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)  approved curriculum and ultra-experienced instructors make this the premier Avalanche Rec level 1 course in Durango, Silverton, and Ouray.

Before You Register: To enroll in a Level 1 or Level 2 course with Cirque Guides, you’ll need an accredited rescue course certificate. You can earn this through another accredited provider or by taking one of Cirque Guides’ Rescue Courses, which are scheduled before every Level 1 and Level 2 course. You can also take a Rescue Course on it’s own without registering for a Level 1 or 2 with Cirque.

ITINERARY

Day One
Avalanche Rescue Course

Day Two
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 Three
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 Four
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.

Cirque Guides is A3 recognized for level 1 rescue and level 2 Avalanche courses

26/27 SCHEDULE

Before You Register: Please contact the Cirque Guides Office if you plan to opt out of the first day Rescue Course. You must have an accredited Rescue Course certificate to opt out. The Rescue Course is a required prerequisite for any Level 1 or Level 2 course with Cirque Guides.

January 1st – 4th | Ridgway, CO

January 11th – 14th | Opus Hut – all students required to attend all days of the hut trip

February 4th – 7th | Durango, CO

February 18th – 21st | Silverton, CO

March 11th – 14th | Ridgway, CO

PRICING

$699 per person

***Opus Hut trip pricing coming soon***

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.

Course Length
4 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
Please refer to pre-course email for specific meeting location.

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

  • IFMGA guide or AMGA certified or trained ski guide
  • Avalanche Rescue Course Certificate recognized by (A3)
  • Rec Level 1 Certificate recognized by (A3)
  • Field notebook
  • Avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel)

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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