Ski Mountaineering 1 | Hotham

Ready to take your skiing beyond the resort and tackle real alpine terrain? Want to learn how to move confidently on ice, crust, and mixed alpine conditions?

The Ski Mountaineering 1 Course gives you the skills, confidence, and know-how to safely explore the backcountry and tackle alpine terrain like a pro. This course is perfect for experienced skiers looking to expand their winter travel skills.

What You Will Learn

• Equipment & Tools: Ski/boot crampons, ice axes and additional equipment
• Ascending & Descending: Move safely on steep, icy, or crusted slopes
• Belaying & Rappelling: Set anchors, manage ropes and learn the basics
• Ski Mountaineering: Plan routes, set tracks, and stay aware in challenging terrain
• Winter Survival: Build emergency shelters

For skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers ready to advance their alpine skills.

• Up to 4 hours of online learning followed by 1 full day in the field (note: start/end time TBC), guided by Blizzard Academy instructors who make learning fun, practical, and memorable. You’ll put your skills into action and gain hands-on experience navigating real alpine conditions.
• Certification: Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation and practical skills gained.

Prerequisite

AST 1 - ensuring all participants have a solid foundation in avalanche safety and backcountry awareness, plus prior backcountry skiing or snowboarding experience is required.

This Course is rated BLUE in the Blizzard Uptrack. See below to learn more about the Blizzard Uptrack.

Click Go to Bookings Site for more information on the Course Outline & requirements.

Blizzard Uptrack | The Uptrack Guides progression

Where you are vs. How to Progress

GREEN

• Experience: New to the backcountry or a handful of tours; learning skinning, transitions, terrain and avalanche basics.

• Fitness: A full day is okay; snack breaks keep you moving.

• Riding Ability: Confident on most resort terrain.

• Step 1 – Building the Foundation (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • AST 1 (Avalanche basics + rescue)
  • Alpine Navigation (map/compass/GPS)
  • Intro Tours (apply AST 1, pacing, transitions)
  • ASR (Refresh your skills)BLUE

• Experience: AST 1 done or a few guided days; solid with the basics, limited time in bigger terrain.

• Fitness: Can put in vert at a steady, conversational pace.

• Riding Ability: Handle all resort terrain; adaptable to mixed snow.

• Step 2 – Expanding Skills (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • Ski Mountaineering 1 (tech mountain skills)
  • AST 2 (advanced terrain & decision-making)
  • Intermediate Tours (apply AST 2 in all terrain types)
  • Winter Camping (advanced terrain use with integrated winter camping techniques)
  • Alpine Backcountry Wilderness First Aid (highly recommended; “Survive First Aid”)BLACK

• Experience: Multiple seasons of touring or AST 2; comfortable in big terrain.

• Fitness: Strong and motivated for long days and big climbs.

• Riding Ability: Ski/ride any terrain with style.

• Step 3 – Advanced Objectives (see other courses available from Blizzard Academy)

  • Ski Mountaineering 2 (steeper terrain, technical travel & advanced transitions)
  • Glacier Travel (rope systems, crevasse rescue & glacier safety)
  • Advanced Tours (steeper lines, bigger objectives)
  • Winter Camping (complex terrain use with integrated winter camping techniques)