Blizzard uptrack
The uptrack guides progression.
Blizzard Uptrack — Where You Are vs. How to Progress
Start where it helps most — Step 1 is fine even for experts, or move to Step 2/3 if your avalanche, navigation, or fitness is already solid. Let your lowest attribute (experience, fitness, or riding) guide you.
🟢 Green
Experience: New to the backcountry or a handful of tours; learning skinning, transitions, terrain and avalanche basics.
Fitness: A full day is okay; snack breaks keep you moving.
Riding Ability: Confident on most resort terrain.
Step 1 – Building the Foundation • AST 1 (Avalanche basics + rescue) • Alpine Navigation (map/compass/GPS) • Intro Tours (apply AST 1, pacing, transitions) • ASR (Refresh your skills).
🟦 Blue
Experience: AST 1 done or a few guided days; solid with the basics, limited time in bigger terrain.
Fitness: Can put in vert at a steady, conversational pace.
Riding Ability: Handle all resort terrain; adaptable to mixed snow.
Step 2 – Expanding Skills • Ski Mountaineering 1 (tech skills) • AST 2 (advanced terrain & decision-making) • Intermediate Tours • Winter Camping • Alpine Backcountry Wilderness First Aid (highly recommended; “Survive First Aid”).
◆ Black
Experience: Multiple seasons of touring or AST 2; comfortable in big terrain.
Fitness: Strong and motivated for long days and big climbs.
Riding Ability: Ski/ride any terrain with style.
Step 3 – Advanced Objectives • Glacier Travel • Ski Mountaineering 2 • Advanced Tours (steeper lines, bigger objectives) • Winter Camping.