As the temperatures drop and the mountains begin to show their first signs of snow, it's time to shift your focus from summer ridgelines to winter backcountry missions. While envisioning pristine powder and planning your dream ski lines is part of the excitement, proper avalanche education is essential for making informed decisions in the backcountry. Below, is a list of upcoming avalanche safety courses for the 2024–25 ski season, along with registration links to help you get started.
Utah Avalanche Center
The Utah Avalanche Center is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting avalanche safety and awareness in Utah's backcountry. It provides educational resources, forecasts, and training programs to help you make informed decisions when traveling in avalanche-prone areas. The UAC collaborates with local experts, offers courses for all skill levels, and supports the community through workshops, events, and online tools. Their mission is to reduce avalanche accidents and fatalities through accessible education and information.
Link to all of their courses here.
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17th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop
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The workshop includes presentations from leading experts on snow science, avalanche safety, and decision-making in the backcountry. It offers an opportunity for participants to stay updated on the latest research, tools, and techniques for safe travel in avalanche terrain. The event aims to foster community engagement and enhance backcountry safety practices.
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If you’re an avalanche professional you can attend the PROSAW event. More info here.
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Backcountry 101: Introduction to Avalanches - FAMILY CLASS
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A beginner-level course designed for families looking to safely explore the winter backcountry. It teaches essential avalanche safety concepts, such as understanding terrain, identifying avalanche hazards, and using rescue equipment. The course includes both classroom learning and practical field exercises to help participants gain confidence and skills for safe winter backcountry travel.
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Backcountry 101: Introduction to Avalanches - SNOWSHOE CLASS
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A course tailored for snowshoers. It covers the basics of avalanche awareness, terrain evaluation, and rescue techniques, with a focus on challenges faced by snowshoers. The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on field training to equip participants with the knowledge to safely enjoy winter backcountry adventures.
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Backcountry 101: Introduction to Avalanches - WOMEN'S CLASS
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This is a women-only introductory avalanche course focused on building confidence in backcountry travel. It covers essential topics such as avalanche terrain recognition, hazard identification, and rescue techniques. The course blends classroom learning with practical field experience, creating a supportive environment for women to gain skills and awareness for safe winter adventures.
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Backcountry 101: Introduction to Avalanches
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This introductory avalanche course offers participants the basics of avalanche safety, terrain recognition, and rescue skills. Combining classroom learning with field practice, the course provides practical knowledge for safe backcountry travel, making it ideal for those new to winter backcountry environments.
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Backcountry 201: Terrain Management
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This advanced avalanche course focuses on terrain management, helping participants develop skills to evaluate and navigate avalanche-prone areas. It covers in-depth terrain analysis, snow stability assessment, and group decision-making in the backcountry. Through both classroom and field sessions, participants will gain practical experience in managing risk and traveling safely in complex winter environments.
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Introduction to Avalanche Rescue & Wilderness Medicine
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This introductory avalanche rescue course teaches essential skills for performing rescues in avalanche terrain. Participants will learn how to use transceivers, probes, and shovels effectively, as well as practice rescue scenarios in a controlled environment. The course is designed to provide a strong foundation for backcountry users to handle emergency situations confidently.
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Introduction to Avalanche Rescue
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This introductory avalanche rescue course provides essential training for responding to avalanche emergencies. Participants will learn effective techniques for using rescue equipment like transceivers and shovels, as well as engage in practical scenarios to enhance their skills. The course is designed for backcountry enthusiasts looking to prepare for potential rescue situations.
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American Avalanche Institute:
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The American Avalanche Institute (AAI) offers an Avalanche Level 1 course in Utah, designed for individuals seeking foundational knowledge in avalanche safety and awareness. The course covers essential topics such as avalanche formation, terrain analysis, and rescue techniques, combining classroom instruction with field training to ensure participants gain practical skills for safe backcountry travel.
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Avalanche Level 1
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Level 1 avalanche course focusing on fundamental avalanche safety and awareness. Participants will learn about avalanche dynamics, terrain assessment, and essential rescue techniques through both classroom and field training. This course is ideal for those looking to enhance their skills for safe backcountry travel in winter conditions.
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Several Weekend Options from November 30, 2024 - March 22, 2025
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Avalanche Rescue
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Designed to equip participants with the necessary skills for effective avalanche rescues. This course focuses on using rescue equipment, including transceivers, probes, and shovels, while also emphasizing practical training in various scenarios. It’s suitable for outdoor enthusiasts looking to prepare for emergency situations in avalanche terrain.
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Avalanche Level 2
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The Avalanche Level 2 course is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of avalanche safety. This advanced course builds on Level 1 concepts, focusing on snowpack evaluation, advanced rescue techniques, and decision-making strategies in the backcountry. Participants will engage in hands-on field training and classroom discussions to enhance their skills and knowledge for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Utah Mountain Adventures:
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Avalanche Level 1:
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Utah Mountain Adventures offers a Level One Avalanche Course designed to provide participants with essential knowledge for safe backcountry travel. The course covers avalanche fundamentals, snowpack assessment, terrain evaluation, and rescue techniques. It combines classroom instruction with practical field exercises, ensuring participants gain hands-on experience in recognizing avalanche hazards and making informed decisions in the backcountry.
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2-Day Touring and Avalanche Skills Course
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Utah Mountain Adventures offers an Avalanche Skills Weekend designed for backcountry enthusiasts to enhance their avalanche safety knowledge and skills. Participants will learn about snowpack analysis, terrain selection, and rescue techniques in a hands-on environment. The course includes both classroom sessions and practical field exercises, providing a comprehensive introduction to avalanche awareness and safe travel practices.
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Mountaineer & Snowshoe Avalanche Level 1:
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Focusing on avalanche awareness and safety for specific winter activities. Participants will learn key concepts such as snowpack evaluation, terrain analysis, and rescue techniques tailored for snowshoeing and mountaineering contexts. The course includes both classroom instruction and practical field experience, ensuring that attendees develop essential skills for safe navigation in avalanche-prone areas.
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Youth Level 1 Avalanche Course:
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This course provides essential avalanche safety education, tailored to younger participants. Students will learn about snowpack assessment, terrain recognition, and rescue techniques in a fun and engaging environment. The course combines classroom learning with practical field exercises, ensuring that youth develop important skills for safe backcountry travel.
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Avalanche Rescue Course:
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Course that focuses on essential rescue skills for backcountry users. Participants will learn how to use avalanche rescue equipment, including transceivers and probes, and practice real-world rescue scenarios. This course is designed to prepare individuals for emergency situations in avalanche terrain, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training in the field.
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Level 1 Avalanche Refresher Course:
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Designed for those who have previously completed a Level One course and want to refresh their knowledge. This course covers essential avalanche safety concepts, focusing on snowpack assessment, terrain evaluation, and rescue techniques. Participants engage in practical exercises to reinforce their skills and ensure they are well-prepared for safe backcountry travel.
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Avalanche Level 2 Recreational Course:
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For individuals looking to advance their avalanche safety knowledge. This course emphasizes snowpack evaluation, advanced rescue techniques, and decision-making in complex terrain. Participants will engage in both classroom instruction and practical field exercises, enhancing their skills for safe travel in avalanche-prone areas.
Red River Adventures:
Red River Adventures offers avalanche education classes aimed at enhancing backcountry safety for winter enthusiasts. Their courses cover essential topics such as avalanche awareness, rescue techniques, and snowpack assessment. Designed for varying skill levels, these classes combine classroom instruction with practical field training to equip participants with the knowledge needed for safe winter adventures in avalanche-prone areas. More on their classes here.
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AIARE Avalanche Rescue:
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A one-day course focusing on best practices in rescue techniques and gear.
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AIARE 1 Avalanche Education:
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Designed for skiers and snowboarders looking to recreate in avalanche terrain safely. It provides foundational skills for planning backcountry trips, making decisions in the field, and conducting companion rescues. Students will learn to identify avalanche terrain, utilize the AIARE Decision-Making Framework, and demonstrate effective rescue techniques. Completion of AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue is necessary for those aspiring to take the Pro 1 course.
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Women’s only courses available
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AIARE 2 Avalanche Education:
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The AIARE 2 course builds on the AIARE 1 foundation, focusing on advanced avalanche hazard management and critical assessment factors. Students will learn to identify specific avalanche hazards, interpret weather and snow observations, and enhance leadership skills within small teams. This three-day course is intended for those with prior AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue experience and at least one year of backcountry travel.
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White Pine Touring
White Pine Touring is a leading outdoor adventure company based in Park City, Utah, specializing in guided skiing, mountain biking, and other recreational activities. They are committed to providing safe and enjoyable experiences in the backcountry.
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AIARE Level 1
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This course offers essential avalanche education for skiers and snowboarders. Participants learn to recognize avalanche terrain, assess hazards, and perform companion rescues. The course combines classroom instruction with field training to ensure a comprehensive understanding of avalanche safety.
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Weber State University:
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AIARE Level 1:
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Weber State University offers an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course focused on building foundational knowledge for backcountry travel. Participants learn to identify avalanche terrain, assess risks, and execute companion rescues through a mix of classroom instruction and practical field experience. This course is ideal for skiers and snowboarders looking to enhance their safety awareness in avalanche-prone areas.
Snowbird
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Snowbird offers a range of avalanche education courses aimed at enhancing backcountry safety for skiers and snowboarders. Their programs include AIARE Level 1 and Level 2 courses, as well as avalanche rescue training. Each course combines classroom learning with practical field exercises, ensuring participants develop essential skills in hazard assessment and rescue techniques. These courses are designed for all skill levels, making them accessible for those looking to improve their avalanche awareness and decision-making skills. More on Snowbird's courses here.
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AIARE Level 1
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AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course:
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AIARE Level 2:
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Backcountry Trip Planning and Digital Navigation:
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Participants will learn how to use CalTopo, or another application of their choice, and utilize its features to assist with navigation, decision making and problem solving.
Inspired Summit Adventures:
Inspired Summit specializes in outdoor education, focusing on avalanche safety and rescue training. Their AIARE Avalanche Rescue course equips participants with essential skills to perform effective rescues in avalanche scenarios. The course combines theoretical learning with hands-on practice, ensuring participants gain confidence in using rescue equipment and techniques. Inspired Summit aims to foster safety and awareness in backcountry environments for winter sports enthusiasts.
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Level 1:
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Acquire the skills to save lives with this one-day (8-hour) course, designed to be repeated regularly to stay updated on the latest rescue techniques and gear. The new Pinebrook Beacon Park, located just steps from our headquarters, allows us to utilize state-of-the-art facilities for instant setup of multiple training scenarios. This setup provides participants with more hands-on training and repetitions, enhancing their preparedness for real-world situations.
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Motorized AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course:
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This single-day rescue course is designed for motorized users looking to learn or refresh avalanche rescue skills. For the motorized rescue course, we utilize terrain in the Western Uintas to be able to run realistic scenarios where machines may be used to facilitate a deeper learning outcome.
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Custom Dates Available
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Whether you're a seasoned backcountry skier or just starting to explore beyond the resort, avalanche education is an investment in your safety and the safety of those around you. Taking the time to learn from experienced professionals can make all the difference when it comes to navigating complex terrain and changing conditions. Sign up for a course this winter and ensure you're ready to make informed choices and enjoy the backcountry with confidence.
