AVALANCHE EDUCATION

Level 1 Avalanche Course for Ice Climbers

Avalanche education specific to ice climbers and mountaineers.

This course prioritizes time spent in the field making hands-on snow assessments and analyzing avalanche terrain near and around ice climbs in the San Juan Mountains.

Build the skills necessary to travel confidently in the backcountry and make informed decisions. Learn terrain assessment tools and apply snow/weather observations to specific routes and climbs.

American Avalanche Association (AAA)  approved curriculum and ultra-experienced alpine guides make this the premier Avalanche Rec 1 course in the San Juan Mountains designed specifically for climbers.

ITINERARY

Day One
We meet at 8:00 a.m. in Ouray and spend classroom time introducing avalanche characters/types. We will then move to the field and practice transceiver functions and rescues, as well as identify avalanche terrain.

Day Two
After establishing the fundamentals of avalanche awareness, we dive into terrain and time management methods. Together, we will discuss avalanche problems, mountain weather, partner dynamics, and mountain terrain. We spend the field day utilizing the terrain and ice climbs up Campbird Road in Ouray. We will make pertinent observations and swing our tools on some of the local climbs.

Day Three
We apply the skills learned and discussed to an amazing student-led objective. Students will get first-hand feedback and guidance from one of the industry’s most experienced mountain guides.

Tour planing on a level 1 avy course with Cirque Guides

AVAILABILITY

December 13-15, 2024, based in Ouray, Co

Custom dates are also available.

PRICING

$649 per person

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. An Avalanche Rescue Course is not required but encouraged (we are leading a free Avy Rescue Course on Dec 12th).

Trip Length
3 full days of avalanche education

Group Size
maximum of 5:1 or 10:2 instructor to guide ratio

Departure Time
8:00 a.m.

Meeting Location
Based in Ouray

Equipment
We provide all avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel).

Included in your trip cost

  • Instructed by Sandy East, Sandy East A-3 pro, with 45 years experience.
  • Rec Level 1 Certificate recognized by (AAA)
  • Field notebook
  • Avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel)

Not included in your trip cost

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