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!

Our summer ‘Webinar’ Session (recording below) introduces the Backcountry Smarter on-snow course. This Webinar came about as a result of Mark and me planning to do the on-snow course together but then realising that there are so many pieces of the course that we can share with you long before the season –  useful elements that you can take away with you now!

Take a look at it for really useful points to take away with you now and to apply later too :

• 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.

“Backcountry Smarter” 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

These 4-day courses are both a complement to our upcoming ORTOVOX UK Off Piste Awareness Tour this autumn, and a follow-up in the ‘Safety is Freedom’ spirit on-snow. Details of all our Autumn 2025 events will be appearing on our UK events page and on All Mountain Pro website in the next few weeks. December and January dates for our Backcountry Smarter on-snow courses appear further down in this blog.

See the webinar recording above where Mark and I  introduce the on-snow Course in more detail.

The Backcountry Smarter ‘Off-Piste Toolkit’ includes 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

Visit: henrysavalanchetalk.com | allmountainpro.co.uk

If you are interested in having more fun in the backcountry and the subject of risk management, please sign up to our newsletter at the top right of this blog post!