Avalanche Rescue

Format

• One Evening Online Introduction and Q&A Session
• One Full-Day Field Component

Learning Ratios

• Field-Based On-Snow Learning: 100%
• Student-to-Instructor Ratio: 4:1 (for personalized instruction)
• Maximum Class Size: 8 participants

Dates | Locations | Times

Online Session
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 6–7 PM MT

Field Session
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Rattlesnake Wilderness Backcountry | 8 AM–5 PM MT

Course Description

The Avalanche Rescue Course is a one-day, stand-alone course designed to keep backcountry travelers up to date with the latest best practices in avalanche rescue. This course is intended to be retaken regularly to maintain proficiency in rescue techniques and to stay current with advancements in equipment and protocols.

New participants will learn the fundamentals of companion rescue, while returning participants will refine their skills through advanced scenarios and hands-on coaching. Each student receives personalized feedback from professional instructors and an American Avalanche Association (A3) Avalanche Rescue Course certification upon completion.

This course is a prerequisite for both Avalanche Level 2 and Pro 1 courses. It is strongly recommended that all backcountry travelers refresh their rescue skills by taking this course every two years.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for both new and experienced backcountry travelers, as well as aspiring avalanche professionals. Whether you are learning rescue fundamentals for the first time or refining advanced skills through realistic scenarios and professional coaching, this course will help you build confidence and competence in avalanche rescue techniques.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
✅ Describe what to do if they or a group member is caught in an avalanche.
✅ Identify and use essential avalanche rescue gear effectively.
✅ Set up and run realistic avalanche rescue scenarios for practice.
✅ Improve rescue response times through structured feedback from instructors and peers.
✅ Develop a plan for ongoing practice to keep rescue skills sharp.

All participants receive one-on-one coaching from professional instructors and timed practice in realistic rescue scenarios.

Returning students who have previously completed an Avalanche Level 1 or Avalanche Rescue Course will benefit from:

• Advanced scenario practice with guidance from experienced professionals
• Hands-on coaching to refine technique and response strategies
• Updated instruction on the latest best practices in avalanche rescue
• Opportunities to work through complex, multi-burial, and leadership-based scenarios

Registration

Register now to secure your spot in this essential one-day avalanche rescue course.

For questions or registration assistance, contact:
📧 [email protected]

Keep your rescue skills sharp — be prepared to save a life in the backcountry.