Progression Program

Intro to Backcountry

The door to Backcountry Bliss

Find freedom in the Andes with APEX Backcountry Guides as we show you all the skin track tricks, demystify avalanche gear, and paint a clear picture of what you should be focussing on to get the most out of every backcountry tour.

Intro to Backcountry

Two remarkable days of backcountry instruction in the fundamentals of safety and best practices for getting the most out of your ski tours and splitboarding.

GREAT FOR:

Cruiser to Expert

4 Guest: 1 Guide ratio

8 Guest max

TERRAIN:

60% mountain, 40% trees

TRIP LENGHT:

2 days

Enquire Now! $560

Splitboarding and Ski Tour avalanche awareness is fundamental to safety.

Avalanche Safety for each Ski tour and Splitboarding tour is taught.

Backcountry Ski Tour with APEX Backcountry Guides in Malalcahuello, Chile for the best experiences in South America.

Ski Tour with no crowds in the Araucania Region of Chile and enjoy fresh powder.

Know Before You Go!

Strong to Expert/Pro

Strong:

I approach challenges at the resort with consideration but feel confident in my abilities in all snow conditions. I'm just looking to get the key pointers necessary to take my skills to the backcountry!

Expert/Pro:

I have excellent to impeccable technique at the resort including off-piste and powder skiing but I have little to no backcountry experience. I'm looking to get into freeriding!

Cuisers to Proficient

Cruiser:

I prefer moderate pitches and have ventured off-piste a bit. I slow down in challenging or treed terrain and challenging snow conditions, but I am able to control my turn size and shape without major problems. Let's go!

Proficient:

I ride or ski at a faster pace in the open and on moderately steep pitches. I am slightly hesitant in trees or when snow conditions are challenging. Show me the way!

This remarkable experience provides you with

Two days of guided instruction

Lunch comprised of the best locally sourced ingredients

BCA Rescue Kit: Transceiver, Shovel, Probe, and Backpack

Activities Insurance

Aprés debriefing at the bar

Door to Door Transportation to and from activities
Day 1

8:00 Pickup at your lodging in Malalcahuello

8:05 Transportation to the mountains

9:00 Trailhead Safety Briefing

9:15 Skin application and techniques of care

9:30 Begin skinning towards the determined zone

10:00 Explanation with demonstration of companion rescue procedures of beacon, probe, and shovel

10:30 Individualized practice sessions

11:00 Group beacon search and recovery simulation under stress

11:15 Debrief and snack

11:30 Skin to objective peak while receiving tips for efficiency that will grow your confidence

12:30 Lunch in the Araucania Andina

1:00 Descend slope of choice after short briefing on standards of practice and etiquette

1:45 Changeover and re-skin back to the ridgeline

3:00 Descend slope en-route to vehicle

4:00 Transportation

5:00 Cheers to debriefing in a bar!

6:00 Drop off Transportation to your lodging

Day 2

7:00 Pickup

7:05 Transportation to the Mountains

8:00 Trailhead Safety Briefing

8:15 Begin ascent

Make laps practicing what was learned the previous day

12:30 Lunch in the Araucania Andina

1:00 Keep shredding until we're out of time or legs to keep going

4:00 Transportation back to your lodging
I have never skied off the trails at a resort, is this for me?

You will find it much more enjoyable to begin your backcountry adventures when you have some off-piste abilities under your belt. A lesson with a certified instructor at your home resort is our first recommendation in the road to increasing up your abilities and the fun you can have.

Is the rescue equipment of beacon, shovel, and probe included in this program?

We recommend that anyone who is serious about backcountry exploration invest in the adequate equipment so as to familiarize themselves with its use under the guidance of our professionals.

All that gear is expensive, can I rent?

We have a limited number of full gear setups including beacon, probe, shovel, and backpack available. Please advise us upon booking that you will need rescue equipment.

Is this a certified course?

APEX's Intro to Backcountry is the first step in becoming aware and proficient in the use of your gear but does not replace taking focussed courses. We can help offer solutions if you are seeking recreational or professional certifications in your journey into the mountains. With knowledge comes empowerment and responsibility.

What it's about

This two day offering from APEX is just what the seasoned pros are hoping you'll catch wind of. Why? It's simple, without a fundamental understanding of avalanche rescue you pose as much of a risk to yourself in the backcountry as to everyone else.