Hybrid Avalanche Course AAI Level I

We offer this adventure through our partner, Wasatch Mountain Guides. Professional avalanche safety training by certified guides.

Overview of Avalanche Level 1

The mountains are a paradise for many of us. That said, the alpine environment isn’t without hazards. Avalanches, in particular, are a deadly and treacherous force we all must reckon with when in the mountains. If you spend enough time in the backcountry, you will eventually see an avalanche. Avalanches happen naturally and have for centuries, however the problems arise when humans enter avalanche terrain when conditions are not appropriate. Having the proper training is critical to safety. 

For 2022-2023 we are stoked to announce our new Level 1 Hybrid Avalanche Course, which we created working together with the American Avalanche Institute. This comprehensive course offers both online learning and two hands-on field days, led by our expert instructors.

Our Hybrid Avalanche Level 1 Course is offered through our partner Wasatch Mountain Guides.  

What’s Included

• Self-paced online learning course
• Live virtual seminar with expert BBE instructors
• Two in-depth field days in the backcountry
• Avalanche Level 1 certificate upon completion

The Online Course

Once you have paid and registered, you’ll receive access to an expansive online course containing:

• Instructional videos
• Extensive workbook with note outlines
• In-depth online study guide
• Comprehensive quizzes

This digital course was developed by the American Avalanche Institute and is framed around the Backcountry Avalanche Checklist. This Checklist is a systemic and proven approach to comprehensive decision-making in the complex backcountry environment.

The course material can be completed at your leisure but must be completed before your field days. The BBE team will be available to respond to questions via email at all times. Participants can go back and review course material even after the completion of the course, for the duration of the 2021 winter season.

As mentioned, we’ll also sign you up for two field days in the backcountry. We’re offering private group custom dates (we must confirm availability or your selected dates). The evening before your first field day, we’ll meet with you via video conference to answer any questions you have and make sure you’re packed and ready. 

The Field Days

Our field days will be two consecutive 8-hour days based in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon. We’ll cover an exhaustive set of avalanche preparedness skills, including:

• Terrain assessment 
• Safe travel 
• Snowpack and weather 
• TourpPlanning 
• Field observations
• Stability test use and interpretation
• Rescue (beacon search, probing techniques, strategic shoveling, and more)
   

Dates of Availability

These are Private Courses so simply contact us to schedule.

Pricing per Person

• 1:1 $1025
• 2:1 $730 per person
• 3:1 $620 per person
• 4:1 $540 per person

Max client to guide ratio is 4:1. We can book a private course of up to 8 people, providing two guides for our field days.