Course Description

Format:

2 part classroom component + 2-day field component

Student to instructor ratio 4:1

Class size: 12 participants

Date | Location: 

Classroom Component | Tuesday 2.1.22 & Thursday 2.3.22 | Zoom Virtual Classroom  6 – 10 PM MST | 8 Hours Total

Field Component | Saturday 2.5.22 & Sunday 2.6.22  | Lolo Pass Backcountry 8 AM – 4 PM MST | 16 Hours Total

Price: $450.00

Avalanche Level 1

The level 1 course is designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers. This course focuses on developing a solid foundation in avalanche knowledge and backcountry travel skills. Following the American Avalanche Association (A3) guidelines, instructors cover systematic approaches for sorting and prioritizing information in the complex environment of decision-making in the backcountry.  Forty percent of the course is classroom-based and the other sixty percent is field-based. Participants will travel in the backcountry, in and around avalanche terrain.

This course focuses on the following:

  • Basic avalanche terminology
  • Recognizing avalanche terrain
  • Travel procedures in avalanche terrain
  • Formation of the mountain snowpack
  • How weather changes the snowpack
  • Human factors and how they can influence decision-making
  • Interpreting the avalanche forecast and advisory
  • Tour planning
  • Avalanche transceiver use and rescue skills
  • Field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather
  • Use and interpretation of stability tests
  • Prioritizing information, working as a team, and minimizing possible human factor traps
  • Next steps

Course includes:

  • All workbooks and instruction.

Participants provide:

  • Their own Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding Equipment
  • Avalanche Beacon, Shovel, Probe
  • Transportation to and from the course location
  • Their own food and water on field days 

Course Registration: