Want to feel more confident off-piste this winter – not only in making better decisions in avalanche terrain, but also in developing your skiing and understanding your equipment?
I’m joining Mark Jones of All Mountain Pro for two free online talks for Ski Club members* this September:
- Thursday 10 September, 6–7 pm UK time: Backcountry Smarter – The Essentials
- Thursday 24 September, 6–7 pm UK time: Backcountry Smarter – In Depth
*See this link for signing up and how to become a member.
Backcountry Smarter came about when Mark and I started planning an on-snow course together. We quickly realised that there are lots of useful elements we have to share with participants long before they get to the mountains. And everyone can benefit from these ‘pre-course’ points, even if they are not doing our actual Backcountry Smarter on-snow training.
The idea is to help you build greater backcountry autonomy through simple, practical methods that can transform both your ski technique and your decision-making.
Start with the Essentials Webinar : Thurs 10 September
The first talk introduces simple, practical ways to improve three important parts of your off-piste skiing:
- Safety and risk management: making smarter decisions, reducing risk and being prepared for companion rescue
- Technique: improving control, line choice and efficiency in variable snow
- Equipment: choosing the right skis, boots and bindings, plus essential avalanche safety equipment
The aim is to give you useful ideas that you can start applying as soon as you are back on snow.
Then Take It More In-Depth : Thurs 24 September
The second webinar goes deeper into avalanche triggering, practical off-piste technique and the equipment choices that matter when ski touring.
I’ll explain how and why slab avalanches are – and are not – triggered, using a practical four-step model. We’ll look at remote triggering, “whumpfs” and why nothing happens most of the time – including why many skiers may cross the same slope before it releases.
Mark will then explore practical technique, including balance and using “smart feet,” before looking at touring equipment. He’ll compare frame, tech/pin and hybrid bindings, explain compatibility with Alpine, GripWalk and touring boot soles, and highlight some important points to watch out for.
The idea is to help you understand what is happening beneath your skis, improve how you move and make better-informed choices about your touring setup.
We’ll also introduce the full Backcountry Smarter course series for 2026–27, which includes:
- UK-based pre-season talks and transceiver training
- Our 4-day on-snow courses (in Val d’Isère/Tignes) combining both safety and technique
- Pocket-sized memory aid and accident reduction guide
- More online learning
But mainly these free webinars stand on their own — it’s not just a sales pitch! You’ll come away with clear, actionable tips that you can use right away.
We hope to see you online!
