Backcountry Smarter!
Backcountry Smarter: The Off-Piste Toolkit
Introducing our groundbreaking new course for Autumn – Winter ‘25/26 to build your backcountry autonomy. Simple methods to transform your backcountry ski technique and decision-making ability!
Want to build real confidence off-piste — not just in your skiing, but in understanding your gear and making safer decisions?
I am teaming up with Henry Schniewind of henrysavalanchetalk.com to offer a series of events and courses designed to give you a complete off-piste toolkit: the knowledge, technique, and decision-making skills you need for greater autonomy in the backcountry.
Kicking off with a FREE Online ‘Webinar’ Session with Henry & me (Mark)
This webinar is a value packed event in and of itself (not just us flogging the on-snow course!). We hit on really useful points that you can take away with you and apply later too.
24 June at 18:30 BST
(1930 CET)
What we'll cover
Equipment – Understanding the right ski, boot & binding combinations for you
(plus essential safety gear)Technique – Control, line choice, and efficient skiing off-piste
Risk Management – Smarter decision-making, reducing risk & being prepared for rescue
More sessions starting this autumn
Online and in-person — stay tuned for dates and details.
On-Snow Sessions
Join us on snow this December & January (see dates and details below)
✓ Gain the technical skill to handle real terrain
✓ Build the knowledge and mindset to make your own safe decisions
✓ Become the skier who knows where to go, how to move — and when to say no
This Backcountry Smarter series of events is both a complement to our upcoming ORTOVOX UK Off Piste Awareness Tour this autumn, and a great way to follow them up in the ‘Safety is Freedom’ spirit on-snow afterwards. Details of all our Autumn 2025 events will be appearing on our UK events page and on henrysavalanchetalk.com website in the next few weeks.
Henry and I will be introducing the Course in more detail during the upcoming Free Webinar on 24th June at 18.30 UK time.
The Backcountry Smarter ‘Off-Piste Toolkit’ includes two simple, yet powerful methods for developing:
Control & Technique
A method developed and delivered by Mark Jones, former BASI Trainer and 4x Interski Demo Team member. Mark’s approach to fun, efficient skiing in all snow types — especially off-piste — has helped hundreds of BASI candidates reach the highest levels of ski instruction, and thousands of recreational skiers discover greater confidence and enjoyment in challenging terrain.
Safety & Adventure
Using Henry’s Framework Method, developed through Henry’s Avalanche Talk (HAT): a practical system for making better decisions in complex mountain environments. This method is increasingly adopted by top professionals — including ski instructors, guides, military personnel, financial risk managers, surgeons, and even former fighter pilots — as a go-to, all-in-one model for decision making, risk & crisis management under pressure.
Pocket Guide Training
To reinforce what you learn, you’ll receive compact pocket memory aids — practical reference tools to support your decisions and techniques both during and after the course.
What You’ll Learn
Split 50/50 between technique and safety, each day includes:
With Mark (All Mountain Pro)
Learn easy, simple solutions to enable powerful, flowing off-piste technique
Improve ease of turning, balance, and terrain adaptability
Video analysis and debrief on every session for personalized feedback
With Henry (HAT)
Apply a practical method for decisions, risk reduction and rescue
Learn how to assess terrain, conditions, and avalanche risk
Build habits for independent, smart adventure
Who It’s For
Skiers who can link 5–10 turns confidently in ungroomed fresh snow, off-piste and who want to:
Level up consistency and enjoyment in variable terrain
Better understand how to apply backcountry / avalanche safety
Move from following to leading
Your Coaches
Mark Jones
Highly respected ski coach in Val d’Isère and worldwide., ex BASI Demo Team member (4x Interski), previous examiner and trainer for BASI and founder of All Mountain Pro. Mark is known for making high-performance skiing accessible and sustainable for all conditions.
Henry Schniewind
One of the world’s most respected providers of avalanche awareness, education & accident reduction. Founder of Henry’s Avalanche Talk (HAT), presenter at international snow science conferences, and author of the Safety is Freedom risk management pocket guide . Henry is also an off-piste ski instructor guide at the off-piste specialist ski school, Alpine Experience.
Course Details
Group Size: Max 6 skiers
Coaching Hours: 9am–2pm (includes break)
Off-snow sessions: Video feedback + safety workshops
Outcome: Knowledge & performance improvement guaranteed
Dates & Pricing
8–12 December 2025 (4 of these 5 days)
12–16 January 2026 (ditto)
Price: €790 per person
Booking & More Info
If you are interested in having more fun in the backcountry and the subject of risk management, please sign up to our newsletter.
