Missoula Avalanche

Avalanche Level 2 + Avalanche Rescue | Rattlesnake Wilderness
2026-02-09 18:00 - 2026-02-15 17:00 (America/Boise) | In-person classroom sessions and guided backcountry field instruction
Avalanche Level 2 + Avalanche Rescue
Format

Curriculum: Avalanche Level 2 and Avalanche Rescue | 32 hours of instruction
Sections: Two (2) evening classroom sessions + Three (3) full-day field components

Learning Ratios:

Classroom-Based Learning: 20%
Field-Based On-Snow Learning: 80%
Student-to-Instructor Ratio: 4:1
Maximum Class Size: 8 participants

Dates | Locations | Times
Classroom SessionsMonday, February 9 & Wednesday, February 11, 2026Missoula, Montana | 6–9 PM MT
Field SessionsFriday, February 13th – Sunday, February 15, 2026Rattlesnake Wilderness Backcountry | 8 AM–5 PM MT

Overview
The Avalanche Level 2 + Avalanche Rescue course builds advanced snow and avalanche expertise through integrated instruction led by American Avalanche Association (A3) Pro Educators. Following A3 curriculum guidelines, this combined program provides comprehensive training that deepens understanding of snow metamorphism, avalanche formation, rescue proficiency, and decision-making in complex terrain.
Designed for experienced backcountry recreationists who have completed Avalanche Level 1 and have applied those skills in winter mountain environments, this course provides a platform to expand technical knowledge, forecasting ability, and group leadership in avalanche terrain.
The course structure includes 20% classroom-based learning and 80% guided field instruction, emphasizing practical skill application, effective communication, and advanced group management techniques.

Learning Objectives
Participants will gain advanced proficiency in:

Tracking and analyzing seasonal snowpack history
Identifying and characterizing avalanche problems
Assessing weather history and its influence on snow stability
Understanding the formation of persistent weak layers (facets, depth hoar, surface hoar)
Applying principles of snow metamorphism
Evaluating avalanche terrain across large and small scales
Managing groups in challenging and complex terrain
Conducting stability tests (strength, structure, propagation potential)
Introducing and utilizing SWAG documentation standards
Making targeted field observations and developing tour plans
Performing advanced rescue techniques
Applying field-based protocols for sorting and prioritizing data
Recognizing human factor traps and implementing effective solutions

Course Includes

Professional instruction from A3-certified educators
Course workbook and study materials
In-person classroom sessions and guided backcountry field instruction
Lift tickets (if applicable for ski area operations)

Participants Provide

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

Prerequisites

Completion of Avalanche Level 1
A minimum of one (1) winter season applying Level 1 skills in the backcountry
Preparedness and fitness to travel on touring skis or splitboards for three consecutive days in winter backcountry conditions

This course includes the Avalanche Rescue curriculum and therefore does not require a separate Avalanche Rescue course as a prerequisite.

Recommended Reading

Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain — Bruce Tremper
Snow, Weather, and Avalanches: Observational Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States (SWAG)

Registration
Advance registration is required — space is limited to 8 participants.

Avalanche Level 1 | Lolo Pass Backcountry
2026-02-10 18:00 - 2026-02-15 17:00 | 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 10 & Thursday, February 12, 2026Online Classroom | 6–9 PM MT
Field SessionsSaturday, February 14 & Sunday, February, 15 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 | Rattlesnake Wilderness
2026-02-17 18:00 - 2026-02-22 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: 8 participants

Dates | Locations | Times
Classroom SessionsTuesday, February 17 & Thursday, February 19, 2026Missoula, MT | 6–9 PM MT
Field SessionsSaturday, February 21 & Sunday, February 22, 2026Rattlesnake 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. 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

Registration
Sign up today and gain the skills, confidence, and training to travel safely and responsibly in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Level 1 | Lolo Pass Backcountry
2026-02-17 18:00 - 2026-02-22 17:00 | 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 17 & Thursday, February 19, 2026Online Classroom | 6–9 PM MT
Field SessionsSaturday, February 21 & Sunday, February, 22 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 | Lolo Pass Backcountry
2026-02-24 17:00 - 2026-03-01 17:00 | 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.
