Level 1

3 days or 24 hours / $425-485

This intensive, hands-on course is geared toward skiers, boarders, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to build winter backcountry skills. The Level 1 course combines classroom time and field sessions to provide a comprehensive overview of avalanche hazard recognition and evaluation. By the end of the three-day course, graduates will be able to:

Make a trip plan
Gather pertinent information
Know what kind of avalanche problem they face
Know the patterns of that problem
Choose appropriate terrain for the conditions
Know safe travel techniques for that terrain
Know what to do if things go wrong

Field sessions take place each day, so students should be prepared to remain outside in a variety of weather conditions.

Tuition Includes

Instruction
Instructional handouts

Tuition Does Not Include

Round trip transportation to and from the class site.
Avalanche Essentials by Bruce Tremper
Food during the course
Personal gear and clothing (see the Course Gear List below).

Pre-Requisites

Students are required to read Avalanche Essentials by Bruce Tremper prior to the course start date. There is a pre-test that is sent to course participants upon enrollment, which is based on the required reading. Those who thoroughly study their pre-course material before the workshop can expect to absorb more during the course.
Watch and read Rescue at Cherry Bowl
Participants must be able to ski or snowshoe up and downhill in variable terrain and changing snow conditions (snowboarders need to use snowshoes or splitboard with skins).
16 years old at least (able to drive).

Curriculum

This course is geared towards skiers, boarders, climbers, and other backcountry enthusiasts and is an intensive, hands-on course, which will provide students with the skills necessary to recognize and evaluate potential avalanche hazard. This course consists of 30 hours of classroom and field training. Program curriculum consists of:

Avalanche Rescue Beacon use
Terrain analysis
Snow stability evaluation
Decision-making
Route selection
Safe travel procedures

Student Packet: what you need on your Rec 1

No dates are currently scheduled. Please contact us if you are interested in this course.