A student at base camp in Turnagain Pass.
Alaska Pacific University’s (APU) unique block course, Introduction to Winter Wilderness Skills, recently concluded, offering students a transformative experience in the backcountry during winter. Led by Anne St. Clair, a visiting faculty member in the Outdoor Studies program, this immersive course provided students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to navigate Alaska’s winter wilderness safely. In part driven by climate change, this year’s snow conditions and weather were particularly anomalous and severe, causing the group to cut their final traverse short by two days.
Anne St. Clair, whose expertise lies in avalanche risk management from a social science perspective, emphasized one of the course’s unique aspects:
“When we are studying environmental risk management perspectives, the experts are Indigenous elders and their Knowledge Systems, so it was really special to incorporate these Ways of Knowing into the course,” She explains.
She saw the program as a gateway for students from diverse backgrounds to gain outdoor skills, breaking down barriers to what has traditionally been an exclusive domain. She explains that, “It’s a steep learning curve, so I’m excited that we have a program that can get more people on board who don’t typically have these types of opportunities available to them.”
Students walk away from this course with a Recreational Level 1 certificate recognized by the American Avalanche Association, course credit, and the ability to safely navigate and live in a winter backcountry setting.
A Comprehensive Three-Week Winter Expedition
This course builds on APU’s Introduction to Wilderness Skills Fall Yukon Backpacking Course and provides students with an inclusive, non-gear-dependent introduction to winter backcountry travel. Students received top-tier rental gear through APU’s partnerships, including Black Diamond. Over 26 days, 9 students progressed from foundational skills to a challenging traverse, culminating in an unforgettable learning experience.
The course also served as a prerequisite for two APU classes; Snow and Avalanche Science for Professionals 1, where students go into the field every Friday, earning their Recreational Level 2 and preparing for the Professional I exam, and Expedition Mountaineering, in which students mountaineer in the Alaska Range during the May Block period.
Practicing winter camping skills on APU’s campus.
Week 1: Building Skills
The first week was dedicated to issuing gear, avalanche safety training, and movement skills, including:
- Cold injury prevention, nutrition, and avalanche awareness
- Ski touring fundamentals at Hilltop and Flattop in Glen Alps
- Backcountry rescue and snow travel practice
- A first backcountry ski tour to apply skills learned
Week 2: Base Camp in Turnagain Pass
Students established a five-day base camp at Center Ridge, gaining essential winter camping skills and coming together to learn from fellow students. During this portion of the trip, each student led a lesson on a wide range of topics, such as night sky navigation, animal adaptations, and traditional foods.
The 2025 Cohort shares student stories and lessons in the quinzee.
Another impactful moment of the trip happened during this base camp time. The cohort came together to build a quinzee, a Athabaskan-style snow shelter made by hollowing out a pile of snow. Snow insulates, trapping air to create a “cozy, social, peaceful space” where everyone could come together to share stories and learn.
Duc Ngo, who doubled as an APU staff member and student on this trip, led a lesson on Alaska Native games while inside a quinzee. Another student, Audri Goodwine, spoke about traditional Alaska Native foods and her relationship to them throughout her own upbringing. Together, the students were able to learn independence in the backcountry, while also learning more about the land and place where they recreate. This moment embodied APU’s approach to education—integrating Indigenous knowledge with hands-on experience.
Students playing cards together behind a snow wall.
Week 3: Traverse through Dogsled Pass
The final challenge was an eight-day traverse in the Talkeetnas, with conditions dictating route flexibility. This year, the group had to make due with little snowfall, so they looked for a traverse in colder and higher elevation areas.
By day three, a major storm system forced adjustments. Late January brought an atmospheric river that lashed the state with incredible amounts of rain and snow for multiple days. As a result, the instructors decided to shift the plan to an out-and-back route to prioritize safety as avalanche conditions continued to rise. Despite enduring some of the harshest conditions—including ankle-deep water during the final miles—students embraced the adversity together.
Students walk through ankle-deep water during the final trek out.
“Being unified around a shared goal is becoming more rare, and so I think we all really appreciated this experience, especially with the storm creating such unique hardships that made everyone come together even more than they already were,” says St. Clair.
The final two days were an arduous push, covering 7-9 miles on the last day, yet teamwork and perseverance prevailed.
Ngo reflected on the bond that formed, “Living in the backcountry involves so many small tasks like staying warm or feeding yourself, and I found that by working together to do all of these things, the students formed closer relationships and a real sense of camaraderie.”
Takeaways and Lasting Impact
Beyond the technical skills and certifications, the course instilled resilience, teamwork, and a deep respect for the land. While blisters and soaked gear left temporary discomfort, the long-term impact was profound:
- Hazard assessment and risk management skills
- Understanding environmental challenges and adaptability
- Fostering community and leadership in stressful situations
Students backcountry touring with all their gear during the final stages of the course.
APU’s Introduction to Winter Wilderness Skills is one of the only undergraduate programs in the U.S. that integrates snow science with diverse world perspectives, making it a truly unique educational opportunity. As St. Clair put it:
“Doesn’t matter who you are or how you recreate, everyone has their finger on the pulse of winter and the mountains in this community.”
