Inbounds Equipment and Preparation

Find out more about the equipment and steps to take prior to your backcountry adventure with Extremely Canadian.

Step 1: Questionnaire

So, you’re booked for a backcountry adventure with Extremely Canadian? It’s time to get prepared!

If not completed, please fill out the booking questionnaire to help us get as much information about you and/or your group. In your confirmation email, click the:

“Manage this Booking” —> “See Questionnaire” —> “Add Guest”

From here, you can include information about your goals and objectives for the day, experience levels, and guest details that will help us find the best coach for your private and prepare for clinics/camps.

Step 2: Waivers

Everyone is required to sign a waiver when skiing or riding with Extremely Canadian. A reminder that these are a legal document and a release of liability. Please ensure that you have read and understood it before signing. You will be required to sign the waivers prior to your adventure. Below are the links to waivers that need to be filled out based on your adventure:

Discounted Lift Tickets: (only sign if purchased)

All waivers are signable online through your confirmation, except the Avalanche Canada Waiver. That waiver needs to be completed in person at our desk inside the Carleton Lodge.

Step 3: Equipment

Are you prepared? When setting off in the backcountry, you will be required to have specific equipment to ensure you’re prepared for a day in the mountains.

  • Touring skis, splitboard or teleskis

  • Skins

  • Ski poles (with powder baskets) for both skiers and snowboarders

  • Metal avalanche shovel

  • Probe (320 length)

  • Beacon (3 antennas required)

  • Ski touring backpack (25-30 litres)

  • 1L of water

  • Lunch with lots of snacks for on the go

  • Valid lift ticket (discounted tickets available)

  • Extra warm layers

  • Sunglasses and goggles

  • Sunscreen

  • Toque and hat

  • Avalanche Canada books/resourses (AST courses only)

See below for our staff’s favourite gear picks!

Step 5: Itineraries

Avalanche Skills Training Course 1+:

Day 1:

  • Evening online session ONLY (6-8pm)-Study formation, nature and types of avalanches

    • Look at the effects of weather on snow stability

    • Evaluate past avalanches for causes and patterns

    • Preparing for backcountry travel, checking proper forecast/bulletins

    Day 2:

    All day field session (8:00am - 3pm)- Trip planning and terrain assessment using forecasts and observations

    • Identify and use best practices for moving through avalanche terrain

    • Brief discussion on snow science and layers by digging a snow pit

    • Beacons 101 and the procedures of companion rescue

    Day 3:

    All day field session (8:00am~3pm ish)

    • Companion rescue and evacuation procedures

    • Practical run-through of companion rescue in an avalanche scenario

    • Practice leading group through Backcountry terrain

Backcountry Tour Adventures:

  • Meet 8AM inside the Carleton Lodge to check in and sign waivers

  • 8:30AM leave the Carleton Lodge after gear checks by the guide and upload the Gondola

  • 9-10AM day overview, skills experience, gear knowledge

  • ~10AM head out of bounds once the guide is confident in everyone’s avalanche training and the alpine lifts are open

  • 3-4:30PM return to the valley *varies depending on time of year

Avalanche Skills Training Course 2:

Day 1:

Half-day field session (8:00am)

  • Review knowledge and understandings students should have from previous AST training and experiences

  • Transceiver fundamentals and companion rescue review

  • ”Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain” handbook, route planning, execution and tips and tricks for touring

  • Initial verification of local information based on local avalanche bulletin, and group management/communications fundamentals

Half-day indoor session (pm) - possibly to switch to the AM session

  • Review the theory portion of the Avalanche Canada curriculum for AST 2.

Day 2 : All day field session (8:00am)

  • Deeper look snow science, stability tests, influence of weather on snowpack, and limitations of field tests

  • More advanced route planning and group management/communications systems in the field assessing regular weather/snowpack/group ability observations

  • Refine evaluation of the ATES scale in the field terrain, with better practices for moving through avalanche terrain and advanced track setting

  • Further refinement of companion rescue and multi-burial procedures

Day 3 : All day field session (8:00am)

Student led pre-trip meeting and detailed itinerary for the day suitable to the conditions and terrain

  • Advanced practice in skills developed throughout course, including group risk management with differing risk tolerances

  • Travel in more consequential terrain, with regular intervals of observation and communication

  • Practice making decisions as a group in avalanche terrain, set tips, goals for student led final field day

Day 4 : All day field session (8:00am)

“Test” day, students are in the lead for the entire day

  • Instructor may, as situations present themselves, call a “time-out” to query next steps, communication, teachable moments

  • Timed companion rescue will be part of the final day

  • Debrief and explanation of “next steps” for all students

Staff Recommendations

  • Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer

    Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer

    NoThis 800-fill down jacket is one of the best mid-layers on the market, and you can find one packed away in all our guides and instructors bags. Lightweight, packable and warm is an undeniable combination.

  • Summit Helmet

    Smith Summit MIPS Helmet

    Built for the true backcountry enthusiasts, this helmet is the perfect balance of simplicity, safety, and functionality.

  • Blackdiamond Packback

    Blackdiamond Dawn Patrol Packback

    Choose between 25L or 32L, depending on your backcountry objectives. This backpack does it all. The front pocket easily stores all your avalanche safety gear, providing ample space for other essentials.

  • Rossignol sender 110

    Rossignol Sender 110 Free

    If you’re looking for a wider powder ski that can handle all stages of West Coast powder, the Sender 110 Free is the one for you. Stiff and powerful, this ski has quickly become the top pick of all our team members.

  • Mammut Barryvox

    Mammut Barryvox Beacon

    The preferred beacon by all our guides and instructors for their backcountry adventures. Its usability, accuracy, and features make it the most trusted among our team.

  • Blackdiamond shovel

    Blackdiamond Evac 9 Shovel

    The ultimate shovel you can trust in case of an emergency. This shovel has two modes, standard shovel mode and hoe mode, to increase efficiency for speedy snow removal.

  • MHW High Exposure Jacket

    Mountain Hardwear High Exposure Gore-tex C-Knit Shell

    Hand-picked by our guides as their uniform piece year after year. Lightweight, breathable, packable, and durable, this jacket will keep you dry for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.

  • Smith 4D MAG

    Smith 4D MAG

    Smith’s best-selling goggle and is one of the best on the market. The 4D technology allows for greater visibility in all conditions and comes with two lenses to conquer Whistler’s gnarliest lines.

  • Rossignol Escaper 105 Nano

    Rossignol Escaper 105 Nano

    Looking for an all-mountain backcountry ski? The Escaper 105 Nano can do it all. It has the performance and quality of all Rossignol skis, but make it lightweight for the backcountry enthusiasts.

  • Smith Pursuit Sunglasses

    Smith Pursuit Sunglasses

    When hiking up, the glare of the snow can be extremely intense on your eyes, and it’s important to bring eye protection. Smith created the perfect blend of cool and protection, wrapped up in a beautiful pair of sunglasses.