Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Are you a Spanish-speaking skier or snowboarder ready to take your skills beyond the resort? Join Loco por la Aventura for a full-day Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding🎿🏂, designed specifically for beginners who want to explore winter mountains safely, confidently, and with expert bilingual guidance.

This entry-level program is ideal for anyone who has experience skiing or riding at a resort and feels excited to learn the foundational skills needed to travel in the backcountry. Led by our certified bilingual backcountry instructor, this immersive experience will teach you how to prepare, navigate, and move through winter terrain with awareness and good decision-making.

No prior backcountry experience needed — this program is fully beginner-friendly.

Throughout the day, you will develop essential backcountry skills, including:

1. Basic use of avalanche safety equipment
2. Partner avalanche rescue
3. Skinning techniques for uphill travel
4. Kick turns & efficient uphill movement
5. Transitioning from uphill to downhill
6. Descending in variable snow conditions
7. Effective group communication
8. Hazard identification & terrain awareness
9. Backcountry self-care & winter safety

By the end of this course, you'll have a solid understanding of how to begin exploring simple, non-avalanche terrain — and you’ll be ready for Level II: Avalanche Skills.

Meeting Spot:
Climber’s Register at Timberline Lodge

Start Time: 8:00 AM sharp
Please arrive early — we begin promptly.

To participate, you should have:

• Basic skiing or snowboarding ability (comfortable at a resort)
• Basic hiking fitness
• Excitement and motivation to learn

This program is designed for first-time backcountry users. No previous touring experience is required.

Participants must bring their own equipment, including:

• Backcountry skis OR splitboard
• Backcountry ski or snowboard boots (compatible with bindings)
• Skins
• Ski poles
• Avalanche safety kit: beacon, probe, shovel
• Helmet, goggles, gloves
• Waterproof winter layers
• Backpack (25–35 liters)

🔗To help you prepare, please review the detailed gear lists:

Required Equipment (Hard Goods) Gear List
https://cacheseven.com/lists/96d09747-1fb7-4ca6-86a7-ca4ac62583d9

Clothing & Apparel Gear List
https://cacheseven.com/lists/da0a5db6-ee62-4f51-a2b5-46240e5e9414

Participants may rent gear the day before the event from:
Mountain Shop – Portland, Oregon

They will NOT be open on event morning, so equipment must be picked up the day before.

A special community rate will be shared with registered participants.

Emil Ortiz

Apprentice AMGA Splitboard & Alpine Guide | AIARE PRO 1 Certified

Emil Ortiz is a passionate and dedicated backcountry guide based in Summit County, Colorado. A Puerto Rican who grew up in Philadelphia, Emil discovered his love for the mountains after moving to the Colorado Rockies in 2015. With a deep connection to the outdoors, Emil has spent the past 10 years honing his skills as a splitboarder, venturing into remote alpine terrain and exploring some of the most challenging backcountry landscapes. Emil is just now entering the AMGA track as his goal is to become the first Puertorican IFMGA Certified Guide.

As an Apprentice AMGA Splitboard & Alpine Guide, Emil brings both technical expertise and a personal passion for the mountains to every expedition. He has led expeditions on the towering 6,000-meter volcanoes of South America, and has splitboarded 30 of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners. His backcountry experience also spans thru all of the stunning volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest, where he has explored their rugged beauty extensively.

Emil's favorite terrain to ride are steep, thrilling couloirs, which reflect his love for adrenaline-filled adventures in the mountains. Alongside his technical qualifications, Emil is committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming space for Latinx communities in the backcountry, striving to share his cultural heritage and passion for the wilderness with others.

Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the backcountry, Emil is dedicated to helping you explore, learn, and appreciate the vast, wild landscapes with safety, skill, and heart.

Certified bilingual backcountry instructor
Full day of personalized instruction
Safety briefing + hands-on backcountry practice
Beginner-friendly learning environment
Supportive, Spanish-speaking community

• Equipment rentals (skis, splitboards, avalanche gear)
• Food + snacks
• Transportation to Timberline

• 1.5–2 liters of water
• Snacks + a trail lunch
• Warm synthetic or wool layers (no cotton)
• Waterproof jacket & pants
• Helmet
• Sunglasses or goggles
• Warm hat + gloves
• Sunscreen & lip balm
• Backpack
• Extra socks

Safety is our top priority.
We will review avalanche safety fundamentals, practice partner rescue, and teach you how to travel responsibly in winter mountain environments.
This is an educational course, not a guided summit or ski descent.

This program will be taught primarily in Spanish, with bilingual instruction as needed.
English-speaking participants are welcome.

Only 6 spots available to ensure quality instruction — secure your place early!

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www.locoporlaaventura.com

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