CTA/MRVBC Clinic at Sugarbush

Have an AT, Tele, or Splitboard setup, but are new to uphilling or backcountry touring?

Looking for some tips from experienced (and friendly!) skiers and riders to get you started? 

Join us for an Introduction to Backcountry Touring during these afternoon clinics hosted by the Catamount Trail Association (CTA) in partnership with CTA Chapters, local resorts, and SCOTT Sports.

Sugarbush Session: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, , 12-4:30pm (option après to follow)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

These clinics are tailored toward intermediate-level skiers or riders:

• New to uphill and backcountry travel that want to get more comfortable using their touring gear in a backcountry setting, including alpine touring (AT), telemark, or splitboard setups.

• With some touring experience but would like to hone their skills and feel more comfortable exploring local backcountry zones and beyond.

Note: Participants must be able to navigate intermediate downhill trails in a resort setting, including being comfortable with connecting parallel turns and controlled stopping. Our goal is not to discourage anyone from participating – we only want for you, and the group, to have the best time possible and to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

You will learn how to use your backcountry gear and tips for touring in backcountry terrain. Our main goal is to equip you with a skills toolbox that includes (but is not limited to):

• Basic safety considerations and staying found

• What and how to pack for touring (including nutrition)

• Dressing for the elements - layering/heat management

• Backcountry equipment overview - Alpine touring (AT)/Tele/Split systems

• Skinning Techniques on various terrain - ascending/traversing/descending

• Gear Transitions - ascending/descending modes and processes

These clinics will offer a mix of indoor information sessions and demos and outdoor demos, skills sessions, and a tour to put it all together on the skin track. We'll end the day with an optional après and raffle at the lodge!

We not only want to create a comfortable and safe space for you to have fun gaining experience on your touring gear and learning more about preparation for the backcountry, but we also hope to connect more folks in the ski and ride community to the beautiful Vermont backcountry zones that we are lucky to have access to explore all across the state.

For more information on each of these clinics, please check out our CTA Intro to Backcountry Touring Clinics link on the Tours & Events page of our website: www.catamounttrail.org/events-tours or email kquinlan@catamounttrail.org.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
Sugarbush Resort
Meet at Mt. Ellen base lodge - Glen Ellen Room (indoor sessions location)

Participants: 12 maximum (Minimum of 5 participants needed to run event)

Cost: CTA/Chapter Member - $45. Non-member - $65. (2 spots open for financial assistance - please email kqinlan@catamounttral.org for details)
Note: Must sign up online for a FREE uphill day ticket prior to the clinic (includes Sugarbush waiver). No rentals are available for this clinic – must have your own gear to attend.

Staff/Volunteers/Leaders: Kim Quinlan (CTA Staff - AT), Julie Frost (MRVBC Chapter - AT), Scott Meyer/Scott Meyer (CTA/Bolton Guide - Tele), TBD (tele)