Backcountry Skill Courses
Backpackers Tune Up
Freshen up your skills and train for the season
Ready to get trail-ready?
Join a YAA guide for weekly training hikes around Whitehorse designed to build strength, endurance, and backcountry confidence. Over 8 weeks, we’ll progressively dial in your backpacking fitness while refreshing key outdoor skills.
Each hike features a new focus — from movement efficiency to practical backcountry know-how — so you’re primed for adventure when the season kicks off.
Come for one session, or go all in for the full 8-week push.
• May-June, Tuesdays, 6pm
• $25 + tax / session
• 8 People Maximum
Intro to Yukon Hiking
Start hiking northern landscapes with confidence
The Yukon offers some of the most spectacular hiking on Earth — but knowing how to travel safely makes all the difference. Whether you’re going on a day-hike or a weeklong backpacking trip, this course will give you an excellent foundation.
Our Intro to Yukon Hiking course blends classroom learning with real-world practice. First, we’ll cover trip planning, packing systems, and the essential gear that keeps you safe and comfortable in the backcountry.
Then we’ll step outside for a full day of hiking and immersive skill-building. You’ll learn navigation basics, how to build tarp shelters, Leave-No-Trace practices and how to ensure a weather and bear-proof campsite.
This course is for anyone who feels a little unsure where to start their hiking journey and wants to explore with confidence.
• June 11 (evening) + June 13 (full day)
•$150 + tax
• 8 People Maximum
Wayfinders Workshop
The ultimate map making and navigation course
Ever wanted to hike the Donjek route or go off the beaten path in the Tombstones? Up your backcountry game and learn how to navigate like a pro! Whether you’re new to the mountains or a seasoned hiker, this course will help you master advanced navigation skills.
With a blend of classroom and outdoor sessions, you’ll learn how to use powerful digital mapping software to build your own custom maps, apply traditional map and compass techniques to modern GPS devices, and how to travel on and off trail.
Leave the trail and start making your own way through the mountains with this hands-on experience.
• June 17 & 18 (evenings) + and June 20 (full day)
• $200 + tax
• 8 People Maximum