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
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.
Home / Clinics / Friday Clinics
Learn the essentials of backcountry skiing!
We’ll start with gear basics - skins, bindings, packs, and safety equipment - before heading out to practice uphill travel, efficient kick turns, and smooth transitions from climb to descent.
Along the way you’ll get an introduction to avalanche gear and terrain awareness, with plenty of time to ask questions and build confidence. The day will help you feel ready to take your next steps into the backcountry with stoke and know-how.
This clinic is open to women and women-identifying, including trans and gender non-conforming folks.
Please note: We do NOT require an AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent for this clinic.
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
Conditioning to allow for approx. 2 hours of uphill moving time (600M/1900FT)
Setting up and using backcountry touring gear (skins, bindings, safety kit)
Moving efficiently uphill with skins, including basic kick turns
Making smooth transitions between climbing and skiing
Using avalanche safety equipment and understanding terrain basics
Building confidence on a beginner-friendly ski tour and descent
It's all about bringing people who identify as women together, to elevate each other, and to share the joys of the mountains in a welcoming environment.
This is a clinic for those who already have some of the backcountry basics under their belt (gear familiarity and a basic kick turn), and are ready to take it to the next step for an enjoyable day in the mountains.
This clinic will be about experiencing the power of women in the mountains, and how sharing a love for skiing and snowboarding is a catalyst for growth and connection.
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
Tools and techniques for safe and efficient backcountry travel
The power and fun of an all-women’s group in the backcountry
How snacking, conversation, and building relationships with your touring partners are key to a fun and safe day in the backcountry
How to create a welcoming environment where people can learn and ask questions about touring and mountain travel
We’ve all heard the phrase “earn your turns”, but is it really worth the effort going against gravity and walking uphill? Why wouldn’t you just ride lifts forever?
This clinic is geared towards experienced skiers who are tour-curious but have not mastered uphill mode yet.
We’ll cover an introduction to uphill focused touring movement such as putting on your skins, efficient skinning technique, planning a skin track, selecting your transition points, and transitioning.
Together we will manifest our uphill mode and practice efficient uphill technique that will save enough energy so that we can all enjoy the downhill and savor every turn that we worked hard to get to!
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 put skins on and take them off efficiently during transitions.
Skin-track theory: choosing terrain, setting an appropriate track angle, planning kick turns, and selecting transition points.
Energy-efficient skinning techniques and how to decide when to switch from skinning to bootpacking.
A basic introduction to avalanche safety, including assessing and selecting safe terrain.
Quality over quantity: You will learn how to use your brain instead of just following tracks to try and find the best possible skiing in the given the conditions.
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
Come earn your turns and learn the ins and outs of backcountry freeride skiing.
You will go out on a tour to find fun flowy freeride terrain and get tips on ski touring, picking a line, studying terrain and visualizing how you’re going to ride it.
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
Mininum 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
If you are looking to take your mountaineering skills to the next level, look no further.
We'll move beyond the basics and learn how to belay each other in exposed situations, build anchors, and do it all with minimal extra equipment.
The goal is to keep you and your partners safe, whether you’re dropping into consequential terrain, making a ski cut, or planning to cross a glacier.
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
Basic technical rope skills (belaying, rapelling), and experience using and ice axe and crampons
Have you been snowboarding at the resort and wanting to try splitboarding?
This is the clinic for you. This is an affinity clinic for BIPOC folks centered on a fun day out touring 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, how splitboard equipment differs from a solid board, how to transition from uphill to downhill mode, techniques for walking uphill on a splitboard and more!
Led by and open to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour.
Please note: We do NOT require an AST 1, AIARE 1 – Level 1 Avalanche training or equivalent for this clinic.
Do you have a season or two of touring under your belt and want to take it to the next level?
Come with us as we discuss stepping into bigger terrain safely, as well as tips for faster transitions and moving efficiently in the mountains.
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
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
Mininum 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
We will cover how to reduce uncertainty and increase confidence in terrain selection.
From drought years to the biggest winters, how do guides seek to consistently find good skiing, and stay safe in the face of elevated hazard?
This is for those who still seem stymied by terrain selection after their avalanche course, or for those who still aren't confident to go out and put their own tours together.
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
So, you rip it up in the resort, but want to keep up in the backcountry. Join this clinic to discover the joy of backcountry snowboarding.
We'll meet in the morning to discuss equipment, conditions and the avalanche bulletin. Then we'll go into the backcountry to practice splitboarding on a local tour.
You should be an intermediate to advanced rider who is newer and keen to fine tune their efficiencies in the backcountry.
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
This clinic is for people who want to explore how to capture the mountain and have their skiing captured!
We will work together to document our day of skiing through disposable film cameras and in the end you’ll receive a folder with all the photos you and the crew captured!
You will be provided with a disposable film camera to use for the day. Together we will shoot away!
Come learn how to make the whole mountain your terrain park.
Participants will learn how to bring the skills they have from the park and translate them into jumps and sidehits in natural terrain.
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.
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.
Have you always dreamed about turning the mountain into your own playground?
We will start off the day by learning how to find the best zone for your side hit run. Leading into how to shape the perfect side hit as a team, sharing laughs and high fives.
We will then enjoy the fruits of our labour with a session, learning to blast side hits and find your flow.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 1
**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.
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.
