Avalanche Courses

Level 1: Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain

Level 1 Avalanche | Level 2 Avalanche | Backcountry Skiing | Ski the Peaks

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2008/2009 Level 1 Course Dates

• December 19 - 21; January 2- 4 ; January 17 - 19; February 6 - 8; February 20 - 22; March 6 - 8
• Cost: $265 per person (includes free Avy kit!)
• Capacity: 12 students and 2 instructors
• Avalanche Beacon, Probe, & Shovel Rental: $35
• We also have ski touring equipment available to rent at our shop!

General Information

Our 3 day A.I.A.R.E. Qualified Level 1 Avalanche Course provides a complete introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, avalanche terrain, decision making, and rescue protocol. This course fulfillls the requirments of an AIARE Level 1 Course and is 3 days long. The Level 1 course is part of an education stream which includes both a Level 2 and Level 3 progression. This is a comprehensive course for those new to travel in avalanche terrain. Highlights include a small class size, professional level curriculum, and skier/snowboarder oriented instruction. Participants in the Level 1 Course can expect a minimum of about 8 hours of classroom instruction and about 16 hours of field instruction in the following subjects:

• Types of avalanches
• Characteristics of avalanches
• How avalanches form and release
• Assessing avalanche terrain
• Trip planning and preparation
• Route Finding
• Decision making
• Rescue protocols and procedures

We meet at 8:00 am on the first day and spend a full day in the classroom learning terminology and general avalanche principles. The following two days are spent "in the field" between Coal Bank Pass and Silverton.

Prerequisites: Participants will need to have an established method of backcountry travel for field days (skis and skins, or snowshoes). These courses take place outside in winter conditions. All participants need to be prepared for physical exertion in cold and perhaps poor weather. Participants will need to have appropriate warm, winter clothing and gear.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.

email or call 1-800-642-5389 for a brochure

Avalanche Awareness Course: 1 day in the field

The awareness course provides backcountry skiers, climbers, snowshoers and snowmobilers a comprehensive understanding of winter avalanche dangers. This course is an abreviation of the level one course. We cover terrain recognition, weather, and conditions that can preclude avalanche conditions. Participants will explore and understand basic avalanche terrain and conditions, travel techniques and avoidance of avalanche terrain. There will be introduction and practice with basic avalanche safety equipment including, beacons, shovels and probes. This is an excellent course to be taken in conjunction with an ice climbing course and is included as part of our multi-day, fixed date ice climbing courses.

• 2008/2009 Dates: Jan. 20; Feb. 3
• Cost: $110 per person (2 or more people must be signed up for the course). Beacon Rental: $10. Snowshoe rental: $10