Course curriculum

    1. Introduction

    2. How to Use This Course

    1. 2.1 Topographic Map Basics

    2. 2.2 Contour Lines

    3. 2.3 Latitude & Longitude

    4. 2.4 U.T.M.

    5. 2.5 National Topographic System

    6. 2.6 Declination

    1. 3.1 Basic Compass Principals

    2. 3.3 Resection

    1. 4.1 Backcountry Trip Planning

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. 4.2 Whiteout Planning & Navigation

    1. 5.1 Satellite Navigation Systems

    2. 5.2 GPS Basics & Files

    1. 6.1 Gaia GPS Mobile App

    2. 6.2 Cal Topo Mobile App

About this course

  • $50.00
  • 24 lessons
  • 4.5 hours of video content

Elevate your Backcountry Skills

Discover & explore new terrain with more confidence

Enroll today

Instructor

Dave Cote

Dave is an ACMG ski guide based in Squamish, BC. During the winter season you can find him guiding for Bella Coola Heli Sports, Whitecap Lodge and ski touring around the Coast mountains. Having spent most of the last 10 years training for and completing the ACMG certifications, he is up to date on all modern and best practice techniques for mountain navigation. A self proclaimed map nerd, he has refined his years of studying and field experience into this easy to follow course.

Reviews

5 star rating

Great course!

John Hitt

Thanks Dave. As a retired person who spent a lot of their life working in the woods I had some experience with the "old school" methods, but this course has exposed me to a whole new set of beneficial tools. All that is left is for me to put in t...

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Thanks Dave. As a retired person who spent a lot of their life working in the woods I had some experience with the "old school" methods, but this course has exposed me to a whole new set of beneficial tools. All that is left is for me to put in the effort to choose what works best for me and become proficient in its use. I'm looking forward to winter. Thanks again, John H West Kootenays

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FAQ

  • What format is the course?

    All lessons are interactive videos, with a maximum time of ~20 min. The lessons are broken into sections so you can self pace your learning, or go back and review them at any time.

  • Does the course include any bonus material?

    Yes! There are many extra resources available to download, including bonus access to a file of tracks I have personally verified and put together to help get your digital collection started.

  • What digital tools does this course include?

    This course includes full lessons on Google Earth Pro, Gaia GPS, Fatmap and Caltopo. It introduces all the features, and goes in depth about how to use key features for efficient backcountry tour planning and navigation.

  • Do I have to buy the apps for the course?

    No. Google Earth Pro is free, and all of the other apps have both a paid and a free version. This course teaches both the mobile app and desktop version of each. The intent is to introduce all of the best options out there and allow you to decide what will work best for you. Some of the features shown are only available with the paid apps.

  • How long do I have access?

    Access time is unlimited! Come back and review the lessons for years!

  • Aren't mountain skills best learned outside? How can this course cover everything I need to know?

    While routfinding is the 'boots on the ground' art that takes practice in the mountains, Navigation is a science that can be studied at home. This course is a complete foundation for all of the skills and tools you need in the modern tech era to study and trip plan at home, and how to apply them in the field. It will give you the basis and foundation to continue building your 'boots on the ground' abilities with more confidence.

  • Should I still hire a guide to learn more?

    Yes! While this course will teach you a lot, it is still very helpful to hire a guide to solidify your learning and mountain travel techniques.

  • How is this different from a course like AST 2?

    This is NOT an avalanche course. While we briefly cover and teach some travel in avalanche terrain, you should still take the separate AST courses. In fact this course is designed to be complimentary to AST, and will help you learn even more from them.

  • I already understand map basics, and use some apps. Should I still take the course?

    Yes. I guarantee you will learn something new. There are modern techniques and tips that even many guides are still learning. Plus the course is open format so you can skip ahead to any videos of interest right away, or go back for review.

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