AVALANCHE EDUCATION

Rec Level 1 Avalanche Course

Avalanche education to help you become a skilled backcountry skier

Three action packed days of professional avalanche training and education. Prioritizing time spent in the field making hands-on snow assessments.

Build the skills necessary to travel confidently in the backcountry and make informed decisions. Learn tour planning and terrain assessment in order to utilize and safely manage your days in the backcountry.

American Avalanche Association (AAA)  aproved curriculum and ultra-experienced instructors make this the premier Avalanche Rec level 1 course in Durango, Silverton, and Ouray.

ITINERARY

 

Day One
We meet at 8:30 a.m. 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 explore terrain management skills and tour planning methods. We discuss avalanche problems, mountain weather, group dynamics, and avalanche terrain together. During the field day, we give feedback about moving in and out of avalanche terrain.

Day Three
We apply the skills learned and discussed into an amazing student lead ski tour day. Students will get first hand feedback and guidance from one of the industry’s most experienced mountain guides.

AVAILABILITY

FULL | January 2-4, 2026 – Ouray, CO – Town Based
Instructors: Sandy East & Marc Ripperger

February 14-16, 2026 – Silverton, CO – Town Based
Instructors: Sandy East

Private Town Based avalanche course is available on a custom base for 2026.  You can also check out: Hut Based Rec Level 1 Avy Course.

PRICING

$679 per person

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Is This Course Right For Me?

An Avalanche Rescue Course is REQUIRED prior to start date of the course.

Participants should be able to comfortably ski blue runs with variable conditions on both open and treed slopes. Tour days typically consist of 2,000-2,500 ft. of ascent and descent. If you’re unfamiliar with backcountry equipment, please take our Intro to Backcountry Ski Course first.

Course Curriculum
Our curriculum is approved and recognized by the American Avalanche Association (A3) and follows all current national guidelines. Each course uses Karl Birkeland’s digital eBook with clear visuals, checklists, and examples to support learning before, during, and after your course.

Course 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
Town Based in Silverton, CO – you will receive specific meeting location upon registration.

Equipment
We provide all Avalanche Rescue Equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) but you’re encouraged to use your own well cared for equipment.

Included in your course cost

Not included in your course cost

  • Backcountry ski equipment (available to rent locally)
  • Personal lunch/snacks
  • Personal clothing and equipment
  • Lodging (included in Cabin Based program)
  • 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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