AVALANCHE EDUCATION

Avalanche Rescue Course

Save a life! Develop your avalanche rescue skills.

This 1 day course preps participants to respond effectively during an avalanche rescue.

Students will learn and practice, through hands-on experiences, both single and multiple burial scenarios.

Equip yourself with the knowledge that could make a crucial difference.

Cirque’s Avalanche Rescue Course is accredited by the American Avalanche Association (A3). Courses are taught by our ultra-experienced guides and instructors.

Learning Outcomes

  • Gain a deeper understanding of how to use your personal avalanche rescue equipment effectively.

 

  • Understand what avalanche terrain is and know when you are entering into avy terrain.

 

  • Build confidence in conducting an effective avalanche rescue.

 

  • Scenario practice and refinement on single and multi-victim burials.

 

  • Communication strategies for group planning and multi-agency emergency response.

AVAILABILITY

FULL | December 11th, 2025 – Ouray, CO
Instructors: Sandy East, Elias de Andrés Martos, & Dan Zokaties

FULL | January 1st, 2026 – Ouray, CO
Instructors: Sandy East & Marc Ripperger

FULL | January 11th, 2026 – Silverton, CO
Instructors: Marc Ripperger & Dan Zokaties

FULL | January 29th, 2026 – Durango, CO
Instructors: Marc Ripperger

February 5th, 2026 – Silverton, CO
Instructors: Sandy East & Dan Zokaties

February 13th, 2026 – Silverton, CO
Instructors: Sandy East

FULL | February 26th, 2026 – Telluride, CO
Instructors: Dan Zokaties

Custom dates are also available.

PRICING

$179 per person

*We intentionally keep this course at an affordable rate because we believe rescue skills are fundamental for anyone traveling in the backcountry. At Cirque, making high-quality avalanche education available to more skiers is part of our commitment to a safer, more prepared mountain community.

 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Is This Course Right For Me?
Participants will not be expected or required to ski in a downhill capacity but do need snow flotation like snowshoes or skis.

Course Length
8hrs of avalanche rescue instruction and practice.

Group Size
This course has a 6 students to 1 instructor max ratio. Groups could range from 6- max 18 students

Departure Time
8:00 a.m.

Meeting Location
Ouray, Silverton, Telluride or Durango. Directions on registration.
If in Silverton, based at the Avon Hotel and Hostel.

Equipment
Participants must bring their own avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) (available to rent locally)

Included in your course cost

  • IFMGA guide or AMGA certified or trained ski guide
  • 1 Day of avalanche rescue instruction and practice
  • Avalanche Rescue Certificate recognized by (A3)

 

Not included in your course cost

  • Avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel)
  • Backcountry ski equipment (available to rent locally)
  • Personal lunch/snacks
  • Personal clothing and equipment
  • Transportation
  • Customary guide gratuity
  • Trip/Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Incurred costs by leaving a program early
  • Incurred costs as a result of force majeure

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