The Programme
This 4-day Break Into Backcountry course runs from Sunday to Wednesday. April is the perfect time to run these sessions as the snowpack is a little more predictable & in a freeze/thaw cycle by then.
This allows us to head to the higher mountains to ride bigger lines. You will be guided and taught by our UIAGM splitboard guide over 4 full days. The first day (Sunday) is spent in the local Chatel area warming up and getting used to your equipment. On the Monday we head to wherever has the best conditions for your trip.
We spend the Monday and Tuesday night at altitude using mountain accommodation. After a big last day on the Wednesday, we return to Chatel in the late afternoon. This is where the trip ends.
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 for around 4 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 in Chatel for the Saturday and Sunday night
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.
Covid 19 Safety
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, 50% 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.