Learn fundamental backcountry skiing skills in a day clinic with Glacier Adventure Guides.

Glacier Adventure Guides now offers backcountry skiing trips in Flathead National Forest. Clinics are based out of the Izaak Walton Inn, in Essex, Montana. Skiers will ride the cat to the slopes above the village. From there we will tour the area and teach essential skills. This is a great way to break into the realm of backcountry skiing – touring on moderate terrain with qualified instructors.

Participants must provide their own skiing and avalanche gear. Cat shuttle is included in the price.

*Glacier Adventure Guides does not lead backcountry ski tours into Glacier National Park or the Great Bear Wilderness.

These clinics will cover the following skills:

• BC Ski Techniques (Kick turns, pole use, etc.)

  Kick turns, skin tricks, etc.

• Backcountry XC Ski Equipment

  Bindings, skis, packs and systems

• Avalanche Awareness

  Avalanche pit demonstration, rescue practice

• Tour planning & Route-finding

  Map reading and avalanche terrain identification

ITINERARY:

• Meet at the Izaak Walton Inn at 9 a.m., where we will load the cat and ride to the trailhead. Morning will be spent reviewing avalanche safety, demonstrating techniques and planning the tour. Afternoon will be spent safely navigating and skiing the backcountry slopes. Return to the Inn by 4 p.m.

EQUIPMENT LIST

-DOWNLOAD THIS LIST IN A .PDF-

SKI GEAR

CLOTHING

PERSONAL GEAR

Glacier Adventure Guides leads backcountry ski tours to the drainages above Essex, Montana. Our ski tours require moderate off-piste ski skills and a reasonable level of fitness. Everyone earns their turns in the Middle Fork.

DICKEY CREEK - Deep powder in a remote mountain setting

DICKEY CREEK

Dropping the west-facing slopes
above South Dickey Creek on a sunny powder day.

The slopes above the mountain village of Essex are a backcountry skier’s dream. Tucked away in John F. Stephens Canyon, the glades and chutes of South Dickey Creek offer deep powder and long runs.

TRAILHEAD: IZAAK WALTON INN (50-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
OFFERED: March 10 & 11, 2018
LENGTH: 1 MI w/cat shuttle
ELEVATION GAIN: 600′-1200′ (60-365m)
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE – STRENUOUS

Columbia Falls is located in northwest Montana and is known as “The Gateway to Glacier.”

The town is also a short drive from the North Fork of the Flathead River, and is surrounded by the Whitefish, Livingston and Swan mountain ranges and several national and state forests. While small, it’s a prime destination for skiing, hiking and camping, with enough amenities to keep you more than comfortable.

Drive times to Columbia Falls:

Glacier International Airport (FCA): 15 min.
Whitefish Train Depot: 20 min.
Whitefish Mtn. Resort: 35 min.

Hotels: We encourage you to check out the historic Izaak Walton Inn, located in beautiful Essex, Montana. Tucked away in the forest, the Inn offers trails right from the hotel, a full restaurant and bar, hot tub and private suites.

Cost includes:

Guide(s)

Cat shuttle

Does not include:

Food

Backcountry ski/avalanche gear

Hotel costs before, during, or after the trip

Guide Gratuity

Ready to book? You have the option to either call and book via phone or through our secure Online Reservation System.

Need more information? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Free inquiries can be made by calling us at 877-735-9514 or emailing Greg Fortin, owner and lead guide.

All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver, fill out our Guide Questionnaire and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.