Avalanche Rescue Course

EDUCATIONAL COURSE

This one day course focuses on the basics of avalanche rescue – absolutely crucial skills for anyone spending time in avalanche terrain, from skiers to snowmobilers to ice climbers. After a short classroom session, we will spend the rest of the day in the field, working on rescue systems as individuals, and as a group.

This course is also a prerequisite for continuing to more advanced courses, such as a Recreational Level 2, or a Professional Level 1. Our course follows American Avalanche Association Guidelines for Avalanche Rescue including instructors’ credentials, material covered, duration, & classroom/field components.

- This course is appropriate for skiers, splitboarders, snowboarders, climbers, mountaineers, and snowshoers traveling in avalanche terrain.
  Topics Covered
  - Avalanche basics and rescue priorities
  - Rescue scene organization and leadership
  - Avalanche transceiver use and search strategy
  - Probing techniques and pinpointing
  - Strategic shoveling methods
  - Full companion rescue scenarios
There are no formal prerequisites.
Students traveling on ski touring or splitboard equipment should be comfortable moving in winter terrain and managing their own gear. Familiarity with your avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe is helpful but not required.
- A3 certified Avalanche Safety Instructor
- American Avalanche Association approved course material
- Food, water, transport, lodging
- Backcountry ski/snowboard gear, avalanche safety gear, technical clothing, backpack, etc.
- Rescue insurance
- Trip insurance
- Guide gratuity
- Unforeseen expenses from circumstances outside of Montana Alpine Guides’ control
Please see our Avalanche Course Equipment List for the required equipment for this trip.
- Helmet, 1mm cord, Slope Meter and snow saw are NOT necessary.
Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and backpack may be rented from MAG for $65/day. Rentals must be coordinated in advance as our inventory is limited.
Please see our Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.