Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals by Certified Guides
The mountains are a paradise for many of us. That said, the alpine environment isn’t without hazards. Avalanches, in particular, are a deadly and treacherous force we all must reckon within the mountains. If you spend enough time in the backcountry, you will eventually encounter an avalanche. When that occurs, proper avalanche response training is critical to safety. Don’t Be Unprepared!
Wasatch Mountain Guides is stoked to offer our Avalanche Rescue Course (aka Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals), which we offer in partnership with the American Avalanche Institute. This comprehensive course offers both a 1 hour remote session and and one 8-hour hands-on field day in the Wasatch Mountains, Utah, led by expert instructors from Wasatch Mountain Guides.
Not what you're looking for? Check out our other backcountry ski/snowboard and avalanche education courses:
- Avalanche Level 1 Course (American Avalanche Institute certification)
- 1-Day Introduction to Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding Course
- 2-Day Backcountry Skiing/Snowboarding Essentials Course
Course Details:
This course is a focused day of rescue practice and with learned curriculum and live drills. We will cover rescue fundamentals, such as survival statistics, survival strategies, and first response tactics. We will take time to demonstrate and then practice transceiver searches, airbag deployment (when and how), strategic shoveling, and team rescue response. We will discuss what to carry in the field, recommended training for backcountry travel, and emergency response strategies. This is a great opportunity to learn or hone your avalanche rescue response skills.
This course is a prerequisite for the Professional Level 1 course.
- There is a mandatory 1 hour remote video call the evening before our field day
- A minimum of 2 students in order for the course to occur
- If you are seeking a private course for more than 4 individuals, please contact us directly
- Price: $225
The Field Day:
Our field days will be one 8-hour day based in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. We'll cover the following curriculum, aided by multiple rescue scenario drills under supervision and with feedback from a trained and professional ski guide:
- Survival statistics
- Survival strategies
- Transceiver fundamentals
- Single beacon search practice
- Shoveling methodology
- Multiple burial search techniques
- Introduction to airbags & other tools
- Companion rescue response drills
Dates:
- See the calendar for available courses. Typically this course is available twice a month on a Saturday. Contact us directly to schedule for another day of the week.
