Our first day on skis is called the Shakedown day. The nordic track just outside our door is a wonderful amenity for our training. Students learn how to adjust their boots, bindings, and safety leashes. We spend time climbing and descending short hills, and making sure everyone knows how to move past using a snow plow. This is an important day for staff to assess student skills.
A second day trip is also close by the Middle School and called the Scavenger Hunt day. Students are in small groups and are asked to perform tasks such as finding a compass direction, the slope of a hill, side-stepping up a hill, and skiing together as a group.
The Owl Creek Trail runs from Buttermilk to Snowmass and we ski this on a third day. On this day, the primary goal is to increase stamina by skiing distance while carrying a heavier pack.
For many years, the Buttermilk Telemark Instructors and the Aspen Skiing Company have provided telemark ski lessons for the students. We walk to the base of Tiehack and divide students into skiing groups based upon ability. These groups spend the day with an instructor learning the intricacies of making a telemark turn.
Our final day trip is a short backcountry tour to the Sugar Bowls. These are accessed from the top of Buttermilk Mountain. This day allows students to use climbing skins while traveling up slopes, carry a large backpack, and practice telemark turns. Another location that we sometimes use on this last day is touring at Ashcroft.
Classroom preparation includes presentations on avalanche safety and awareness and dressing properly for winter so as to avoid hypothermia and/or frostbite. We also instruct students in proper nutrition and hydration. Furthermore, we emphasize activities that enhance cooperative teamwork and journal writing. Just prior to the hut trip, we conduct two pack checks to ensure that students are bringing all required clothing and equipment.
A second day trip is also close by the Middle School and called the Scavenger Hunt day. Students are in small groups and are asked to perform tasks such as finding a compass direction, the slope of a hill, side-stepping up a hill, and skiing together as a group.
The Owl Creek Trail runs from Buttermilk to Snowmass and we ski this on a third day. On this day, the primary goal is to increase stamina by skiing distance while carrying a heavier pack.
For many years, the Buttermilk Telemark Instructors and the Aspen Skiing Company have provided telemark ski lessons for the students. We walk to the base of Tiehack and divide students into skiing groups based upon ability. These groups spend the day with an instructor learning the intricacies of making a telemark turn.
Our final day trip is a short backcountry tour to the Sugar Bowls. These are accessed from the top of Buttermilk Mountain. This day allows students to use climbing skins while traveling up slopes, carry a large backpack, and practice telemark turns. Another location that we sometimes use on this last day is touring at Ashcroft.
Classroom preparation includes presentations on avalanche safety and awareness and dressing properly for winter so as to avoid hypothermia and/or frostbite. We also instruct students in proper nutrition and hydration. Furthermore, we emphasize activities that enhance cooperative teamwork and journal writing. Just prior to the hut trip, we conduct two pack checks to ensure that students are bringing all required clothing and equipment.