Avalanche Level 1 – Mountaineers & Snowshoers

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
• 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 mixed lectures and field sessions over 4 days. Guests are expected to bring their own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters per day). UMA does not provide transportation. We encourage carpooling to help mitigate traffic in the canyons and crowded parking areas.

SCHEDULE & MEETING LOCATION

Meeting times are listed below. Meeting locations are provided to registered guests before the course date. Field Sessions take place in either Little Cottonwood Canyon or Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Central Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah.

MONDAY – THURSDAY (WEEKDAY COURSE)
Mon: 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Interactive Virtual Lectures
Tue: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Field Session
Wed: 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Interactive Virtual Lectures
Thu: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, Field Session

THURSDAY – SUNDAY (WEEKEND COURSE)
Thu: 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Interactive Virtual Lectures
Fri: 5:30 pm – 9 pm, Interactive Virtual Lectures
Sat: 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Field Session
Sun: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, Field Session

Course Fee

Weekday Course: $599 plus tax
Weekend Course: $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 [email protected]

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 the American Avalanche Association (A3) curriculum, rather than AIARE; however, there are no major differences between what is taught. A3 was the first body to govern avalanche education in the US, and remains at the core of innovation and oversight. Graduates of UMA Level 1 and 2 courses will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below. 

What is the difference between Avalanche Skills and Level I?

Avalanche Fundamentals consists of one 3-hour lecture and one 6 to 8-hour field day. Topics covered include beacon rescue, snow pits, and group travel, among others. Avalanche Level 1 consists of two 3.5-hour lectures and two field days and covers the same topics in much greater detail. Also, participants will apply skills learned with supervision and feedback from their guide.

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 Skills is recommended for those who are familiar with basic avalanche concepts through courses or personal learning. Typically taken after Avalanche Level 1.

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 those who have taken Avalanche Level 1, Avalanche Rescue Skills and have substantial (2+ seasons) experience with backcountry travel.