Backcountry Skiing Home | General Info | Typical Trip Schedule | Leaders | Cool Ski Links
Rating System
- Beginner — Learning skiing fundamentals. The Backcountry Ski Section does not offer Beginner trips. Instruction and rentals are available at ski resorts and the Sierra Club Clair Tappaan Lodge (530)-426-3632.
- Advanced Beginner — Moderate skiing ability on gentle terrain. Must be able to negotiate downhill ski slopes at the Intermediate level at most downhill resorts. Requires good aerobic conditioning. Typically 3-7 miles and 500-1500 feet of climb per day.
- Intermediate — Must climb and descend moderately difficult slopes wearing a pack under mixed snow conditions and be competent with climbing aids. Snow camping ability may be necessary. Typically 7-10 miles and 2000 feet of climb per day.
- Advanced Intermediate — The same skill level as an Intermediate, but able to climb and descend steeper slopes. Trips may be 10-15 miles and 2500- 4000 feet of climb per day.
- Advanced — Winter mountaineering. Must be able to climb and descend all types of terrain, including steep peak ascents/descents, and handle all snow conditions with an overnight pack. Trips may be longer than 15 miles and/or more than 4000 feet of climb per day.
- Expert — Very solid double black diamond downhill skiers with multi-day snow camping experience, Level I avalanche skills, snow climbing using crampons and ice axe, and basic rock climbing skills (Class 3). Trips emphasize skiing steep mountain slopes and couloirs with 5000+ ft of climbing per day.
Skiers must provide appropriate equipment for each trip.