Alpine School
SHEJUMPS ALPINE SCHOOL
The SheJumps Alpine School, presented by Arc'teryx, offers two unique backcountry ski programs in the mountains of British Columbia. Alpine Development School, held at Valhalla Mountain Touring, focuses on advanced ski touring skills, while Alpine Finishing School is our renowned ski mountaineering course at Selkirk Lodge.
Designed for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders, both programs provide the opportunity to build confidence, expand technical skills, and explore incredible terrain in a supportive, women-centered environment led by women ACMG guides. While each course combines technical instruction, mountain travel, and exceptional skiing, they offer distinct learning experiences and goals.
ALPINE DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL
Alpine Development School (ADS) is designed for advanced backcountry skiers and splitboarders who are ready to level up their decision-making, navigation, and terrain management skills. ADS takes place at the incredible snowcat-accessed Valhalla Mountain Touring Lodge in British Columbia, Canada from April 11-18, 2027.
This immersive course is designed for those ready to spend BIG days in the alpine where you will:
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Create thoughtful route plans using current weather, avalanche forecasts, and snowpack conditions.
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Confidently use digital navigation tools in both familiar and unfamiliar terrain.
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Set efficient, safe skin tracks across a variety of slope angles and snow conditions.
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Navigate complex terrain to reduce avalanche exposure while traveling uphill and downhill.
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Strengthen group dynamics and contribute to a supportive and inclusive team environment.
Whether you're looking to lead more confidently or deepen your knowledge of mountain travel, this course offers experiential learning to help you take the next step in your backcountry progression. This is an excellent preparation course for our Alpine Finishing School course. Please see our blog or the course registration page for a full list of course prerequisites.
ALPINE FINISHING SCHOOL
Alpine Finishing School (AFS) is an opportunity for advanced to expert backcountry skiers and splitboarders to learn the skills of ski mountaineering in a supportive and encouraging environment at the helicopter-accessed Selkirk Lodge in British Columbia, Canada from April 24-May 1, 2027.
This "OG" skill-building course will include a combination of classroom sessions and outdoor practice that covers topics such as:
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Terrain management
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Glacier travel
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Crevasse rescue
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Route planning
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Companion rescue
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Navigation
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Anchor setting
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Rappelling
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Belaying, and more!
Alpine Finishing School strives to provide a space for women to grow not only in technical skill set, but also their confidence in tackling bigger objectives while chasing their backcountry ambitions. Please see our blog or the course registration page for a full list of course prerequisites.
AT A GLANCE
ALPINE DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL
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Advanced ski touring
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Long days focused on terrain management, avalanche assessment, and snow conditions
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6–8 hour tours
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3,000–6,000 feet of vertical per day
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Digital route planning and decision-making
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Non-glaciated terrain
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Minimal classroom time
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Comfortable backcountry lodge with sauna and hot showers
ALPINE FINISHING
SCHOOL
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Ski mountaineering
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Balanced days of skiing and classroom instruction
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2–3 hour tours plus skills sessions
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2,000–3,000 feet of vertical per day
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Map & compass navigation, Glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and rope systems
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Glaciated terrain
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Significant skills practice and classroom instruction
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High-alpine glacier lodge experience.
MEET YOUR ALPINE SCHOOL GUIDES
Kate Devine
ACMG Ski Guide, Owner/Operator of the Selkirk Lodge: Kate Devine was born into a mountain lifestyle. Her family built the Selkirk Backcountry Lodge near Revelstoke, BC and she started ski touring there as a kid with her parents. Kate went on to pursue a guiding career, passing her first guides exam at 24. Kate is a great role model for young, independent mountain women. She has been teaching for the Alpine Finishing School since its inception and brings an amazing amount of experience to the course. She has an incredibly thorough knowledge of the terrain surrounding the lodge and is passionate about sharing it with people from all over the world.
Jasmin Caton
Jasmin Caton (@jasmincaton) is an ACMG Ski and Rock guide, mother of twins and lover of mountains. She is also the owner, operator, and lead guide of Valhalla Mountain Touring. Whether skiing blissful powder, climbing exhilarating ridges and faces, hiking through flowery meadows or plunging in cold lakes, in the mountains is where Jasmin feels the most happy and free. Known in the industry as a #BOSSLADY, Caton is an expert instructor as well as an inspiration to the next generation of female guides, backcountry adventurers, and entrepreneurs.
Hannah Kendall
Hannah Kendall (@hannahkendall) grew up skiing in the Rockies, but has called Revelstoke home for the last decade. As a certified ACMG guide, she spends her winters ski guiding at various operations in the Columbia mountains, both ski touring and heliskiing. Hannah shows up to guide and teach in the backcountry with a calm confidence that can only come from a deep well of legendary experiences. She’s here to shred hard, laugh loud, and snack often—with equal parts grace and style. When she isn’t working, Hannah enjoys running and climbing whilst exploring the mountains.
Lara Shea
Lara Shea is a Canadian Ski Guide Association (CSGA) guide with more than a decade of experience working as an avalanche professional for mechanized ski operations throughout British Columbia. This will be Lara's third year guiding Alpine Finishing School courses. Known for her positivity, humor, and thoughtful approach to teaching, Lara is passionate about helping others build confidence and competence in the mountains. Her journey to becoming a ski guide has been marked by perseverance, dedication, and a genuine love for sharing mountain experiences with others.
Shannon Werner
Shannon spent 13 years Ski Patrolling for Lake Louise, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and ventured to the Southern Hemisphere to work as an Avalanche Forecaster at the Craigieburn Club field on the South Island of New Zealand. In 2007, she left the Rockies and moved to Revelstoke. In 2010, Shannon started working for Avalanche Canada as a Public Avalanche Forecaster and coordinates the Avalanche Canada Youth Program, which provides grade specific avalanche awareness to over 7000 students throughout BC and AB. In 2016, she completed her Ski Guide certification through the ACMG and continues to work under all three hats. Avalanche education and awareness combined with enabling people to have the confidence in decision making, the skill set, and enthusiasm for mountain sports and culture is what drives her.
THE FINE PRINT
*The price of the course reflects equitable wages for our guides, access to comprehensive online training and curriculum, as well as a guided educational experience in the mountains. The Alpine Finishing School is a top-notch backcountry experience to learn tips, tricks, and systems for keeping you and your team healthy, happy and ready to ski amazing lines each day. Gratuity is not included in the price and we encourage our participants to consider 10-15% additional as a tip for the guides. All tips are shared by event staff, including the custodian.