• Backcountry Skiing, Bozeman, Big sky, ski guides, backcountry ski guides,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

    Backcountry Skiing, dawn patrol, sunrise skiing, avalanche education, Bozeman, big sky, Montana, Montana Alpine Guides
12

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

MAG’s Level 1 Avalanche Course is for skiers and snow boarders 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, classroom and 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 name.  As a AAA recognized educator your completion of our L1 course will be accepted by other avalanche educators if you wish to pursue you avalanche education to the Level 2, Pro 1 or Pro 2 levels.
LOCATIONS: 
Classroom sessions-  downtown Bozeman, MT
Field Courses-  Gallatin Range, including a location near Bozeman and one in Yellowstone NP south of Big Sky.  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 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.

Equipment List

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

Clothing:
  • Ski pants 
  • Shell jacket 
  • Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
  • 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
Miscellaneous:
  • Sunscreen
  • Chapstick
  • Sunglasses
  • Goggles
  • Camera/Phone
  • Small notebook & Pencil
  • Thermos: optional but nice to have (can replace water bottle)
  • Food for the day (enough snacks and lunch for each day)
  • Pen/Pencil and notebook for class time

Course Duration

3 day course

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Cost

$440/person

Ratio

Maximum 6 : 1 ratio

Don’t see course dates or schedule that works for you?
Visit our calendar for other course dates for you or your group.