4 Day Backcountry Progression Clinic
If you already have some splitboard experience and are now looking to move it up a level, a backcountry splitboard course at altitude should be your next step.
On this clinic we will introduce you to life at altitude, using the hut network and the alpinist equipment needed for touring at higher altitude.
The huts we’ll use are comfortable, easy to reach and situated in challenging but not expert splitboard terrain. On our introduction to multi-day backcountry splitboard touring you’ll learn hut etiquette, and how to move safely in bigger terrain. We will teach you to be prepared for your future tours at altitude.
Over the years we have identified the best places to take our newer groups with options in France, Italy and Switzerland. With 3 countries to choose from, just like on our more advanced trips, we can guarantee you’ll only ride in the best conditions too.
When will it take place?
The best time for this in-depth coaching is in the spring months. Courses take place during March and April.
- 8th March 2027 – 11th March 2027 (2 huts), €1725
- 15th March 2027 – 18th March 2027 (2 huts), €1725
- The Programme
- Fitness & Ability
- What’s Included
- What’s Not Included
- Why Book
- Payment & Cancellations
The Programme
Day 1. A warmup splitboard tour in the local Chatel / Abondance area.
Day 2. We transfer to the chosen destination and climb to the hut for lunch. In the afternoon, we will make a short tour followed by an avalanche search and rescue practice. 1st hut night
Day 3. Splitboard / freeride. 2nd night in the hut
Day 4. Splitboard / freeride. Return to the valley floor and transfer back to Chatel in the late afternoon. End of trip
Fitness & Ability
The Break Into Backcountry course is for high intermediate level riders with previous off-piste experience. You will be comfortable riding on steeper terrain and able to deal with variable snow conditions, from deep powder to ice and bumpy run outs.
You must have a good level of fitness for this trip. Hiking between 4 – 5 hours per day at altitude wouldn’t be a problem for you. Previous splitboard experience is desirable but not strictly necessary.
What’s Included
- 4 full days of UIAGM splitboard guiding and backcountry tuition
- 2 nights’ mountain refuge accommodation inc dinner & breakfast
- All splitboard and safety equipment (axe, crampons, harness)
- Transport over the 4 days
- Rider Social backmarker / crew support member
What’s Not Included
- Flights
- Off piste insurance
- Personal snowboard equipment
- Any odd lift / cable car ticket that may be required
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation when you are in Chatel.
Why Book
This course has been based on our Trip and Split model. We will work out where the best conditions are for that week and may travel to Italy, Austria or Switzerland to guarantee that you have an unforgettable experience with us.
We also include all splitboard and safety equipment as a part of the price. You’ll only get to use premium equipment too including Spark R&D and Never Summer Splitboards.
Payment & Cancellations
Payment Policy: A deposit of €495 is required immediately upon booking your session with The Rider Social. The balance of your trip costs are due 6 weeks before the course start date. Failure to meet the payment deadline 6 weeks before the start date will forfeit your place on that session without refund.
Cancellation policy: For cancellations made up to 6 weeks before the course start date, 0% of the ‘deposit’ amount paid will be refunded. For cancellations occurring within 6 weeks of the course start date no refund payments will be made. If cancelling a course within 6 weeks of the course start date, payments made cannot be refunded, carried forward or moved to another course.
Refund policy: The Rider Social is not liable for refunds or compensation due to late arrival, failure to attend or complete a course due to injury or illness, travel restrictions, resort closure, adverse weather conditions, force majeure or any other causes or conditions outside the control of The Rider Social
Covid-19: In the event that you can’t attend your session due to Covid-19 associated travel and holiday disruptions including (but not exclusive to) resort closure, FCO imposed travel restrictions, airline train or ferry travel bans imposed by International or local governments, a total refund of the balance paid, minus the non refundable deposit amount, will be refunded to you (the client).
In the event that you can’t attend your course due to you, (the client) being personally affected by the Covid-19 virus (including illness, inability to travel due to illness or any other personal restrictions affecting your travel) The Rider Social will not be liable to refund any monies (as stated in the refund policy above). It is strongly recommended that you have adequate personal insurance for illness, personal cancellation and personal travel disruption.
Upon booking any advertised session of any duration with The Rider Social you are in agreement of the Payment & Cancellations policies listed above.
What do we do on the course?
This is a multi-day trip, so you’ll need to carry all you’ll need for 2 nights away including boot crampons, splitboard crampons, a harness and ice axe. Ahead of the trip we supply suggested packing check lists and our tips for keeping your bag weight down and touring in comfort.
There is quite a lot to learn so don’t worry if you’ve not done this before, we are on hand to guide you through the process and safely through the mountains.
We also keep the group size small so you’ll not only learn more, faster but you’ll get to ride in some amazing terrain.
FAQs
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What gear & equipment will I need for this course?
This is a multi-day trip, so you’ll need to carry all you’ll need for 2 nights away including boot crampons, splitboard crampons, a harness and ice axe. Ahead of the trip we supply suggested packing check lists and our tips for keeping your bag weight down and touring in comfort.
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How much splitboard experience do I need to have?
There is quite a lot to learn so don’t worry if you’ve not done this before, we are on hand to guide you through the process and safely through the mountains.
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How big are the groups for this course?
We keep the group size small so you’ll not only learn more, faster but you’ll get to ride in some amazing terrain.
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How long do multi-day hut trips usually last?
You can stay as long as you want in a hut (if they have availability), but sleeping for up to 4 nights at altitude is enough for most people. On our hut trips, we stay for between 2 and 3 nights in the same place. On a hut-to-hut tour, such as the Haute Route, around 5 hut nights are common.
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How remote are the backcountry huts?
Huts vary in their distance from towns, resorts and civilisation in general. Some can take many hours to reach on foot or on a splitboard, while others are relatively close to the valley floor. Generally, the higher the altitude the hut is situated at, the longer it takes to reach it.
All the huts we use in an introductory clinic can be reached in just a couple of hours of walking.
What are mountain huts like – dormitory, private rooms or mixed?
The sleeping arrangements can vary in backcountry huts. Some of the older huts have a single line of beds in a dormitory, which is mixed, men and women. The newer huts tend to have smaller rooms, some for 8 people and others have private room availability.
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What are mountain huts like – dormitory, private rooms or mixed?
The sleeping arrangements can vary in backcountry huts. Some of the older huts have a single line of beds in a dormitory, which is mixed, men and women. The newer huts tend to have smaller rooms, some for 8 people and others have private room availability.
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Do I need boot crampons, and ice axe for a hut tour?
Unless you already know about the hut, what the itinerary you will be making is, and in what conditions, then you should carry this equipment as you never know when you might need it. Taking a guide if you don’t know this information is crucial.
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What to pack for a multi-day hut tour?
The lighter you can pack, the more comfortable your tour will be. You should have a sleeping bag liner, spare dry socks for the evening, a warm synthetic or down jacket, a toothbrush and a headtorch. A pair of earplugs can help if you are sleeping in a shared dormitory.
A backcountry splitboard clinic taking the guesswork out of multi-day tours.
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What’s a kick-turn on a splitboard?
A kick turn is a manoeuvre that allows you to essentially turn corners on steep terrain. By placing the downhill ski of the splitboard in the correct position you can then swing the uphill ski around to meet it. This should leave you parallel to the slope and able to walk across it.
Being able to execute a good kick turn is one key skills you’ll need for safe and comfortable touring in backcountry terrain. We believe there is only one correct technique to use and that is what our high mountain, UIAGM splitboard guides will teach you.
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What size backpack do I need for backcountry splitboarding?
Your pack size will depend on the length of the tour and what you need to carry. On a backcountry hut tour in the Alps you will need to carry equipment including:
- Splitboard crampons
- Boot crampons
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Poles and skins when you’re not riding
- Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1litre.
- Snacks / sandwich
- A warm down or synthetic jacket
- Spare gloves
- Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Helmet
- Phones, keys, camera if you have them and any other personal items
We recommend a minimum pack size of 35litres that has also has a board carry system attached to it.
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What kind of splitboard is best in the backcountry?
There are many splitboards on the market we couldn’t pick a best one. However, if you are splitboard touring in the Alps then you should expect to come across mixed conditions in the skintrack. For the best stability on kick turns and for general grip on traverses having a splitboard with a regular camber under the feet is highly recommended.
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Are splitboard crampons the same as boot crampons?
Splitboard crampons fit to the board and are used for when the ascent becomes icy to give you grip in the skintrack. Boot crampons fit your snowboard boot and are used in technical terrain when you need to climb carrying the board on your backpack.