Avalanche Level 1
The Level 1 provides a solid foundation in avalanche knowledge and skills
Overview:
What’s on a level 1 avalanche class?
Expect to have a mix of touring, skiing and classroom lectures. Learn how to combine the avalanche forecast with field observations to make informed decisions.
The Level 1 provides a solid foundation in avalanche knowledge and skills. The AAI Backcountry Avalanche Checklist helps to focus the curriculum around a systematic approach to sorting and prioritizing information in the complex environment of decision-making in the backcountry. We will travel in the backcountry, in and around avalanche terrain. The classroom portion of the course will be online, with the majority of it self-paced online learning.
Still have questions? See our frequently asked questions section for details on gear, skill levels, and more.
This course focuses on the following:
- Basic avalanche terminology
- Recognizing avalanche terrain
- Travel procedures in avalanche terrain
- Formation of the mountain snowpack
- How weather changes the snowpack
- Human factors and how they can influence decision-making
- Interpreting the avalanche forecast bulletin
- Tour planning
- Avalanche transceiver use and rescue skills
- Field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather
- Basic use and interpretation of stability tests
- Use of the Backcountry Avalanche Checklist in the field to provide a system for prioritizing information, working as a team, and minimizing possible human factor traps
- Classroom decision-making scenarios to practice use of the checklist
- Next steps
Preparation:
Recommended Reading:
- Snow Sense, Jill Fredston & Doug Fesler
- Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, Bruce Tremper
- Avalanche Essentials, Bruce Tremper
Duration:
24 hours of instruction (2 field days + evening meeting + self-paced online learning)
Maximum Ratio:
6:1
Minimum Age:
Please call to register participants under 18
What is included on a course:
- Professional instruction
- Course workbooks
- Online/classroom and field instruction
- Lift tickets (unless otherwise noted), if the course is operating out of a ski area
What is not included on a course:
- Transportation to and from the trailhead
- Personal gear
- Avalanche rescue gear
- Food
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