Avalanche Level 1 – Mountaineers & Snowshoers
Out of sight, out of mind. Though avalanches are often associated more with extreme sports such as backcountry skiing, splitboarding and snowmobiling — and not so much with ice climbing or winter mountaineering — statistics show otherwise. Whether snowshoeing along a creek at the base of a mountain, hiking a terrain trap or climbing a frozen waterfall that culminates under steep avalanche terrain, these sports are subject to avalanches. This course caters to mountaineers eyeing high peaks, ice climbers and avid hikers and snowshoers wanting to enjoy a winter day in the mountains. UMA’s Level 1 Avalanche training is a 24-hour intensive course sanctioned by the American Avalanche Association (A3) and participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Course Dates
- Dec 4-6, 2026 (Friday-Sunday)
- Jan 1-3, 2027 (Friday-Sunday)
- Jan 18-20, 2027 (Monday-Wednesday)
- Mar 12-14, 2027 (Friday-Sunday)
This Avalanche Level 1 for Mountaineers and Snowshoers course is designed to fit the needs of an ever-growing population of ice climbers, snowshoers and mountaineers in the central Wasatch and beyond. Mountaineers, climbers and snowshoers alike will gain a greater appreciation and comprehension of mountain terrain amid the ever-evolving snowpack. In addition, it will help you to reassess how you approach the mountains and perceive the avalanche risk, wherever your risk tolerance may lie.
Taught in the ideal backcountry terrain of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, UMA’s Level 1 Avalanche course is a 24-hour course (stretched over 4 days), standardized in the USA by the American Avalanche Association (A3) and equivalent to AIARE 1.
UMA’s Level 1 Avalanche Course Curriculum
- Accessing and understanding the content of local avalanche reports
- Effectively applying an avalanche forecast to decision-making
- Where and why avalanches run and the key components of their formation
- Recognition and management of human factor risks
- Effective group communication
- Using simple decision-making and planning tools
- Trailhead checks, safe travel protocols and procedures to minimize risk and exposure
- Companion rescue skills, including single-beacon recovery, efficient probing and shoveling techniques
- Basics of weather with respect to snowpack layering and structure
- Performing key snowpack tests and observations
- Recognizing avalanche terrain in the field and during classroom route-finding exercises using maps and apps
- Selecting terrain and route appropriate to the present avalanche forecast and problem
- Associating objectives with terrain and avalanche avoidance
Everyone recreating in the mountains during the winter and spring should be knowledgeable about the state of the snowpack. Participants who take this course will gain a better understanding of current conditions, types of avalanches, how to read and access local advisories, what constitutes as avalanche terrain and how to avoid it. Furthermore, participants will become aware of the traps and hazards unique to their sport that may be hidden in plain sight.
Besides setting yourself up for success in the backcountry, our Level 1 curriculum teaches the skills you need to explore and enjoy the backcountry safely. We want to emphasize that it takes practice to be competent and effective at the skills gained in your Level 1. Digging a proper snowpit, dialing in hand hardness skills, performing other snow tests and rescue require repetition and consistency.
Without a doubt, Level 1 simplifies the complex nature of avalanche recognition, allowing you to walk away with an objective outlook and greater observational skills in the big scheme of things. Additionally, you will gain the tools and hands-on practice to start performing and improving your snowpack evaluations, analysis and decision making.
Fitness & Skill Level
- You must have sufficient fitness to travel 1,500 ft uphill at altitudes of 7,000 ft and above.
- Previous Avalanche Fundamentals course or the equivalent is highly recommended.
This course includes 24 hours of lectures and field instruction; self-paced online modules, online Q&A with instructors, in-person tour planning and two full field days in the Wasatch backcountry. A mandatory pre-course module will be emailed to participants before the start of the course. Participants are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (2 liters) for each field day.
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY EVENING – SUNDAY (WEEKEND COURSE)
Self-paced online module – produced by Mountain Training Center and taught by UMA instructors
Fri: 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Interactive Virtual Lecture and Q&A
Sat: 7:30 am – 2:30 pm, Backcountry Field Session
Sat: 3:30 pm – 5 pm, Route planning session at UMA Office in Cottonwood Heights
Sun: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, Backcountry Field Session (full day tour)
Course Fee
$649 plus tax
GUIDE/INSTRUCTOR
You will receive a reminder with the contact information for your guide/instructor. They will contact you directly by email to confirm meeting time and location, as well as weather considerations and equipment needs.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at uma@utahmountainadventures.com
UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the course if fewer than 2 participants register.
Level 1 Avalanche for Mountaineers & Snowshoers EQUIPMENT LIST
- Non-cotton top and bottom base layer
- Puffy overcoat and/or other insulation layer (synthetic or down)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket and pants (or bibs)
- Waterproof snow gloves and mittens (or a second pair of gloves)
- Lightweight gloves for uphill travel
- Warm hat and baseball cap
- Helmet (recommended)
- Sunglasses and goggles
- Sunscreen
- 1-2 liters of water (water bladders not recommended for winter use)
- Thermos of hot drink (optional)
- Sack lunch and snacks (sack dinner for Saturday of Level 1 classes)
- Waterproof, warm boots
- Snowshoes
- Ski poles with powder baskets
- Clinometer, snow saw and snowpit kit (optional)
- Beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
- Backpack (25-40 liters)
Please see our Backcountry & Avalanche Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.
Recommended Books
Snow Sense: A Guide to Evaluating Snow Avalanche Hazard by Jill Freestone & Doug Fesler
Avalanche Essentials: A Step-by-Step System for Safety and Survival by Bruce Tremper
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain by Bruce Tremper
Recommended Maps
Wasatch Touring Map 1 by Alpentech
Wasatch Touring Map 2 by Alpentech
UMA is a proud provider and member of the American Avalanche Association (A3). UMA teaches its own proprietary curriculum endorsed by A3 which oversees recreation and professional avalanche curricula in the US. There are no major differences between UMA and AIARE curricula and students can expect successful outcomes for both courses. A3 was the first body to govern avalanche education in the US, and remains at the core of innovation and oversight. UMA president, Julie Faure, sits on the A3 advisory board for avalanche education curriculum development. Graduates of UMA Level 1, Avalanche Rescue and Level 2 courses will receive a UMA/A3 Certificate of Completion.
Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below.
What is the difference between Avalanche Fundamentals and Level I?
Avalanche Fundamentals is a 12-hr consisting of one 3-hour lecture and one 6 to 8-hour field day. Topics covered include beacon rescue, snow pits, route finding and group travel, among others. Avalanche Level 1 is a 24-hr course consisting of self-paced online modules, online Q&A with instructors, in-person tour planning and two full field days in the Wasatch backcountry, covering the same topics in much greater detail.
Which course is best for me?
If you have never used an alpine touring ski or splitboard setup but are a confident skier/rider in the resort, we recommend Intro to Backcountry to gain familiarity with backcountry equipment, uphill travel on skins, uphill kick turns, transitions and downhill riding in deeper, variable snow conditions.
If you would like to combine learning how to travel in the backcountry with avalanche awareness, UMA’s 2-Day Backcountry Touring & Avalanche Skills Course is a great option.
If you have some experience using an alpine touring ski or splitboard setup with skins and are a confident skier/rider but are unfamiliar with basic avalanche concepts, we recommend Avalanche Fundamentals.
Avalanche Level 1 is designed for those who are confident skiers/riders, know how to use an alpine touring ski or splitboard setup, are familiar with basic avalanche concepts and have been touring in the backcountry for a season or two.
Avalanche Rescue is recommended for those who are familiar with basic avalanche concepts through courses or personal learning. Typically taken after Avalanche Level 1 and is a prerequisite for Level 2. UMA’s Level 2 includes Avalanche Rescue in its 32-hr course.
If you have taken Level 1, but are rusty on the material, Avalanche Level 1 Refresher is a great review.
Who takes Level 2?
Avalanche Level 2 is for backcountry travelers wanting to lead and become decision makers. Avalanche Level 1 and substantial (2+ seasons) experience with backcountry travel are prerequisites.
