Escape the crowds, explore and learn
in spectacular Sun Peaks, British Columbia backcountry.
You don't know what you don't know!
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"We specialize in introducing new , aspiring ski and snowboard enthusiasts to the backcountry "
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Sign up NOW for early season AST1 ZOOM classroom sessions!
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ABOUT SUN PEAKS BACKCOUNTRY TOURS AND AVALANCHE TRAINING
Owner, Bodie Shandro has been a permanent fixture in Sun Peaks backcountry for over two decades. He is a professionally certified CSIA Level 3 Ski Instructor, CSGA Ski Guide, Wilderness First Responder, and Avalanche Canada Licensed AST Provider.  Bodie is a former Mike Wiegele Heli Ski Guide and Backcountry Program Coordinator for Sun Peaks Ski School.
TOURS AND COURSES
Adventure Awaits
TREE WELLS & ALL MOUNTAIN SAFETY
An absolute must do, one day course for all skiers and snowboarders who venture off of groomed runs. Learn about how tree wells form, safe riding in the trees, what to do if you fall in a tree well and how to rescue someone. Additionally, this course will introduce you to often overlooked hazards that one may encounter such as cold exposure injuries, variable snow conditions and more.
Daily 9:30am - 3:30pm
$199/person * $20 single lift pass not included.
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INTRODUCTION TO BACKCOUNTRY TOURING
Are you new to backcountry touring, looking to escape the crowds, this is the course for you!
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of safe backcountry travel, including terrain assessment, hazard analysis, companion rescue as well as equipment familiarization, and backcountry touring techniques.
Transceiver, probe, shovel and pack provided.
* Powder skis and skins, snowboards and snowshoe rentals available upon request.
No special boots are required.
Daily 9:30am - 3:30pm
$199/person * $20 single lift pass not included.
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GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOURS
Explore Sun Peaks backcountry on this spectacular, easy, Tod Mountain tour with a local professional guide.
Ski what you see on your favourite summer hikes. Ideal for first timers.
No previous experience required.
Transceiver, probe, shovel and pack provided.
* Powder skis and skins, snowboards and snowshoe rentals available upon request.
No special boots are required.
Daily 9:30am - 3:30pm
$199/person * $20 single lift pass not included.
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AVALANCHE SKILLS TRAINING 1
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Do you and your friends or family members venture out of bounds, off the trails or into the backcountry? An AST 1 is a MUST take course to travel safely in the mountains. The biggest obstacle most skiers and boarders face is “You don't know what you don’t know. The Avalanche Canada Avalanche Skills Training course is where you will learn about
avalanche formation and release, how to identify avalanche terrain, the basics of trip planning, optimal use of tools and resources like the avalanche forecasts to mitigate your avalanche risk, use appropriate travel techniques in avalanche terrain, and an introduction to companion rescue. Upon completion you will receive an Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Certificate, Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Book, Avaluator Booklet and Avaluator Slope Assessment Field Card, Companion Rescue Field Card.
Transceiver, probe, shovel and pack provided.
* Powder skis and skins, snowboards and snowshoe rentals available upon request.
No special boots are required.
2 day course with optional day 1 via ZOOM. *special snowshoe courses available upon request.
$289/person * $20 single lift pass not included.
*Fall 2023 /winter 2024 AST1 dates: ZOOM (day 1 sessions) October 22, 29 November 5, 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10, 17. Then every weekend throughout the remainder of the season we will offer both field days and full 2 day courses. Please call or email to register.
Bodie 250 318-0722
bodie@sunpeaksbackcountry.com
COMPANION RESCUE
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If you have completed your AST1 the next step is a one day Companion Rescue Course. Review, refresh, and build upon your avalanche safety knowledge. Practice your companion rescue skills and advance beyond the scope of AST1 by learning how to deal with multiple burials, close-proximity multiple burials, deep burials, co-ordinate group rescues, and search without transceivers. Discussion topics also include airbags, new shovelling techniques, and avalanche incident triage.
$139/person * $20 single lift pass not included. Dec 4 and Dec 5.
HELI CAT TRIPÂ WARM UP
Arrive at your heli or cat ski trip of a lifetime better prepared, mentally, physically and more safely.
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There are so many nuances specific to heli and cat skiing and this one day course offers a focused environment with less distractions to develop your skills. Warm up and fine tune your riding or skiing, develop an awareness of mountain hazards, learn tree well safety, companion rescue as well as helicopter and snowcat safety.
$199/person * $20 single lift pass not included.
GUEST REVIEWS
Thanks again for a great course. You did a fantastic job of keeping us engaged through an epic day of info on Zoom and helped to create a really positive and encouraging environment for learning during the on-snow day. I think everyone came out of the course with increased knowledge and confidence along with a healthy respect for the backcountry. Well done.
As someone who has evaluated instructors at a high level for many years I'm glad I reached out to you. I look forward to taking more courses with you in the future.
Simon Holden
Executive Director / CEO
Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors
CASI Level 4 - Level 4 Evaluator
2 time Interski Team Member
CSIA Level 4 - Level 2 Course Conductor
CSCF Development Level Coach
CANSI Level 1 Telemark
CANSI Level 1 XC
PMBIA Level 3 - Level 2 Course Conductor
Bodie Shandro is just awesome. I was fortunate enough to take my AST1 course with him and I am so glad I did. Bodie is the type of teacher that draws you into the learning by being engaging, inspirational, extremely knowledgeable and fun! I took this course with my 12 year son as well as a bunch of others from all experience levels which in itself presents challenges, but Bodie's ability to reach and teach us all was truly inspiring! I will going back to Bodie to continue my training and I highly recommend you reach out to him for all your backcountry needs.Â
Johnny Crichton ChCP
Vice President BC Alpine.
I took an Avalanche Skills Training Course with Bodie and I had the opportunity to be guided by him on a backcountry tour. I appreciate his professionalism, fun and engaging way to teach and coach people. He is very knowledgeable in the backcountry and whatever the situation, safety is put first,  which makes people more confident in the mountains.
Having Bodie as a coach, I have improved my backcountry travel skills, I learned to better read avalanche terrain and I improved my skills in hazard analysis. As a mountain guide myself, I can appreciate Bodie's extensive mountain experience and knowledge. He is definitely the backcountry expert at Sun Peaks Resort and I am looking forward to learn more about backcountry skiing with him.
Carole Allard
CSIA Level 2 ski instructor
CANSI Level 2 XC ski instructor
CANSI Level 1 Telemark ski instructor
IGA Interpretive Guide
IGA 4 seasons hiking guide
FQME Via Ferrata Guide
I signed up my 11 year old son for an All Mountain Safety Course with Bodie Shandro at Sun Peaks Resort. His cool, calm and collected way of instructing was very engaging, and he made it a fun yet highly educational experience for my son, who came home excited and with a big smile on his face after each session. I now feel more confident letting him ski without me being there. We have also recommended Bodie to our guests as a guide and/or instructor and they have all raved about their time with him. I highly recommend Bodie as a Guide and/or Instructor.
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Nancy Brown
Best Sun Peaks Vacation Rentals
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I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed and learned in your AST Course. I’m a professor at the University of Toronto, and I have seen a lot of people teach, speak, and lecture in my career. You are among the very best I’ve ever experienced!
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Mark Manger
THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
