Spend enough time in the backcountry and chances are, you will eventually encounter an avalanche. When that occurs, proper avalanche response training is critical to safety. Get prepared with this comprehensive Hybrid Level 1 Avalanche Course that combines both theory and practical knowledge. This course is developed to the high standards of the American Alpine Institute and delivered by trusted, certified instructors. You’ll complete the online learning at your own pace and then put your knowledge to the test with two hands-on field days in Cottonwoods Canyons. This course is ideal for anyone looking to develop essential backcountry safety skills and for those who may have already taken a Level 1 avy course, but would like a refresher on existing skills.
Combines self-paced online course with two days in the field
Apply your learning in the real world and perfect new skills just outside of Salt Lake City
Proper avalanche response is critical to safety during your winter outdoor adventures
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to get the most out of this course, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. For the two field-days, you will be in the backcountry for eight hours each day practicing skills and safety rescue. All participants should feel comfortable on blue level resort runs, be able to manage controlled descents, and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
Prerequisites: You need to be at least an intermediate skier seeing as you’ll need to be able to ascend moderate slopes using skins. All participants should be comfortable traveling in snow while carrying touring gear. You should also have an average level of fitness.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
Ski rental locations are in Salt Lake City and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group sizes and prices:
Avalanche Courses in Wasatch Mountains can be arranged for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements and get 10% off for all private groups of 4 people.
Min. age requirements:
If you plan to join with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Cottonwood Canyons in the Wasatch Mountains, most people fly into Salt Lake City International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the Canyons. SLC is less than 30 minutes away from the Big and Little Cottonwood Park and Ride Lots. Utah Transit Authority (UTA) offers Ski Bus with trips going up and down Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon each day.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your backcountry field-days, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. The usual meeting points are Big or Little Cottonwood Park and Ride Lot, Alta or Brighton depending on the best conditions for learning. From there, you’ll head to your course.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Wasatch Mountains, please refer to the State of Utah official website.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Payment in full is due at booking in order to confirm your reservation. Group trips are nonrefundable after participant registration.
If a course is canceled due to low enrolment, your guides will notify you as soon as possible and a full refund will be given. If this situation arises, your guide is not responsible for any other expenses incurred in preparing for the course (Travel expenses, equipment rentals or purchase, or lodging).
There will be no refunds for trips already in progress. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to secure your trip.
