Backcountry Navigation 1
We'll cover the following topics and skills:
- Basic Route Planning
- Map Scales
- Grid System and Grid References
- Map Symbols
- Contour Lines and basic interpretation
- Use of the compass to take bearings from a map
- Walking on general compass bearings
- Identifying large features on a map and then finding them in the surrounding area
- Hand Railing large features
- Macro or large area navigation techniques
- How to re-orientate yourself if you do get lost
Here's the schedule for your course:
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
There are no prerequisites for this program!
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
- Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Guide Gratuities
Clothing & Accessories
- Light Outerwear (check the weather)
- Multiple Midlayer Options
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
- Lunch and Snacks
Know Before you go
Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.
Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.
Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.
Here's the schedule for your course:
Field Day 1
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
We'll cover the following topics and skills:
- Basic Route Planning
- Map Scales
- Grid System and Grid References
- Map Symbols
- Contour Lines and basic interpretation
- Use of the compass to take bearings from a map
- Walking on general compass bearings
- Identifying large features on a map and then finding them in the surrounding area
- Hand Railing large features
- Macro or large area navigation techniques
- How to re-orientate yourself if you do get lost
Here's the schedule for your course:
- 8:00 am - Meet your instructor and review the plan for the day.
- 9:30 am - We'll spend the day demonstrating and coaching while you practice backcountry navigation skills
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - We will close the program at the trailhead with a quick review of the skills that we learned and an overview of what to expect the following day in the field.
There are no prerequisites for this program!
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
- Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Guide Gratuities
Clothing & Accessories
- Light Outerwear (check the weather)
- Multiple Midlayer Options
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Baseball Cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle / Hydration Pack (2L)
- Lunch and Snacks
Epic Reviews From Adventurers
- Rated 5 out of 5 starsSet me up with a perfect custom skills program - highly recommend!
I'd been trying to setup a way to learn some snow skills basics for awhile, and most companies were just not very responsive for what I wanted, and I actually couldn't make it happen. Then I emailed Blackbird - and not only was it great to finally get some conversation going by email/phone, they were able to set me up with the type of program I was looking for. I was setup with Jon as my guide and felt like I was in very capable hands the entire time - covering all the topics relevant for my goals. While I'm comfortable enough camping and hiking in the wilderness, I had zero experience with crampons, ice axes, safety aspects etc, along with navigating more challenging and steep terrain. We started off covering some initial information that went well enough to tackle a couple objectives - which were far more challenging than I'd originally thought possible for myself. But he really nailed it, and picked a plan which let me push what I could do while still feeling comfortable. Plus I appreciated his patience, encouragement and positivity as I sorted out my practice of these new skills. Overall highly recommended!
Tobin S. - Rated 5 out of 5 starsIncredibly knowledgeable guides!
Incredibly knowledgeable guides. It was my first time on a serious mountaineering trip, and our guide Jason was a great resource for our attempt at the Shasta summit. Despite insanely cold and snowy weather for May we had a great time!
Thomas M.Verified Buyer - Rated 5 out of 5 starsAmazing guide service, you are in the best possible hands!
Blackbird Mountain Guides is an amazing guide service! They tailor trips based on your individual preferences and abilities and are eager to help you develop new skill sets. The guides have extensive subject matter expertise are extremely professional. I have done numerous climbs with Zeb specifically, including a recent trip a few weeks back - it was (as always) thoroughly enjoyable. There is a reason I keep coming back and climbing with Zeb - you always know you are in the best possible hands. Based on my past experiences, I am currently planning two more trips next year with Blackbird Mountain Guides. A top-notch company.
Corey R. - Rated 5 out of 5 starsFully recommend Blackbird for Mt Shasta!
We did a 3 day Shasta trip with Blackbird guides with Jason as our guide. Since we had already done Shasta we asked for a route a bit more adventurous and Jason obliged. The trip was fantastic with time for acclimatization and a lower summit Shastina then a super interesting route to the summit which was challenging but not too much. Jason was wonderful every step of the way, he was able to navigate the major obstacle which was the wind and went above and beyond to get us to the summit. Fully recommend Blackbird and Jason in particular.
Richard B.
the blackbird difference
Innovative courses
Professional Guides
Positive Progression
Community Focused
ongoing support
We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!