If you're new to backcountry skiing (even if you've never been!) or looking to sharpen backcountry basics, we suggest adding Bluebird+ to your season pass. Crafted by our highly experienced and certified instructors, Bluebird+ is a membership education program designed to get you ready to go out of bounds.
Bluebird+ Membership includes:
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Backcountry 1, 2, and 3 Lessons ($295 value) - see descriptions below
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Exclusive access to our digital education platform, Bluebird Backcountry Community, which includes:
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Tons of digital backcountry learning courses and resources
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Fun gatherings and educational seminars only for members
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Forum to find backcountry partners, set up a carpool to Bluebird, and exchange gear
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Unlimited free access to half-day Clinics and Ski With a Mentor all season long
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10% discount on all Lessons and Courses, including all AIARE avalanche courses
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$100 discount on a Private Lesson or Guided Day for you and your friends
Please note: Membership by itself does not include access to the mountain. We suggest purchasing a season pass, pass pack, or day pass in advance of your visit.
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Backcountry 1: Intro to Backcountry
This beginner-friendly, HALF-DAY on-snow lesson is geared toward first-timers and folks who have only clicked into their bindings in the backcountry a handful of times. This is a half-day lesson — perfect for anyone who’s ready to jump in and learn the basics. In this course, you'll learn:
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How to attach your skins
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How to run a beacon check
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Backcountry travel basics
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Transitioning from uphill to downhill
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Backcountry etiquette and best practices
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Answers to any other questions you might have!
After your lesson, you will have access to Bluebird Backcountry’s 1,200 acres of unguided terrain for the rest of the day. You’re welcome to continue exploring, take a lap with your new friends, or check out the beacon park!
Backcountry 2: Movement and Skills
This FULL-DAY on-snow lesson is geared towards those who are comfortable with their touring equipment and have been skinning before (if you don't have this experience yet, then we recommend starting with a Backcountry 1 lesson). In this course, you’ll learn:
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How to properly prepare for a day in the backcountry
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How to travel efficiently across a variety of terrain
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Techniques to improve your transitions as well as your uphill and downhill travel
Backcountry 3: Avalanche Prep
This FULL-DAY on-snow lesson serves as the final installment in our backcountry lesson progression. The lesson serves as the bridge between the skills you’ve already learned and your formal avalanche education. In this course, you will gain:
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More confidence with uphill and downhill travel on variable surfaces
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Introduction to route planning, navigation tools, weather and avalanche forecasts and other valuable skills to set you up to get the most out of your avalanche education
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Clear understanding of what to expect in AIARE 1 and Avy Rescue courses
This lesson includes an hour-long pre-lesson video and assignment focusing on how to use navigation tools and plan for the day (to be completed before your lesson).
