This 9-hour Introduction to Avalanche Course is designed specifically for those traveling by foot (not with skis or snowmobiles) in avalanche terrain. The field portion of the course will cater specifically to ice climbers (and hunters if there is enough interest), and the classroom session will also apply to hunters, snowshoers, etc. Our course content follows guidelines outlined by The American Avalanche Association with emphasis and additional attention to ice climbers. In the field, we will focus on making safe decisions on-the-fly in terrain and situations encountered by those traveling without skis, where risks may be small isolated snow pockets in cliffy terrain, or terrain thousands of feet above our climbing objectives.
Prerequisites: Past ice climbing experience. Proficiency on WI3 ice climbing terrain. Knowledge of knots, belaying, & rappelling. Consider our Intro to Ice Course to gain basic skills.
1) Recognize & avoid obvious avalanche hazards
2) Understand and apply current avalanche advisory information
A brief introduction to:
- Avalanche statistics and human factors
- Avalanche terminology
- Avalanche terrain
- Snowpack and weather factors
- Obvious clues and red flags
- Trip planning and preparation
- Avalanche bulletins
- Simple decision tools (ALP TRUTh, RYG Light, etc.)
- Travel protocols
- Companion recovery
3) Understand how layered snow contributes to avalanching
4) Understand basic companion rescue
Field examples & hands-on training:
- Avalanche terrain and terrain traps
- Basic route selection
- Snowpack layering
- Current snowpack conditions and weather effects (bulletin)
- Companion recovery including probing, shoveling, beacon use
7:00 am at Montana Alpine Guides
- Meet your guide at MAG’s shop, 13 Enterprise Blvd in Bozeman
- Fit all necessary gear and fill out paperwork
- 2-hour classroom session
- Caravan to Hyalite Canyon
- The remainder of the day is hands-on field learning
- Return to our shop between 3:30-4:30 pm
- Return gear, debrief from the trip, grab a MAG hoody or shirt
Please see our Ice Climbing Equipment List for the required equipment for this trip. Technical equipment (ice climbing boots, crampons, ice tools, helmet, and harness) are included in the cost and can be provided. This must be coordinated in advance (especially boot sizes!)
In addition to this list, please also bring the following Avalanche Equipment:
- Transceiver
- Shovel
- Probe
- Snow Saw: available at Uphill Pursuits
- 10 feet of 1mm cord for isolating snow columns: available at Spire Climbing Center
- Slope Meter : available at Uphill Pursuits
Please order your gear in advance as few local shops carry all items.
- Snow Sense, by Jill Fredston & Doug Fesler
- Start with this book (130 pages)
- Once you have read “Snow Sense”, consider, Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, by Bruce Tremper
- This book has it all and goes beyond the material covered in this course. It remains a staple text for snow safety.
Course Duration
1 Day
Course Dates
- December 17, 2022
- January 21, 2023
Don’t see course dates to match your schedule? Book a Private Course for any dates!
Cost
$195 for 1-day course
*Does not include 3.5% land use charge
Includes
- Professional guiding and instruction
- All technical ice climbing equipment (ice tools, boots, crampons, harness, and helmet)
Ratio
4:1 (max of 8 participants, 2 guides)
MINIMUM ENROLLMENT: 3 participants
Don’t see course dates that work for you?
Visit our calendar to check out our other courses!