Master Winter Backcountry Safety with Utah’s Backcountry & Avalanche Mentorship
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 full days across 3 months
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical shape to handle sustained uphill travel and varied snow conditions over multiple field days.
Overview
Discover how Utah’s Wasatch Mountains offer an immersive 7-day avalanche mentorship blending Rescue and Rec levels into one comprehensive winter backcountry education. Perfect for skiers and splitboarders ready to elevate their safety and leadership skills in real mountain conditions.
Backcountry & Avalanche Mentorship
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience a revolutionary approach to avalanche education with this comprehensive 7-day course, blending essential skills from Rescue, Rec Level 1, and Rec Level 2. Learn in small groups with expert instructors, gaining real-world experience in diverse winter conditions. Build confidence in rescue techniques, terrain management, and leadership for safe backcountry adventures.
More than your average avy course
Duration
7 Days throughout the winter. We are offering 1 weekend only group and 1 weekday group, dates listed below.
Weekend warrior dates
Weekday dates
About
After years of teaching recreational avalanche courses and listening to feedback we have decided to a step forward and change the way you learn about avalanches and traveling in the backcountry on skis or a splitboard.
This course is design to cover everything you would encounter in a Rescue, Rec level 1, and Rec level 2 avalanche course. It is scheduled throughout the season from December through March to give participants real experience in a variety of conditions and terrain and prepare you for a long future of safely traveling in the backcountry. You will work in a low ratio course (no more than 4 participants) alongside a qualified and AAA approved avalanche instructor.
Learning outcomes
- Proficiency with avalanche rescue tools/techniques
- Access avalanche terrain when appropriate
- Use "SWAG" to help communicate and interpret snow and weather
- Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe.
- Use and interpret weather, snow, and avalanche observations to locate appropriate terrain prior to entering and while in the field.
- Demonstrate leadership skills within a small team that includes facilitating small group discussion, promoting appropriate terrain selection, and utilizing simple risk-management strategies.
- Implement a basic forecasting framework that can be used in conjunction with and in the absence of local supporting avalanche information.
Who Should Take This Course
Beginner to intermediate backcountry users with an advanced ski/riding ability
Includes
- Expert instructors
- Write in the rain book
- Access to our online learning and presentations
- Individualized feedback throughout the season
Difficulty
Moderate • 3000' vertical/day minimum
Venues
- BCC, LCC, Millcreek canyon, Lambs Canyon
Adventure Tips
Always check local avalanche forecasts
Before heading out, review the Utah Avalanche Center reports for current snow stability and weather warnings.
Practice beacon drills frequently
Regularly rehearse search and rescue techniques to build muscle memory for real emergencies.
Dress in moisture-wicking layers
Wear layers that manage sweat and retain warmth to stay comfortable during fluctuating winter conditions.
Keep group size small and communication clear
Small teams with open dialogue reduce risk and improve decision-making in avalanche terrain.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mountain goats that traverse steep rock faces.
- Red foxes occasionally spotted in forested areas.
History
The Wasatch Mountains have been a hub for winter sports since the early 20th century, with avalanche education evolving alongside increasing backcountry use.
Conservation
The program emphasizes Leave No Trace principles and sustainable backcountry travel to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and maintain snowpack integrity.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Cottonwood Heights
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel
Critical for rescue scenarios and mandatory for all field sessions.
winter specific
Touring skis or splitboard with skins
Necessary for uphill travel and terrain access throughout the Wasatch.
winter specific
Waterproof, breathable outerwear
Protects against snow, wind, and changing weather during long days outdoors.
winter specific
GPS device or map and compass
Useful for navigation and terrain awareness in complex backcountry environments.
winter specific