Can I take one of your courses?
Participants must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a field-based course, as required by the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation’s insurance provider. Participants under the age of 18 must have a guardian sign all required course paperwork prior to participation.
Most participants travel in the backcountry using skis or splitboards, or snowmobiles and snowbikes for motorized-specific courses. If you travel over snow using snowshoes or Nordic equipment, please contact us in advance to discuss available options. WCMAF is committed to providing quality avalanche education to all winter backcountry users whenever feasible.
No prior avalanche education is required for introductory courses. However, participants are expected to arrive with a working knowledge of the equipment they plan to use. To maximize limited field time and support participant safety, we strongly recommend testing and becoming comfortable with your equipment at a ski area or on local trails before the course begins.
Avalanche education courses are instructional and educational in nature and are not guided recreational trips. Field days prioritize learning objectives, observation, communication, and skill development over vertical gain or downhill mileage.
Minimum skill requirements for a Level 1 Avalanche Course
Participants must be able to:
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Link parallel turns proficiently on intermediate “blue square” ski runs
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Uphill tour several miles per day in winter conditions
Motorized participants must be comfortable:
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Riding off groomed trails
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Side-hilling
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Recovering stuck sleds
Participants who do not meet these minimum skill requirements may be unable to fully participate in field sessions.
Which course should I sign up for?
Avalanche Awareness
A 1–3 hour classroom-based session. Avalanche Awareness and Know Before You Go presentations are open to all ages and introduce avalanche hazards, essential equipment, and foundational decision-making concepts. These sessions are intended as introductory exposure only and do not replace a Level 1 Avalanche Course for individuals traveling in avalanche terrain.
Level 1 Avalanche Course
A minimum 24-hour course, with at least 60 percent of instruction conducted in the field. This course provides foundational training for safer backcountry travel, including pre-trip planning, weather and snowpack observations, avalanche terrain recognition, and basic companion rescue skills.
Avalanche Rescue Course
An 8-hour course with a minimum of 5 hours in the field. Instruction focuses on scenario-based rescue practice using transceivers, probes, and strategic shoveling techniques. This course is strongly recommended for all backcountry travelers and is best paired with wilderness first aid training.
Level 2 Avalanche Course
A minimum 24-hour course, with at least 60 percent field time. Designed for experienced backcountry travelers seeking to deepen their understanding of snowpack assessment, terrain management, and group decision-making. Prerequisites include successful completion of a Level 1 Avalanche Course and an Avalanche Rescue Course. Participants must be physically prepared for three consecutive days of travel in winter backcountry terrain during daylight hours.
For a broader overview of avalanche education pathways, visit the American Avalanche Association (A3) Training Progression, which outlines both recreational and professional tracks.
If I don’t have all the gear, where can I get it?
Backcountry touring gear is available for rent locally. In Missoula, rental options include:
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LB Snow
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Montana Ski Tech
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REI
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The Trail Head
Participants are responsible for ensuring rented equipment is appropriate, functional, and properly fitted prior to the start of the course.
My avalanche beacon is older. Is that OK?
Each participant must carry a three-antenna digital avalanche transceiver that is less than five years old. Analog transceivers are not permitted and should be retired. Participants are responsible for ensuring their beacon is fully functional prior to the course. If you are unsure whether your transceiver meets course requirements, please contact WCMAF before your course date.
What is included in a West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation course?
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Professional instruction
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Course workbooks
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Classroom and field instruction
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Lift tickets when operating out of a ski area, unless otherwise noted
What is not included?
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Transportation to and from the course venue
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Personal equipment
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Avalanche rescue equipment
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Food, unless otherwise noted
How likely is it that my course will run?
Most courses fill quickly and typically run as scheduled. However, minimum enrollment thresholds must be met. Courses may also be postponed or canceled due to environmental or safety concerns, including but not limited to high winds, extreme cold, or other hazardous conditions.
If a course is canceled by the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation, participants will be offered the option to reschedule into a future course or receive a full refund.
WCMAF cannot assume responsibility for participant travel costs or scheduling conflicts. Participants are strongly encouraged to consider trip insurance for personal or travel-related disruptions. Additional information is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
