AAI Hybrid Avalanche Level 1 Course in the Wasatch Mountains
SeasonDecember to May |
Nearest citySalt Lake City is 30 minutes away from Cottonwood Canyons |
Duration2 days |
Skill levelBeginner |
Learn avalanche response training with this hybrid Level 1 avy course
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.
Led by expert instructors from Wasatch Mountain Guides, 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 the Wasatch backcountry. 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. This course is developed to the high standards of the American Alpine Institute (AAI), delivered by trusted, certified instructors, and you’ll also get to spend two days skiing and practicing skills in beautiful Wasatch terrain.
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Course Highlights
This Hybrid Level 1 Avalanche Course is split into two components: the self-paced online learning component and the two-day field component. Once you register and pay, your online coursework can begin. Upon completion of the online component, you will then spend two-days in the Wasatch backcountry with your instructors.
This digital course was developed with the American Avalanche Institute (AAI) and is framed around the Backcountry Avalanche Checklist. This Checklist is a systemic and proven approach to comprehensive decision-making in a complex backcountry environment. You work at your own pace and the Wasatch Mountain Guides team will be available to respond to questions via email at all times.
The expansive online course includes:
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- Instructional videos
- Extensive workbook with note outlines
- In-Depth Online Study Guide
- Comprehensive Quizzes
For the duration of the 2021 winter season, participants have access to all course materials. So you can review the content even after you complete the course.
Along with the online learning component, you will also get two private group days of practice in the field. The evening before your first outing, you will meet your guide via video conference call to answer any questions and ensure you are packed and ready. Field days will be two consecutive eight-hour days based in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon. Together with your guide, you’ll cover an exhaustive set of avalanche preparedness skills.
Field days include:
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- Terrain assessment
- Safe travel
- Snowpack and weather
- Tour planning
- Field ops
- Stability test use and interpretation
- Rescue (beacon search, probing techniques, strategic shoveling and more)
For anyone planning to adventure into the backcountry in the winter, this course is essential learning. Rest assured, you will be learning from the absolute best guides in the field, who live and adventure in the Wasatch Mountains — one of the premiere backcountry skiing and mountaineering destinations in the world.