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 2026/2027 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 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 RMS Calendar event is only a placeholder, and will not accept registrations - see link in text below.
Applications will be received until Nov 01, 2026, 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
Dec 2, 2026 7pm–Mandatory evening zoom session highlighting everything you need to know to be successful in the BIT program and answer any questions
Dec 16, 2026 7pm–a zoom AST1 Avy Review program led by ACMG Guide Erica Roles. Recommended for all; required if your AST1 course was before Dec 19, 2024
Dec 19, 2026 Trip 1 – Chester Lake required for all participants
Jan 23, 2027 Trip 2 – Bow Summit
Feb 13, 2027 Trip 3 – Leaders Choice, often Chickadee Valley or Crowfoot Pass or Glades
INTERESTED?
First read the full BIT announcement at BIT 2026/2027 Announcement to get all the details and requirements to participate.
If it looks like the right program for you, complete the application at BIT 2026/2027 Application. (You already have Viewing access; please don't request Editing access – make a copy and send that in. Emailing instructions are in the Application)
Applications will be received until Nov 01, 2026
Questions? Please email the BIT 2026/2027 Participant Coordinator at RMSBITProgram@gmail.com.
Required Items to Bring:
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.
PLEASE NOTE
This RMS Calendar event is only a placeholder; You must complete the application at BIT 2026/2027 Application
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
Please provide your login information to register.