Most trips require sending the leader a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) so that a trip information sheet can be mailed to you (or use email). Some trips require specialized equipment and/or prepayment. The full trip schedule, including leader contact information, may be found by subscribing to the newsletter for $8.00 per year. To subscribe, send your name, address, work/home phone numbers, email address, previous ski experience, and a check for $8.00 made out to: "Backcountry Ski Section". Send this to:

Backcountry Ski Section
PO Box 1210
Tahoe City, CA 96145

• Beginner - Learning skiing fundamentals. Instruction and rentals for Nordic skiing is available at the Sierra Club Clair Tappaan Lodge (530)-426-3632.
• Adv. Beginner - Moderate skiing ability on gentle terrain. Trips are typically 3-7 miles and 500 feet of climb per day.
• Intermediate - Must climb and descend moderately difficult slopes wearing a pack under mixed snow conditions and be competent with climbing aids. Snow camping ability may be necessary. Typically 7-10 miles and 1,500 feet of climb per day.
• Adv. Intermediate - The same skill level as an intermediate, but able to climb and descend steeper slopes. Trips may be 10-15 miles and 2,500 feet of climb per day.
• Advanced - Winter mountaineering. Must be able to climb and descend all types of terrain, including steep peak ascents/descents, and handle all snow conditions with an overnight pack. Trips may be longer than 15 miles and/or more than 3,000 feet of climb per day.
• Expert - Very solid double black diamond downhill skiers with multi-day snow camping experience, Level I avalanche skills, snow climbing using crampons and ice axe, and basic rock climbing skills (Class 3). Trips emphasize skiing steep mountain slopes and couloirs with 4000+ ft of climbing per day.

In order to participate on one of the Sierra Club's outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you wish to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see Sierra Club waiver policy or phone The Sierra Club at (415) 977-5630. The waiver used by the Backcountry Ski Section:

In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.