FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Times

What are your start and finish times?

We meet at 8:30am to sort equipment. We aim to be moving by 9am. We aim to be finished by around 4pm. Explorer, Gully Skiing and Bike and Ski Days will aim to be finished by 6pm.

Snowboarding / Splitboarding

  • Can snowboarders attend your courses?

Snowboarders can attend but they need to bring their own splitboards as we have none for rental. Another option is to rent from TSA in Aviemore, however this needs to be done in advance. You must have ski crampons for your bindings. You also need to be familiar with your equipment as splitboards are more complicated during transitions. They can also ice up when the weather is bad.

  • Do you have splitboards for rental?

No you would need to provide your own or rent from TSA in Aviemore. This would need to be arranged in advance.

Ski Boots

  • Do you supply ski boots?

No, we only have ski touring skis for rent. If you do not have your own boots it would be better to rent the full package from either Tiso or Ellis Brigham in Aviemore. Tiso have good quality setups for £35. It costs £25 to rent just the skis from us.

  • Can I use my normal Alpine Boots?

Yes, our rental skis all have frame bindings so your alpine bindings will fit. They will be heavier though and if they don’t have a walk mode your range of movement will be limited. We would recommend touring boots for courses that last 2 days or more.

Ski Crampons

  • Do I need ski Crampons? Can you provide these?

It is strongly recommended that you purchase ski crampons for your skis. We cannot supply these for your own skis as they are specific to the individual bindings. If you are renting our skis then we will provide them. If you do not have any, let the instructor know at the start of the course as it will affect some route decisions on the ascent.

  • Ski Hire

  • Why do you need my ski boot sole length, height and weight in advance when renting skis?

We need to allocate the correct ski binding size to your boots. We also need to preset the bindings the night before so it doesn’t take so long setting up the skis in the morning.

Accommodation

  • Can you recommend accommodation?

Aviemore has a good range of accommodation options. Two of the most affordable options are the Aviemore Youth Hostel and the Coylumbridge Hotel.

https://rowantreehotel.com/ Open fires, dog friendly, drying room and somewhere to relax after a great day of skiing. The owners are keen skier tourers too!

If these don’t suit search on Booking.com.

  • Transport

  • Do you provide transport to the mountain from Aviemore?

No, we meet at the start of the ski tour. The starting point will be close to Aviemore. Most of the time we start from one of the Cairngorm Mountain Resort car parks.

  • I don’t drive, is there a way to attend your course?

You could take the train up to Aviemore the night before. You might be able to get the Aviemore Adventurer bus in the morning from Aviemore to Cairngorm Mountain, but on a Saturday it gets you there for 8:45am earliest. You would need to have your boots on, equipment set up in advance, and be ready to go as soon as you arrived. We aim to be moving by 9am so we wouldn’t be able to offer ski rental. We may be able to arrange a car share if you are stuck.

Cancellations

  • What happens if the weather of snow conditions are too poor to run the course?

We will offer you a refund or option to switch to a different date. We follow the forecasts and monitor snow conditions regularly prior to your course. We try to make a decision as early on as possible but things can change from day to day, so it may be the decision to go ahead or not is not confirmed until two days before. Full conditions can be found here.

  • What happens if I want to cancel my booking?

Please contact us with your reason for not being able to attend. We always do our best to help people out but the later you leave it the harder it is for us to resell the place. Full conditions can be found here.

  • Waiting list

  • I can’t see the date on the booking calendar or it looks like the course is full. Do you have a wait list?

Please complete this webform and we will let you know if spaces become available.

Further frequently asked questions

1. What is backcountry skiing and how is it different from resort skiing?

Backcountry skiing, also known as ski touring, takes place outside of groomed resorts. Instead of lifts, you use special touring skis with climbing skins to ascend mountains, then ski down through untouched snow. It offers more adventure, solitude, and a deeper connection with the mountain environment than resort skiing.

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2. Do I need prior experience to join a British Backcountry course?

Our courses are designed for intermediate to advanced skiers with some off-piste experience. You don’t need previous touring or mountaineering experience—we’ll teach you essential skills like using touring gear, avalanche safety, and navigation.

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3. What fitness level do I need for a ski touring course in Scotland?

You should be physically fit enough to hike uphill for several hours each day while carrying a backpack. We don’t always move fast, but endurance and a sense of adventure are important. If you’re unsure, just drop us a message—we’ll advise based on your experience.

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4. What’s included in a British Backcountry course?

All courses include expert instruction from qualified ski guides, group planning sessions, and guided days out in the Scottish Highlands. Accommodation and transport are not included.

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5. How many people are on a course?

We keep group sizes small—upto 6 people per instructor—to ensure a personal experience and maximise safety and learning.

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6. Do you offer beginner backcountry skiing courses in the UK?

Yes! Our Intro to Ski Touring and Weekend Sampler courses are perfect for those new to backcountry skiing. You’ll learn the basics in a supportive environment without needing prior experience.

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7. How are your courses different from the Alps?

British Backcountry offers a grassroots, expert-led approach. We focus solely on Scottish ski touring, with small group sizes and experienced instructors who ski in these mountains.

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8. What equipment do I need for a ski touring course?

You’ll need touring skis with bindings, climbing skins, boots, poles, and avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe). We send a full kit list when you book, and most items are available to rent if needed.

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9. Can I rent backcountry ski gear with British Backcountry?

Yes! We offer rental packages for touring skis, avalanche gear. We don’t rent boots or clothes though.

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10. Do I need to bring avalanche safety equipment?

Yes—avalanche safety kit is required on all our courses. If you don’t have your own, we can provide it as part of your booking.

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11. What’s included in the gear rental package?

Our gear hire package includes touring skis with bindings, climbing skins, ski crampons and avalanche safety kit.

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12. Can I use my alpine skis for a backcountry course?

Traditional downhill (alpine) skis won’t work for ski touring. You need touring bindings and skins to ascend slopes. If you’re unsure about your setup, get in touch and we’ll advise. You can use alpine boots though.

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13. Where do British Backcountry courses take place?

We operate courses based around Aviemore (Cairngorms). Exact locations depend on snow and weather conditions.

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14. What is the snow like in Scotland for ski touring?

Scottish snow is famously changeable! You’ll encounter everything from fresh powder to spring corn and windblown crust—all in one day. Our instructors adapt routes to find the best conditions.

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15. Do your courses run if there is low snow cover?

Yes—we’re experts in making the most of Scotland’s conditions. If skiable snow is limited, we adjust our locations or focus more on navigation, avalanche decision-making, and winter skills—essential parts of backcountry skiing.

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16. When is the best time of year for backcountry skiing in Scotland?

Our season runs from December to April, with the best snow typically in February and March. Spring offers longer days and more stable weather, while early winter can deliver fresh snow and deep powder days.

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17. How do I book a British Backcountry course?

You can book directly through our website. Just choose your course, check availability, and complete the online form. We’ll confirm your spot and send all the details.

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18. Do you provide transport or accommodation?

Transport and accommodation are not included by default. We recommend accommodation that has a cancellation policy.

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19. What happens if the weather is bad during the course?

We plan flexibly and adjust routes based on conditions. If it’s unsafe to ski, we use the day for winter skills, navigation, or workshops to make sure you still learn and benefit.

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20. Can I cancel or change my booking?

Yes—our cancellation policy allows changes with reasonable notice. We’re human too, so if life throws a curveball, just get in touch and we’ll work with you.

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21. Do you run private or custom group courses?

Yes—we offer limited private ski touring and custom group trips for individuals, couples, clubs, and organisations. You’ll get a fully tailored experience, including flexible dates, specific objectives, and personalised coaching. Just send us an enquiry to start planning.

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22. Who are your ski instructors?

All our instructors are highly qualified and experienced, holding certifications such as BASI Level 4, Mountain Instructor Certificate (MIC), or IFMGA Guide. They live and work in the Scottish mountains year-round and bring a deep understanding of local terrain, snow conditions, and teaching techniques.

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23. Are British Backcountry courses safe?

Safety is at the core of everything we do. Our courses include avalanche awareness, group decision-making, and mountain navigation. We limit group sizes and always adapt to the weather and snowpack. While ski touring carries inherent risks, we minimise them through planning and experience.

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24. Do I need avalanche training to join a course?

No prior avalanche training is required. All our courses include avalanche safety instruction and practical exercises using transceivers, shovels, and probes. For those looking to go deeper, we also run specific avalanche awareness and decision-making courses.

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25. Are your guides qualified and insured?

Yes—all our instructors are fully qualified, insured professionals, operating under UK and international standards. We follow best practices in risk management and hold appropriate public liability and mountain leadership insurance.

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26. Is backcountry skiing worth it in Scotland?

Absolutely. Scotland offers unique, wild, and rewarding ski touring experiences you can’t find elsewhere in the UK. You’ll earn every turn, navigate real terrain, and come away with new skills and stories to match. Powder days do happen—but it’s the challenge and beauty of the Highlands that make it special.

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27. What’s the best way to get started with ski touring in the UK?

Booking a guided intro course is the safest and most efficient way to learn. You’ll avoid costly mistakes, build avalanche awareness, and gain confidence using touring gear. Start with our 1-day or weekend beginner courses to learn the basics in a supportive environment.

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28. How do I prepare for my first backcountry skiing trip?

To prepare, focus on:

• Building your fitness and endurance

• Practicing off-piste skiing at resorts

• Learning about avalanche safety and gear

We’ll send a full kit list and prep guide once you book—and we’re always here to help with questions.

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29. What are the risks of ski touring and how do I manage them?

Ski touring involves real mountain risks: avalanches, navigation errors, weather, and injuries. We teach you how to manage those risks through route planning, avalanche education, group management, and terrain awareness. Our goal is to make you a safer, more informed skier.

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30. Can I join a course on my own?

Yes! Many of our clients book solo. It’s a great way to meet like-minded skiers, and our small group sizes mean you’ll quickly feel part of the team.