The path to mastery is never a straight line, nor is it the same path for any two people. We all lead different lives and learn at different paces. Yet the current structure seems to follow a linear, transactional approach to education. Our goal is to make the entire journey accessible, whether just starting out or a seasoned vet wanting to refine their skills, stay sharp, and do something positive for the next generation.
By incorporating the same principles of martial arts, we aim for a more holistic approach to developing one’s skills and instincts to create the most well-rounded mountain athlete. While there isn’t exactly groundbreaking new information we share, the goal is to provide structure and consistency, wherever you are in the journey, to help find commonality in other people along a similar journey.
This is just the start but as we grow and develop the standards here may change. But for now, this is our baseline and it seems like a good one so far.
We would love to get feedback from the community to make this progression system the best it can be. Please leave a comment or get in touch if you have some good ideas on what this system needs. If you like what you see, remember to register to stay in the loop and to connect with others who want to share in the journey.
The Belt Levels
These are the different belts offered. New members will get an assesment for which level they are at, with the hope that we can use humility and understanding to help us all be more proficient in the mountains.
White Belt
First Season
Focus: Introduction to backcountry fundamentals, safety, and essential movement skills.
Mindset: Humility, beginner’s mindset, and respect for the mountains.
Core Skills & Knowledge:
✔ Understanding backcountry gear (beacon, shovel, probe, skins if applicable)
✔ Basics of avalanche safety (reading reports, recognizing terrain traps)
✔ Efficient transitions from uphill to downhill (if splitboarding or ski touring)
✔ Understanding aspect and terrain selection
✔ Basic downhill control in variable snow conditions
✔ Intro to decision-making in a group (following a leader, communication)
Achievements to Unlock:
* First Descent – Complete a basic backcountry run with confidence.
* Beacon Basics – Successfully perform a beacon search in a controlled setting.
* Navigation Newb – Identify terrain features using a topographic map.
Blue Belt
1-2 Winters
Focus: Confidence in controlled backcountry settings, learning to move efficiently, and making independent decisions.
Mindset: Curiosity and awareness of one’s impact on the environment and group.
Core Skills & Knowledge:
✔ Intermediate terrain selection based on avalanche hazard
✔ Refining skiing/riding technique for deeper snow and variable conditions
✔ Learning about wind-loading and snowpack variability
✔ More efficient transitions and skinning technique (if applicable)
✔ Using natural terrain to manage speed and safety
✔ Making basic group decisions (where to stop, which route to take)
Achievements to Unlock:
* Safe Line Badge – Successfully descend a moderately challenging run with good terrain management.
* Beacon Mastery Badge – Locate a buried beacon in under 5 minutes.
* Slope Angle Awareness Badge – Accurately measure and record slope angles.
Green Belt
2-3 Winters
Focus: Precision in movement, awareness of conditions, and managing risk independently.
Mindset: Becoming comfortable with uncertainty and embracing the learning process.
Core Skills & Knowledge:
✔ Efficient skiing/riding in technical terrain (tree runs, gullies, rolling features)
✔ Understanding convexities, trigger points, and avalanche paths
✔ Confidently navigating moderate backcountry routes without guidance
✔ Performing group check-ins and decision-making at key points
✔ Self-arrest techniques in case of a fall in steep terrain
✔ Navigating in low-visibility conditions
Achievements to Unlock:
* Deep Snow Mastery Badge – Confidently ski/rip deep snow without losing control.
* Route Planning Badge – Successfully plan and execute a backcountry tour.
* Crisis Control Badge – Demonstrate ability to respond calmly in minor backcountry emergencies.
Yellow Belt
1-2 Winters
Focus: Leading within a group, taking initiative in trip planning, and refining riding techniques in more serious terrain.
Mindset: Responsibility and risk assessment—balancing ambition with caution.
Core Skills & Knowledge:
✔ Transitioning from “follower” to “active decision-maker” in a backcountry setting
✔ Managing a small group and ensuring safety while descending
✔ Choosing safe, high-quality lines in varying snow conditions
✔ Building efficient emergency shelters (snow caves, pits, etc.)
✔ Increasing confidence in avalanche rescue scenarios
✔ Refining control in steep, technical lines
Achievements to Unlock:
* Leadership Badge – Successfully lead a small group on a safe backcountry mission.
* Technical Descent Badge – Ride/ski a 35-degree or steeper face in controlled conditions.
* Rescue Ready Badge – Complete a multi-person avalanche rescue simulation.
Orange Belt
1-2 Winters
Focus: Decision-making in bigger terrain, pushing technical abilities, and being a resource for others.
Mindset: Proactive thinking—moving beyond avoiding risk to strategically using terrain to your advantage.
Core Skills & Knowledge:
✔ Riding technical lines with confidence and control
✔ Group hazard management – managing multiple people in avalanche terrain
✔ Advanced terrain reading – safely choosing drops, chutes, pillows
✔ Practicing self-extrication techniques in case of burial or injury
✔ Leadership in high-pressure situations
✔ Understanding how personal decision-making biases affect safety
Achievements to Unlock:
* Big Terrain Badge – Successfully ride/ski a committing line with safe exit strategies.
* Group Decision-Making Badge – Lead a team in real-time terrain decisions.
* Mental Game Badge – Demonstrate composure in an intense backcountry situation.
Red Belt
1-2 Winters
Focus: Tackling serious terrain, leading groups into complex zones, and formulating unique approaches to risk management.
Mindset: Strategic and creative thinking—understanding when to push and when to hold back.
Core Skills & Knowledge:
✔ Confidently navigating high-consequence terrain (exposure, no-fall zones)
✔ Route finding for multi-day backcountry adventures
✔ Mastering intuition alongside data-driven decision-making
✔ Evaluating snowpack trends across a season
✔ Training others to ascend through the belts
Achievements to Unlock:
* Big Line Badge – Complete a high-exposure descent (with safety margins).
* Expedition Planner Badge – Successfully plan a multi-day backcountry tour.
* Mentor Badge – Act as a mentor for a lower-belt level group.
Black Belt
3-5 Winters
Focus: True mastery—your own philosophy on backcountry riding, training the next generation, and expanding the sport responsibly.
Mindset: Balance—respecting the mountains, knowing when to push and when to walk away.
Core Skills & Knowledge:
✔ Refining one’s own riding philosophy in the mountains
✔ Ability to adapt any line to changing conditions
✔ Training and coaching others at the highest level
✔ Developing new theories on decision-making in extreme terrain
✔ Leading in education, mentorship, and guiding practices
Achievements to Unlock (Still in Development)
* Philosopher Badge – Present and teach your personal backcountry approach to others.
* Master Guide Badge – Train an entire group through all belt levels.
* Legacy Badge – Contribute knowledge that changes how people ride in the backcountry.