Three action packed days of professional avalanche training and education. Prioritizing time spent in the field making hands-on snow observations.
Deepen your tool bag in terrain assessment, avalanche analysis, and stability tests in order to travel with confidence in the backcountry.
American Avalanche Association (A3) approved curriculum and IFMGA guides and AMGA trained instructors make this the premier Avalanche Rec Level 2 course in Durango, Silverton, and Ouray.
Day One
We meet at 8:00 a.m. and build upon the foundational principals of the Level 1 course. Our field time will dig deeper into observations and travel within avalanche terrain. We introduce specific snow stability tests and how it correlates to mountain slopes.
Day Two
This field day will focus on spending time practicing terrain assessment skills, understanding different weather variables, and exploring tour planning methods. We will hone our craftsmanship in snow pit construction and make targeted observations.
Day Three
A full day of student led ski touring where you will get to learn how to analyze, manage and navigate terrain complexities while under the mentorships of one of the industry’s most experienced mountain guides.
FULL | February 6-8th, 2026 – Silverton, CO – Town Based
Instructors: Sandy East & Dan Zokaties
March 23-25th, 2026 – Silverton, CO – Town Based
Instructors: Sandy East & Marc Ripperger
$679 per person
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 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
Avon Hotel and Hostel.
Equipment
We provide all avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) but you are encouraged to use your personal equipment.
Included in your course cost
Not included in your course cost
Thoughtfully chosen trips to continue your progression.
