Avalanche Level 1

Instructional Format

• Two Evening In-Person Classroom Sessions
• Two Full-Day Field Components
• Student-to-Instructor Field Ratio: 4:1
• Maximum Class Size: 8 participants

Dates | Locations | Times

Classroom Sessions
Tuesday, January 12 & Thursday, January 14, 2027
Missoula, MT | 6–9 PM MT

Field Sessions
Saturday, January 16 & Sunday, January 17, 2027
Rattlesnake Wilderness Backcountry | 8 AM–5 PM MT

Overview

The Avalanche Level 1 course is designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers ready to build a strong foundation in avalanche safety and mountain travel. As an American Avalanche Association (A3) Recognized Provider, we deliver courses in alignment with A3 curriculum guidelines, using industry-leading methodologies that incorporate structured, repeatable approaches to gathering, analyzing, and prioritizing information to support informed decision-making in the backcountry.

Led by A3-certified professional educators, the course blends classroom instruction with immersive on-snow field sessions. With two full days dedicated to field-based learning and a low 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, participants gain a personalized, hands-on experience grounded in real-world winter backcountry travel and avalanche safety fundamentals.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn to:

• Understand key avalanche terminology, avalanche problems, and safety principles
• Identify avalanche terrain, recognize terrain traps, and apply appropriate travel protocols
• Interpret avalanche forecasts, danger ratings, and weather and snowpack conditions
• Plan backcountry tours using structured, repeatable decision-making processes
• Operate avalanche rescue equipment and perform effective companion rescues
• Recognize critical field observations and apply basic snowpack assessment techniques
• Use communication, teamwork, and risk management strategies to address human factors
• Understand the limitations of Level 1 training and the importance of continued education

Course Includes

• Instruction from A3-certified professional educators
• Printed course workbook and study materials
• In-person classroom sessions and guided backcountry field instruction
• Lift tickets (if applicable for ski area access during courses)

Participants Provide

• Transportation to and from classroom and field locations
• Personal backcountry touring gear
• Avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel, probe)
• Food and water for each course day

Questions?

Contact us at [email protected]

Gain the skills, confidence, and awareness to make informed decisions and manage risk in the backcountry.

Registration

Advance registration is required. Space is limited to 8 participants.