Nick Russell's Guide to Backcountry Basics

Interested in safely riding untracked powder in the backcountry? There's a lot to learn. Especially with safety as the top priority. In his introductory course, big mountain snowboarder Nick Russell shares a lifetime of knowledge and information essential to begin your journey in the backcountry. Russell shares a range of insights on reading avalanche forecasts, layering, gear, route-finding, your pre-departure checklist, skin track etiquette, splitboard transitions, how to build a rescue sled, backcountry philosophy, preparing for emergency activation, and more critical information for safely enjoying the mountains in his backcountry basics course.

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Entering the backcountry can be intimidating and dangerous.

But learning fundamental lessons from expert big mountain snowboarder Nick Russell will help you on your journey to safely enjoy untracked lines. “Mountain safety is one course that you never graduate from," says Russell. “Don't expect to be riding Alaskan spines your first year out in the backcountry. We're going to start small and work our way up."

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Nick thoughtfully designed his course as a stepping stone to access those dream lines.

"At first, you might be going to some crowded trailheads, maybe the runs are going to be tracked out. Maybe you're just splitboarding on the side of the resort, and that's okay. Starting small is the way to get to the top."

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“When heading out into the backcountry, my day begins at least the day before."

Often several days before. Safety and success require preparation, and through his lifetime of experience in the mountains, Russell wants to equip you with the foundational knowledge necessary to start your journey. “Seeking out mentors in snowboarding has really helped me evolve," says Russell. "The best way to learn is from people that know what they're doing – that have been out there longer than you have. They've figured out these little tricks and tips that I'm trying to bestow on you in this course.”

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FAQs

Who is Nick Russell's Guide to Backcountry Snowboarding for?

This is a foundational course perfect for anyone interested in safely enjoying the backcountry. Whether novice or advanced, Nick almost certainly has a few nuggets of knowledge that will help improve your experience in the snow. Russell covers topics ranging from avalanche forecasting to gear to layering, to partners and mentors to splitboard transitions, skin track etiquette, emergency activation, how to build a rescue sled, general backcountry philosophy, emergency preparedness, and more. The full, time-stamped curriculum is available below. While the course is intended to be an introduction to the backcountry, with detailed video lessons from Nick and quizzes and text to test and refresh your knowledge, anyone can learn something new about taking that next step in backcountry snowboarding.

What do I need for this course?

Just an internet connection. While Nick gives you information on where to get the tools he uses in the backcountry, this course can be completed on your own time and comfort level.

How long do I have access to this course?

When you buy it, it is yours for life! Rewatch and reference instruction from Nick whenever you need a refresher.

In what currency is the price?

Prices are in USD.

What if I don't like it?

While we are sure you'll love the course, as you'd be hard-pressed to find a backcountry instructor more personable and knowledgeable than Nick, we strongly recommend you watch the preview videos before purchasing to get a sense of the course, as we're unfortunately not able to offer refunds.

Meet Nick Russell

3 mins
298 MB

Preview

Course Overview

3 mins
246 MB

Before You Go

Pre-Departure Checklist

10 mins
1.07 GB

How to Properly Layer

9 mins
946 MB

Essential Gear

19 mins
2.13 GB

Partners and Mentors

3 mins
267 MB

Understanding Avalanche Forecasts

7 mins
799 MB

Avalanche Forecast Quiz

On the Mountain

On the Slope

10 mins
1.1 GB

On the Slope Quiz

Splitboard Transitions

3 mins
311 MB

Thank You

1 min
29.9 MB

Emergency Activation

18 mins
2.02 GB

How to Build a Rescue Sled

3 mins
310 MB

Supported by White Claw

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About Nick Russell

Based in Truckee, California, Nick Russell is pushing the boundaries of progression in the backcountry – splitboarding the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains and exploring new territory as much as possible.

Russell has notched segments in scores of drool-inducing snowboarding films and has used his platform to champion environmental and social causes. Russell grew up snowboarding at Stratton, Vermont and has made first descents in Bolivia, India and the United States – championing his own brand of DIY, foot-powered splitboarding with friends and mentors like Jeremy Jones.

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