Silverton Avalanche School's Level I Course continues to be the ideal choice for backcountry travelers, providing the right combination of class time and true backcountry experience. The comprehensive curriculum includes:

• Terrain Evaluation
• Safe Travel Protocols
• Route Finding
• Tour Preparation
• Decision Making
• Avalanche Rescue Equipment
• Companion Rescue
• Human Factors
• Mountain Weather
• Snowpack Development
• Recognizing Instabilities in the Snowpack
• Using Observations and Tests
• How to Apply the Current Avalanche Bulletin to Tour Planning

Morning sessions introduce the concepts to students. Afternoon field sessions in backcountry terrain provide hands-on experience and ensure quality field time with our top-notch staff. Day 1 students practice their rescue skills with their instructor.  Day 2 and 3, students travel into backcountry ski terrain in small groups with instructors.

These experiential sessions build on topics discussed in the classroom. All students will be able to practice companion rescue, route finding and terrain analysis, dig snowpits, and conduct stability tests. Unlike many avalanche courses, Silverton Avalanche School students gain experience in the wild backcountry rather than a ski area.

The rugged San Juan Mountains surrounding Silverton have provided the ideal avalanche education classroom since 1962. The Silverton area contains a vast amount of high quality backcountry skiing terrain. The Silverton Avalanche School is a member of the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Our instructors are avalanche professionals and are certified with AIARE, AAA and/or the Canadian Avalanche Association. Many instructors also have an advanced degree in snow science.

Students get the Level 1 Manual and the waterproof field notebook.  We recommend that students read the material prior to the course. Students receive an AIAIRE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) course certificate at the end of the 3 day class.

Cancellation Policy:   A $35.00 fee is charged for course date transfers. 60% of the course cost can be refunded up to 30 days prior to the course start.  No refunds are provided for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the start of the course for which you are registered. Unfortunately we cannot give refunds, rainchecks or cancellations if passes into Silverton are closed (best arrive early if the weather forecast is big).

Questions? Contact info@avyschool.org or call 970-903-7039