  Clinics  /  Sunday Clinics
As women, confidence is an important factor to fun and successful adventuring and we often like to show up to new experiences well prepared and feeling totally dialed.
This clinic is geared towards experienced female-identifying skiers who are newer to ski touring and looking to dial in their skills on the skin track.
We’ll start with packing our day packs efficiently to help with good posture and weight load. Throughout the day we will practice the finer details of ski touring movements such as putting on/taking off your skins, skinning technique, kick turns, using heel risers, and transitioning.
Boosting our confidence through fine tuned movement and open discussions of avalanche conditions and safe terrain selection, we will embrace our voices and partner communication skills.
This clinic is open to women and women-identifying, including trans and gender non-conforming folks.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a black diamond run at a North American ski resort
Consistent experience skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
How to pack your backpack efficiently and with intention.
Tips and tricks to feel confident and precise in your micro-movements while ski touring—pole planting, kick turns, heel risers, posture, and overall skinning technique.
How to put skins on perfectly and remove them with ease.
Building confidence in the backcountry and learning to use your voice for communication and decision-making.
A foundational introduction to avalanche safety and terrain selection.
Step into the backcountry with more skill, confidence, and flow.
This clinic is for intermediate ski tourers ready to go beyond the basics—refining technique, efficiency, and decision-making while tapping into your inner compass.
You’ll strengthen your skills, expand your awareness, and learn to trust both your body and your intuition.
The result? A more well-rounded ski tourer—grounded, capable, and connected to the mountains in a whole new way.
This clinic is open to women and women-identifying, including trans and gender non-conforming folks.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Efficient Movement: Learn pacing, transitions, and skinning techniques to move with greater ease.
Terrain Awareness: Build confidence in reading terrain and choosing safer routes.
Technical Refinement: Sharpen touring fundamentals to feel more fluid and capable on every tour.
- Internal Guidance: Develop tools to listen to your body and trust your intuition in the backcountry.
- Holistic Confidence: Leave feeling more grounded, capable, and connected—both to the mountains and yourself.
Snow, it's a cruel mistress! You spent the money, got all that fancy gear, and look like you know what you're doing, and now it's time to take it out of bounds.
Well, there is one little thing you are still missing, and it's called experience, and guess what? You don't have much, and that is why you signed up for a beginner clinic!
Let's talk about it, figure out just what the hell you're gonna do, and take your first steps together once you learn how to correctly put your skins on.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a black diamond run at a North American ski resort
Consistent experience skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
This clinic is designed for those who are looking to take their next step into more advanced terrain.
If you want to learn how to approach steeper terrain and lines, get tips on how to get into those steeper places, and how to manage the group dynamics of steep skiing, this clinic is for you!
Sierra Mountain Guides will share their techniques and tips for skiing in steep terrain.Â
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Slap the skins on with Craig "Weazy Davis" Murray from Aotearoa, New Zealand.
With a range of experience in mountaineering and big mountain skiing, this is the perfect way to add another level to your backcountry experience. We will learn how to safely select and ski a backcountry zone with a crew.
Should it get too steep for the skins, we will bootpack up to climb, and then ride lines, so please come prepared to scramble!
Longterm experience (50+ days) skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum two years of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Basic mountaineering experience and freeride experience is encouraged
Have you been riding the resort and wanting to try touring? This is the clinic for you.
This is an affinity clinic for BIPOC folks centered on a fun day out in the backcountry.
This clinic will provide an opportunity to explore the Eastern Sierra backcountry with other BIPOC folks while sharing experiences, challenges, and advice with one another, all while getting into the backcountry to enjoy the snow.
We will go over what avalanche safety equipment you need to carry and how it works, plus techniques for walking uphill on skis or a splitboard and more!
Led by and open to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Are you looking to take the next step in snowboarding and explore a little further?
Join LÃlÌ“wat Nation member, Sandy Ward, as we go beyond the resort boundary and move through the mountains with intention.
Learn the foundational basics of splitboarding, while also slowing down and connecting with the mountains we'll travel through.
This day will not be objective-driven, but will be focused on enjoying the little things, being present in the here and now, while also discussing those who moved through the mountains before us.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a black diamond run at a North American ski resort
Consistent experience skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
This clinic will fine-tune your knowledge of splitboarding fundamentals and avalanche safety. We will cover avalanche safety gear checks, skinning with a splitboard, snowpack and condition observations, mock avalanche scenarios, and more. Be prepared for a fun and full day on snow!
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Together with RECCO, we'll show you how the system, which is already built into many pieces of equipment from Arc'teryx, works in the field.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
There is so much that goes into hiking and riding the lines of your dreams.
This clinic will go over some of advanced skills that are imperative to getting you to the top of those lines, such as gear selection, timing, route planning, map reading, skin track strategies, boot packing techniques, tips and tricks for smooth transitions, and techniques for smooth, controlled turns in steep terrain.
Put yourself on the fast track to go the distance and find great conditions in special places.
Longterm experience (50+ days) skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum two years of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
This is a technical skills progression day that will teach the use of a rope to increase security on backcountry ski descents.
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We will cover belaying, rappelling, lowers, steep skiing and steep snow climbing during a half day ground school. Afterwards (conditions allowing), we will put these skills to practice by doing a short ski mountaineering descent that involves steep skiing, belayed skiing and a rappel.
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Please note: This is NOT an all-day SKIING/SNOWBOARDING course, we will practice skills indoors in a classroom setting before moving outside to put these skills to use.
Longterm experience (50+ days) skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum two years of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Previous climbing experience with knots and belaying is strongly recommended
Want to take your skills to the greater ranges? You'll need to brush up on your rope work.
We will kick off the day with a morning meeting and safety briefing followed by component skills like roping up for glacier travel then live load crevasse rescue training.
Longterm experience (50+ days) skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum two years of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Previous climbing experience with knots and hitches is desired
Join us for the Charge the Slopes ski where intermediate skiers can push their limits to become more powerful and skilled as a skier across all parts of the mountain.
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This women only group will focus on the fundamentals required to ski steeps, narrow chutes, bumps and trees allowing you to make the most of Mammoth Mountains incredible terrain.
We will empower you to overcome the mental barriers of dropping into challenging lines and build your confidence in a supportive environment.
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This clinic is open to women and women-identifying, including trans and gender non-conforming folks.
Fresh Eye is a full day of approaching the mountain in a new way with a new perspective.
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Together we will find creative ways to approach the resort and different ways to challenge ourselves.
This clinic is for advanced skiers looking to explore unique ways to use terrain and pick lines.
Come learn how to make the whole mountain your terrain park.
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Participants will learn how to bring the skills they have in the park and translate them into jumps and side hits in natural terrain.
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The group will flow between Mammoth’s Unbound park and intermediate to advanced level off-piste runs, putting a focus on finding the best hits and snow across the mountain.
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This clinic is for snowboarders who are able to hit intermediate to advanced-level features in the terrain park and want to bring these skills across the rest of the resort or backcountry.
We have the answers for all your Academy questions.
If you can't find what you're looking for below, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at backcountryacademy@arcteryx.com.
Arc’teryx Academies are the pinnacle expression of the Arc'teryx brand in its truest form. Academies are purely focused on progression and education in the mountains.
Over the course of 3 days, we invite you to come and advance your skills, learning from best-in-class athletes and guides. We provide a varying level of clinics, there is something for everyone no matter your skill level.
After an epic day in the mountains, the community comes together for an evening of inspiration rooted in celebration of mountain culture through speakers, music and films. The heart and soul of the Academy is providing accessible mountain education and bringing the community together through a shared love and passion of the outdoors.
Our clinics take place in the world's best classroom: on the mountains where we all love to play. Led by world-class mountain guides and professional athletes, Academy clinics are an opportunity to learn technical skills and put them into practice in the field.
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We build our clinic lineup with an eye to help skiers and snowboarders of all abilities level up their skills. We offer expert-led clinics and workshops for all levels, from beginner to advanced, so there is something for everyone.
We strongly recommend that all participants thoroughly assess our Clinic Difficulty Grading & Prerequisites Guide before purchasing a clinic to ensure compatibility with the rest of their group.
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Once registered for a clinic, you will receive an email confirming your spot. Please ensure you fill out the required waiver from our guiding partners prior to your clinic.
Further details surrounding your clinic, meeting spot, and ticket requirements will be sent to you via email 3 weeks before the Academy.
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The Arc'teryx Backcountry Academy takes place February 20-22, 2026 in Mammoth, California.
All clinics in backcountry areas will be hosted within 30 miles from Mammoth, California.
Clinic locations are subject to change based on weather conditions and avalanche risk ratings. Should your clinic be impacted by weather conditions, we will work out an alternative plan with your group and guide.
Most of our Backcountry Academy clinics require a Level 1 AIARE course (or equivalent international training).
If you haven’t completed this yet, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve partnered with Sierra Mountain Guides to offer a one-weekend AIARE Level 1 course at a subsidized rate in Mammoth, California.
This course will run from Friday, January 9th to Sunday, January 11th, 2026.
Register here and get the skills you need to safely make the most of our clinics.
Please be prepared to have your clinic check in time take place between 7AM and 8AM.
Exact check in time will be confirmed with you directly 3 weeks ahead of the clinic day via email.Â
All clinics should be completed by 4PM.
Clinic check in will take place near Mammoth Village Plaza at 6175 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA.
Yes, please bring your own equipment to use on the clinics. Ensure they are properly labelled so they are easily identifiable at the end of the day. We do not take responsibility for lost equipment that is left behind.
Please note: we have a limited number of demo gear onsite. Items will be rented on a first-come-first-served based so we do not recommend relying on a demo for your clinic. If you require a gear rental please ensure you coordinate this in advance of your clinic taking place.
To Check-in:
Yes, we will not be offering rides or transportation to Mammoth, California from anywhere out of town.
To Backcountry clinics:
For all clinics going into the backcountry, you will need transportation to Mammoth for check-in and potentially travel within 30 miles outside of Mammoth for your clinic. Please note, we are currently working out details for a shuttle to support getting attendees to our more congested trailheads. We will update our transport guide accordingly once this information is confirmed.
To In Bounds clinics:
For all clinics taking place in bounds you will need transportation to Mammoth. You will be able to leave your car parked in the village for the day.
Weather and conditions are unpredictable year-round and constantly affect the decisions we make in planning and executing each trip. If conditions do not prove adequate to complete a specific objective in your trip plan, we will have a contingency plan for an alternative objective. If your trip is affected by the weather, you will be contacted as soon as possible.
We do our best to provide the best experience possible under every circumstance. It is not practical for us to issue refunds whenever a client is unsatisfied with the weather. If you have a specific objective in mind, you should understand that while we will do everything in our power to make this happen, your safety will be our priority. An alternate route/plan may be necessary.
Ticket purchases are non-refundable, except as otherwise stated in the Terms & Conditions. No credit will be given for participant’s failure to attend any clinic(s) for which they are registered.Â
If you are unable to attend your clinic, you may transfer your spot to a friend. To do so, please email backcountryacademy@arcteryx.com and CC the friend who will be taking your place. All transfers must be approved in advance. Any payment arrangements between you and your friend are your responsibility; we are unable to facilitate or process money transfers.
Please consider a travel insurance to cover any injuries or other reasons for cancellations. For your protection, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance that combines trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage loss, medical coverage, and medical evacuation coverage. Travel insurance is not included in the price.
If the event is cancelled by Arc’teryx, registrants may be extended a full refund (excluding any banking or currency conversion fees).
+ Â Attendee Info
+ Â Gear List
Please take a moment to review our prerequisites carefully and self-assess before booking your clinic.
PLEASE NOTE: A beginner backcountry clinic is NOT for beginner or intermediate skiers or riders. Terrain accessed via the backcountry requires your resort skills to be well developed.
Read more about our difficulty grading, pre-requisites and fitness requirements for backcountry clinics:
Comfortable skiing/riding on a black diamond run at a North American ski resort
Consistent experience skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1Â
**We do offer a selection of beginner clinics that don’t require this training. Please check the specific requirements for each clinic.
Comfortable skiing/riding on a double black diamond run at a North American ski resort
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum one year of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Longterm experience (50+ days) skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Minimum two years of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
20+ days skiing/riding a variety of terrain and snow conditions, including powder as well as variable & marginal conditions
Mininum one year of backcountry skiing/splitboarding experience
AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent required. AIARE or any other A3 approved Level 1 curriculum is equivalent to AST 1
Our inbounds clinic options are designed for intermediate to advanced resort skiers and snowboarders.
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For specific requirements, please refer to the prerequisites mentioned in the backcountry clinic information above, excluding the 'AST 1 or equivalent' and any references to backcountry experience. Focus on the first bullet point concerning skiing abilities as your guideline.
While possessing basic technical rope skills or training can be advantageous, it is not a mandatory requirement for attending a ski mountaineering clinic.
Nonetheless, we do insist that you come prepared with all the necessary equipment as specified in the ski mountaineering gear list, which includes a harness, two locking carabiners, one rappel device, and one 120cm sling.
