Who We Are

The volunteers who run the class — and how to join them.

The Backcountry Travel program runs entirely on volunteers. Our leadership and instructors are Washington Alpine Club members who founded the class, took it themselves, or come from the wider Pacific Northwest backcountry community — guides, Mountain Rescue and Search and Rescue members, SPART, NWAC affiliates, and ski patrollers among them.

Every instructor is vetted before they teach. We confirm that their knowledge and skills match current backcountry safety standards, and reflect the Washington Alpine Club's commitment to safety, inclusivity, and stewardship of the places we ski. We run regular training to bring new instructors in, keep teaching consistent across the team, and stay aligned with AIARE methodology.

Co-chairs

Alan Corrao
Chelsea Oprandi
Kristian Eschenburg

Reach us at wac-bc-chairs@googlegroups.com.