Bozeman Level 1 Avalanche Course | Montana Alpine Guides

I completed your Level 1 Avalanche Course and it was a great; incredibly informative, awesome instructor, and super useful hands-on education. It significantly increased my confidence in my ability to ski safely in the backcountry.

Matthew Thompson

I completed your Level 1 Avalanche Course and it was a great; incredibly informative, awesome instructor, and super useful hands-on education. It significantly increased my confidence in my ability to ski safely in the backcountry. -Matthew Thompson

Description

MAG’s Level 1 Avalanche Course is for skiers and snowboarders looking to gain the skills and knowledge for safe backcountry travel. Our Level 1 Avalanche Course follows national guidelines set by the American Avalanche Association (AAA); including our instructors’ credentials, material covered, duration, and classroom/field components. Our Level 1 Course is designed to provide students with the knowledge to confidently pursue backcountry ski terrain. After completion of our L1 Course, you will receive a card from MAG that lists your name, dates of course, & instructors’ names. As a AAA recognized educator, your completion of our L1 course will be accepted by other avalanche educators if you wish to pursue your avalanche education to the Level 2, Pro 1, or Pro 2 levels.

LOCATIONS:

Classroom sessions – downtown Bozeman, MT

Field Courses – Gallatin Range, including locations near Bozeman & Big Sky. If possible we select two separate geographic locations to provide students with a much more comprehensive environmental classroom than visiting the same general location each day. NOTE: Exact locations for field sessions are subject to change.

Experience: You do not need to be an advanced skier but should be familiar with skiing a variety of snow conditions.

4-DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1 & 2 (Thursday & Friday, 6-9 pm)

Day 3 & 4 (Saturday & Sunday, ~8-5 pm),

3-DAY ITINERARY:

DAY 1-

8:30-12:30 Classroom Session- Bozeman, MT

1:30-5:30 Field Session- Gallatin Range

DAY 2-

7:30-12:30 Field Session- Gallatin Range

1:30-5:30 Classroom Session- Bozeman, MT

DAY 3-

7:00 am – 6:00pm – Full Day Field Session –

Meet at MAG, 11 Enterprise Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59718

(Drive to Yellowstone NP or Hyalite Canyon)

NOTE: Drive times loosely factored in.

Course Content

Avalanche types and anatomy
Basic slab mechanics Terrain
Terrain evaluation and route selection • Travel protocols & group communication
Snowpack and Weather
Mountain snowpack development leading to instability or stability • Field observations, tests and judging instability • Use of avalanche & snow pit tools: inclinometer, compass, probe, saw • Introduce elementary pit diagrams with hand hardness profiles, basic grain type symbols and stability tests. Expose to recording field notes. • Avalanche & snow climates
Decision-support Tools
Human factors and the need for systematic decision tools • Application & limitations of decision tools • Avalanche bulletins
Rescue
Companion rescue including scene size up, organization, beacon use, probing, shoveling • Recovery of victims not wearing beacons • Common mistakes in avalanche rescue • Single and multiple beacon search techniques • Role of first aid and emergency response in real avalanche rescues

Course Content follows guidelines established by American Avalanche Association

Gear

Equipment List

Transceiver
Shovel
Probe
Backpack
AT/Telemark Skis or Split-boards with skins
Helmet (optional)
Snow saw
10′ of 1mm cord for isolating snow columns
Slope Meter

NOTE: Order your gear in advance as few local shops carry all items.

Clothing:

Ski pants
Shell jacket
Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
NOTE: consider a heavy down or second layer on colder days to stay warm while standing around studying snow pits.
Fleece mid-layer
Long underwear, mid-weight (top & bottom), synthetic or wool
Ski socks
Hat: fleece or wool that covers the ears
Gloves: a pair for skinning and a pair for digging pits and instruction
Neck gaiter/Buff