Whether you’re brand new to the backcountry or want to gain more knowledge and confidence on the skin track, Bluebird Backcountry offers a wide range of lessons for skiers and riders of all skill levels.
This full-day course is geared towards folks who are familiar with their touring gear, can skin uphill in terrain of varying steepness, and can comfortably ski or splitboard most of the terrain at Bluebird Backcountry. This lesson covers trip planning basics and introduces observations about current conditions, as well as more advanced skinning and downhill movement. You’ll leave this course feeling prepared to learn about avalanches and how to avoid them (because you’ll know enough about backcountry travel that it won’t be a distraction) in your AIARE course.
Spend your afternoon touring with one of our instructors and get all of your lingering questions answered. This informal two-hour tour is a perfect way to practice your skills or build them up with an experienced mentor in a positive environment. The Ski with a Mentor program is ideal for those who took a Backcountry 1 Lesson in the morning, or for anyone riding solo or with friends and looking for mentorship. 22/23 Season Passholders with the Bluebird+ Add-On get unlimited access to our Ski with a Mentor program all season long!
PLEASE NOTE: Ski with a Mentor does not include mountain access. Everyone must have a day pass or season pass to access the mountain for your mentored ski session.
This private lesson is tailored specifically to you and your group. Our instructors can teach your group Backcountry 1, 2, or 3 — or customize the lesson to fit your group’s needs. Tell us what you want to focus on, from gear basics to movement to navigation, or just show up and we’ll take care of you.
Our private lesson ratio is six students per one instructor. If you need to book for a larger group, send an email to info@bluebirdbackcountry.com and we’ll get you taken care of!
PLEASE NOTE: Lessons do not include access to the mountain. Each participant in your group must reserve a Day Pass in addition to your lesson, unless you have a Season Pass or plan on using part of a 4 Pack. Equipment rentals are available, and we recommend booking in advance.
After practicing your avalanche and backcountry skills, you’ll drop into your best untouched powder run of the season without another soul around. That’s because you have access to Bluebird Backcountry’s 3,000 acres of out-of-bounds terrain. This fully customizable, out-of-bounds skiing lesson is available only with one of our professional guides — and they know exactly where to go.
Price includes a brown bag lunch for each person and is good for a private group of up to 3 people. If you would like to add more people to your group, each additional guest is $150 with a max group size of 6 people. You can have your guide’s attention all to yourself, bring 1-2 friends, or make it a group outing — it’s up to you.
PLEASE NOTE: Availability is limited. Please allow at least two weeks’ notice for bookings, and note that bookings are subject to guide availability.
Women play an important role in the dynamics of the backcountry. In this women’s only course, you’ll learn tricks, tips, and knowledge that will empower you in the backcountry, as well as improve your efficiency and performance. This course also gives participants the opportunity to build camaraderie and ask backcountry-related questions in a female-only environment.
PLEASE NOTE: A Backcountry 1 Lesson or equivalent skills are required. We welcome all female (cis and trans) and non-binary skiers! A Day Pass is required, and is not included in the registration fees. Rentals can be reserved separately.
No more course dates available this season
Looking to take your backcountry riding into more extreme terrain? In this course, we’ll cover the basics of taking your tour plans to the next level with an introduction to the gear and skills needed for ski mountaineering; how to plan and execute a ski mountaineering objective; steep skiing/riding/bootpacking techniques and more. This is our most advanced course, and is intended for those who are comfortable with their equipment and have the ability to ride 38º+ slopes.
PLEASE NOTE:
Day 1: Introduction to ski mountaineering skills and gear – March 4th, 2023
Day 2: How to plan/execute a ski mountaineering objective – March 5th, 2023
Take one day, or both! A Day Pass is required, and is not included in the registration fees. Rentals can be reserved separately.
No more course dates available this season
Practice makes perfect, and reviewing your avalanche skills every season is something that everyone, no matter your experience level, should do. Our Avalanche Refresher Course will get you back in the habit of practicing avalanche rescue drills, digging into this season’s snowpack, discussing any questions about the AIARE 1 or 2 materials and concepts, and reviewing avalanche terrain and backcountry routefinding. The course includes self-paced online learning, a virtual meeting with your instructor team, and a day in the field at Bluebird Backcountry, where you’ll be part of a community that’s committed to quality education.
PLEASE NOTE: Rentals can be reserved separately.
No more course dates available this season
Whether you’ve never been on a hut trip or want to take your friends out into the backcountry for the weekend, learn how to create a positive, safe experience for all in our Hut Trip 101 course. This overnight, on-snow class combines introductory backcountry skiing skills with hut-specific safety information. You’ll learn cooking tips, leave-no-trace etiquette, and have time to participate in common hut trip activities and games.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be a one hour logistical Zoom meeting prior to taking Hut Trip 101. A Day Pass is required, and is not included in the registration fees. Rentals can be reserved separately.
No more course dates available this season
Where am I? How do I get over there? This course will teach you to incorporate mapping applications into your ski tours. Knowing how to use a map ensures a safer backcountry experience…and who doesn’t love navigating their way to a cool new spot?! This full-day course is done in partnership with onX Backcountry and takes place both in-classroom and on-snow.
PLEASE NOTE: A Day Pass is required, and is not included in the registration fees. Rentals can be reserved separately.
No more course dates available this season
Always be prepared! Our hands-on, two-day WFA course hosted by Desert Mountain Medicine bridges the gap between avalanche education and wilderness medical response. This introduction to wilderness medicine will teach students to prevent, assess, and treat ailments common to winter backcountry recreation in an on-snow, in-classroom group setting.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a two-day course. A Day Pass is required, and is not included in the registration fees. Rentals and lodging can be reserved separately.
No more course dates available this season
This half-day, on-snow course will teach you the skills you need to know to keep your dog safe and happy in the backcountry. Bring your four-legged friend along!
PLEASE NOTE: A Day Pass is required, and is not included in the registration fees. Rentals can be reserved separately. For more information on dogs at Bluebird, click here.
Incredible Classroom – The terrain at Bluebird Backcountry is perfect for all levels. With plenty of space, from low-angle learning areas to prominent peaks, Bear Mountain offers a variety of terrain to analyze while learning about avalanches. You’ll find secluded pockets of untouched snow to practice your rescue skills, then go ski some perfectly gladed tree runs or open bowls afterward!
Amazing Instructors – Our dedicated group of backcountry instructors live and breathe the Bluebird vibe, meaning they include everyone, bring excitement to their craft, and instill a deep love and respect for winter. Plus, they know the terrain at Bluebird extremely well, and will find the best pockets of snow for you to play in.
Community Vibe – When you take an AIARE course at Bluebird, you come away with more than just a cool experience and new skills. You’re also part of the Bluebird community, which is all about making new friends and continuing to learn and mentor one another. You’ll be surrounded by all levels of riders, from newbies to expert backcountry enthusiasts. It’s easy to make connections and find partners for your next tour or a day back at Bluebird.
Rental Gear – our rental shop is open to AIARE students, making it easy and affordable for you to access gear for your course without having to make a big investment. Learn More.
