Provided by Wasatch Mountain Guides
Salt Lake
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid Course (AAI Level 1) offered in partnership with the American Avalanche Institute. This comprehensive course offers both an online learning module, one two hour remote session with the instructor, and two 8-hour hands-on field days.
For the 2024/2025 season our instructors range from AMGA Assistant Ski Guide to IFMGA AMGA Mountain Guide. All have the Avalanche Pro Level 2 certification and WFR certification. We take pride in our programs and are serious about being part of your backcountry and avalanche education.
For details and booking, visit our website here.
Course Details:
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Self-Paced Online Learning Module via the American Avalanche Institute
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Live Virtual Seminar with Expert WMG Instructors (the evening before your first field day)
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Two In-Depth Field Days in the Backcountry
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Avalanche Level 1 certification upon full completion
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Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, and backpack (if needed)
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A minimum of 2 students in order for the course to occur
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If you are seeking a private course for more than 4 individuals, please contact us directly
How it Works:
Once you have paid and registered, you’ll receive access to an expansive online coursecontaining:
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Instructional videos
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Extensive workbook with note outlines
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In-depth online study guide
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Comprehensive quizzes
This digital course was developed by the American Avalanche Institute and is framed around the Backcountry Avalanche Checklist. This Checklist is a systemic and proven approach to comprehensive decision-making in the complex backcountry environment.
The course material can be completed at your leisure but must be completed before your field days. The WMG team will be available to respond to questions via email at all times. Participants can go back and review course material even after the completion of the course, for the duration of the winter season.
As mentioned, the course includes two field days in the backcountry. The evening before your first field day, we’ll meet with with everyone for two hours via video conference to review core curriculum, answer any questions you have and make sure you’re packed and ready.
The Field Days:
Our field days of backcountry travel will be two consecutive 8-hour days based in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon. The course may also have 1 or 2 field days in the Provo area mountains. We’ll cover an exhaustive set of avalanche preparedness skills, including:
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Tour planning
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Snowpack and weather observations and assessment
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Terrain assessment
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Safe travel
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Field observations
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Stability tests and assessment
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Rescue skills and drills
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Companion rescue
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Team structure and roles
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Avalanche response and steps
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Beacon search
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Probing techniques
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Strategic shoveling
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Plus more