The Rocky Mountain section has run an annual course for beginning backcountry skiers since 2001, and initiated hundreds of new skiers into the pleasures of the backcountry
BIT 2026 is for new-ish backcountry riders, who are already competent resort skiers or boarders. The ski trips are led by experienced section volunteers. The program has professional online safety instruction (including an online quiz) and three field trips.
REQUIREMENTS
You MUST apply and be accepted to register.
You must have taken AST1
The program charges a non-refundable fee of $50.
This event is only a placeholder, and will not accept registrations.
Applications will be received until Nov 29, 2025, with next steps provided then
Finally, you need to be able to commit to the entire program of Zoom meeting and three trips. If you aren’t sure, wait until next year to apply!
DATES All dates in 2026:
Jan 07 at 7:30 to 09:00pm - evening Zoom session
Jan 31 Trip 1 – Chester Lake
Feb 14 Trip 2 – Bow Summit
Feb 28 Trip 3 – either Chickadee Valley or Crowfoot Glades
INTERESTED?
First read the full BIT announcement at BIT 2026 Announcement to get all the details and requirements to participate.
If it looks like the right program for you, complete the application at BIT 2026 Application. (You have Viewing access – please make a copy and send that in)
Participants must obtain (own, buy, rent, borrow) their own backcountry equipment
(skis/board as well as skins, transceiver, probe and shovel). Suitable rentals are available in
Calgary and Canmore/Banff. NOTE if you plan on renting gear, be advised to book it well in
advance.
Notes:
We invite split boarders to join the program, and will try and recruit experienced boarding
leaders for your group. However, boarders will have to be able to travel efficiently with a
group of skiers for the field trips, if required. You must have a split board and skins to
participate. NO snowshoers.
Cancellation Policy If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Rocky Mountain Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
Waiver and Membership Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed
ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.
A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your
membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings
without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.
The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.
SIGN UP HERE
This event is full. If you register, you will be placed on the waiting list in case of a cancellation.