Avalanche Level 1 | Lolo Pass Backcountry
2026-02-24 17:00 - 2026-03-01 17:00 (America/Boise) | Online classroom sessions and guided backcountry field instruction
Avalanche Level 1
Format

Two Evening Online Classroom Sessions
Two Full-Day Field Components

Learning Ratios

Classroom-Based Learning: 40%
Field-Based On-Snow Learning: 60%
Student-to-Instructor Ratio: 4:1
Maximum Class Size: 12 participants

Dates | Locations | Times
Classroom SessionsTuesday, February 24 & Thursday, February 26, 2026Online Classroom | 6–9 PM MT
Field SessionsSaturday, February 28 & Sunday, March, 1 2026Lolo Pass Backcountry | 8 AM–5 PM MT

Overview
The Avalanche Level 1 course is designed for current and aspiring backcountry travelers seeking to build a strong foundation in avalanche safety and mountain travel. Aligned with American Avalanche Association (A3) guidelines, this course introduces structured methods for gathering, analyzing, and prioritizing information to support informed decision-making in avalanche terrain.
Led by A3-certified professional educators, the course combines interactive online classroom learning with immersive, on-snow field instruction. With 60% of course time spent in the field and a low 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, participants gain a highly personalized, hands-on learning experience grounded in real-world backcountry travel and avalanche rescue practice.

Learning Objectives
Participants will learn to:

Understand and apply key avalanche terminology and safety principles
Identify avalanche terrain and implement safe travel techniques
Read and interpret avalanche forecasts and public advisories
Recognize how weather and snowpack conditions interact
Plan and prepare for backcountry tours
Operate avalanche rescue equipment (beacons, shovels, and probes)
Perform efficient and effective companion rescues
Conduct field observations and basic snow stability tests
Use communication and teamwork to reduce human factor risks

Course Includes

Instruction from A3-certified professional educators
Course workbook and study materials
Online classroom sessions and guided backcountry field instruction
Lift tickets (if applicable for ski area courses)

Participants Provide

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

Registration
Space is limited — register early to ensure your spot.
Sign up today and gain the skills, confidence, and training to travel safely and responsibly in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Level 1 | Lost Trail Pass Backcountry
2026-02-24 18:00 - 2026-03-01 17:00 | In-person classroom sessions and guided backcountry field instruction
Avalanche Level 1
Format

Two Evening In-Person Classroom Sessions
Two Full-Day Field Components

Learning Ratios

Classroom-Based Learning: 40%
Field-Based On-Snow Learning: 60%
Student-to-Instructor Ratio: 4:1
Maximum Class Size: 12 participants

Dates | Locations | Times
Classroom SessionsTuesday, February 24 & Thursday, February 26, 2026Missoula, MT | 6–9 PM MT
Field SessionsSaturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1, 2026Lost Trail Pass 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. Aligned with American Avalanche Association (A3) guidelines, this course introduces structured methods for gathering, analyzing, and prioritizing information to support informed decision-making in avalanche terrain.
Led by A3-certified professional educators, the course blends classroom instruction with immersive on-snow field sessions. With 60% of learning time spent in the field and a low 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio, participants gain a personalized, hands-on experience grounded in real-world travel and rescue practice.

Learning Objectives
Participants will learn to:

Understand and apply key avalanche terminology and safety principles
Identify avalanche terrain and implement safe travel techniques
Read and interpret avalanche forecasts and public advisories
Recognize how weather and snowpack conditions interact
Plan and prepare for backcountry tours
Operate avalanche rescue equipment (beacons, shovels, and probes)
Perform efficient and effective companion rescues
Conduct field observations and basic snow stability tests
Use communication and teamwork to reduce human factor risks

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 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

Tuition & Registration
💲 Course Fee:

$475.00 – University of Montana students
$595.00 – General public

👉 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Enrollment is limited to 12 participants — early registration is strongly encouraged.

Questions?
📧 education@missoulaavalanche.org
Offered in partnership with the University of Montana Outdoor Recreation Program.
Gain the skills, confidence, and awareness to travel safely and responsibly in avalanche terrain.
