Avalanche Safety Training with The Backcountry Pros in Utah
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
Two 8-hour field days plus online and Zoom sessions
Fitness Level
Participants should have good aerobic endurance suitable for backcountry skiing or hiking in snow.
Overview
Learn vital avalanche safety skills with The Backcountry Pros in Utah’s Wasatch Range. This immersive course blends expert-led field days and online study designed for backcountry skiers ready to travel safely off-piste.
Level 1 Avalanche Safety (4:1 Low Ratio)
Starting at $650 per person | 2 Field Days
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join our Level I avalanche course tailored for recreational skiers eager to explore the backcountry safely. With expert AMGA Certified Ski Guides, enjoy two immersive field days and engaging online learning. Gain essential skills in avalanche forecasting, terrain navigation, and rescue techniques, ensuring a memorable and safe skiing adventure.
Rates
$650 per person
Duration
Two 8 hr Field Days, 2 hr Zoom, 1 hr Zoom
Booking Calendar -->
**Available dates for this course on the booking calendar (to the right) are for the start of each course sections field session.
The course starts with a 2hr Zoom at 7pm the evening prior to the first A-Section field day of the course (If there are two availabilities separated by a day, the first is the A-Section and second is the B-Section. The A and B sections share the same Zoom to start the course.
The course concludes with a 1hr Zoom 530pm the final day of each Section of the course (there is one for each section)**
About
This practical-application based Level I avalanche course is designed specifically for recreational skiers looking to ski tour safely in the backcountry. Our course offers two full fields days at a low (4:1 max. Student:Instructor ratio) to facilitate learning and model appropriate touring group sizes. To maximize time in the field, material is introduced to students with a robust self-guided online learning module which is designed to be completed prior to the start of the course. This Level I is run by AMGA Certified Ski Guides, and with this training (the highest level of training available for ski guides in the world) we can provide insight and a level of safety that may be missed on other courses.
This course includes:
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7 Hours of AAI Online Learning (Season Access)
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2 Eight hour field day sessions
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4:1 Wasatch Low-ratio field instruction
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2hr Zoom 7pm prior to field days, 1hr Zoom to conclude course
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Course and field sessions run by AMGA Certified Ski Guide
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Course sanctioned by American Avalanche Association
Learning Outcomes:
-Interpret and implement avalanche forecasts -Identify avalanche terrain and safely move through the backcountry -Communicate more effectively with your partners
-Preform an avalanche rescue -Plan and execute an appropriate ski tour for a given day -Assess conditions in the field, including the use of snow pits and stability tests
Adventure Tips
Prioritize pre-course online study
Complete the robust online module before field days to maximize hands-on learning efficiency.
Dress in moisture-wicking layers
Prepare for variable mountain weather by layering fabrics that manage sweat and insulation.
Practice beacon searches diligently
Become proficient with avalanche transceiver use during field exercises—it’s crucial for rescue readiness.
Respect the 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio
Smaller groups mean personalized instruction and increased safety in dynamic terrain.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mountain goats thriving on rocky outcrops.
- Snowshoe hare adapted to shifting winter conditions.
History
The Wasatch Range has long been a playground for winter sports, with avalanche safety gaining emphasis following severe avalanche incidents in the mid-20th century.
Conservation
Local guides emphasize Leave No Trace ethics and work with avalanche safety organizations to protect fragile alpine ecosystems during winter activities.
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Adventure Hotspots in Salt Lake City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Avalanche transceiver
Crucial for practicing beacon searches and essential for any backcountry travel.
winter specific
Snow shovel
Required for snow pit assessments and rescue drills.
winter specific
Probe
Helps locate buried victims during avalanche rescue simulations.
winter specific
Appropriate backcountry layers
Weatherproof clothing that balances warmth, breathability, and mobility is key.
winter specific