Ski Safer, Smarter & More Confidently in the Backcountry
After a fantastic first season, we’re excited to bring Backcountry Smarter back for winter 2026/27!
Launched last year, these on-snow training courses quickly became a hit, attracting skiers keen to improve their off-piste skills, avalanche awareness and mountain decision-making. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants valuing the practical, hands-on format and the opportunity to build confidence in real mountain environments.
Over this 4 day ski course, learn simple, effective methods to transform your backcountry ski technique and decision-making ability. The course is designed to help you develop stronger technical skills across varied snow conditions and gradients, build practical avalanche awareness and risk management abilities, and deepen your understanding of the mountains.
Together with my good friend Mark Jones — elite ski coach, former BASI Trainer, and 4 × Interski Demo Team member — we’ve created a small-group, on-snow learning experience that combines technical coaching with real-world mountain decision-making.
Whether you’re new to backcountry skiing or looking to sharpen your existing skills, Backcountry Smarter provides expert guidance, real-world learning and a supportive environment to help you make safer, smarter decisions in the mountains.
Course Details
Location: Val d’Isère / Tignes, France
This season’s courses will run on the following dates:
- 7–11 December 2026
- 11–15 January 2027
- 8–12 February 2027
- 8–12 March 2027
Duration: 4 days within a 5-day window (flex day built in, in case of bad weather)
Timings: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (with a break). One session runs until 3:30 pm, following companion rescue (transceiver) training.
Plus off-snow sessions and video workshops
Group Size: Max 6 skiers
Price: €790 per person
What You’ll Learn
Split 50/50 between ski technique and mountain safety, you’ll spend two days with Henry and two days with Mark — combining practical coaching, decision-making, and real backcountry experience.
With Mark – Backcountry Ski Technique & Equipment
- Learn simple, effective ways to ski with more flow, balance, and control across all snow types.
- Improve your turning, adaptability, and terrain awareness for smoother, more confident off-piste skiing.
- Receive personalized video feedback and debriefs to help you understand and track your progress.
- Learn about how to choose your boots, bindings and skis so everything works seamlessly, helping you move comfortably and confidently in the backcountry.
With Henry – Avalanche Awareness & Decision-Making
- Apply the HAT Framework — a clear, proven method for making safer decisions in avalanche terrain.
- Learn to assess snow, weather, and terrain — and manage uncertainty using practical, real-world tools.
- Practise group travel, communication, and rescue basics to build awareness and teamwork.
- Develop the skills and judgment to explore independently, with confidence and smart decision-making.
Who’s It For?
If you’re an adventurous skier who wants to upskill both your backcountry technique and your safety awareness, this course is for you.
You should be able to:
Confidently ski red runs and stay in control on blacks
Link 5–10 turns in ungroomed or fresh snow
Have some off-piste experience (guided days or side-of-piste skiing)
It’s not about extreme lines — it’s about skiing smart, improving your decision-making, and finding the best snow for your level.
Your Coaches
Mark Jones (All Mountain Pro)
Mark is one of the UK’s most respected ski coaches — a former BASI Trainer and 4× Interski Demo Team member. He’s known for making high-performance skiing accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable in all conditions.
Henry Schniewind (Henry’s Avalanche Talk)
That’s me — founder of HAT, avalanche educator, and long-time off-piste instructor with Alpine Experience . My focus is helping people understand how to make great decisions in avalanche terrain so they can get the most out of their mountain adventures.
Why Join Us
This course brings together the best of both worlds:
Mark’s world-class technical coaching, and
My practical approach to decision-making and risk management.
By the end of the week, you’ll have a clear framework for safer skiing, sharper technique, and a renewed sense of confidence in the backcountry.
Booking & More Info
If you’d like to join one of our courses and build your confidence in backcountry skiing, we’d love to hear from you!
You can email us to find out more at hat@henrysavalanchetalk.com
You can book your place online using the Book tickets option below.
Visit henrysavalanchetalk.com and allmountainpro.co.uk for more information, resources, and learning opportunities to help you have more fun — and stay safer — in the backcountry.
Backcountry Smarter 7th to 11th December
Backcountry Smarter 11th to 15th January
Backcountry Smarter 8th to 12th February
Backcountry Smarter 8th to 12th March
HAT Avalanche Accident Prevention Pocket Guide
By Henry’s Avalanche Talk in partnership with
