Introduction to avalanche awareness, rescue skills and avalanche beacon searches, route finding, snow pack evaluation and minimizing exposure to hazards. Designed as a first avalanche course, or short refresher, this class is ideal for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers and snowshoers wishing to make informed route-finding decisions and mitigate risk while traveling in avalanche-prone terrain.
Description:
Friday’s lectures will encompass snow science terminology, avalanche types and formation, rescue, hazard evaluation, terrain, snowpack layering, stability tests, weather, and the human factor. Instructors will use anecdotes, slides, powerpoint presentations, and other visual aids to present these topics. A Q & A forum and plan for the next day will conclude the evening. The field session will be an applied review of the above topics. Students will travel on skins or snowshoes a short distance into the backcountry. Instructors will work with no more than 6 students each to dig snowpits, perform stability tests, practice beacon search and rescue scenarios, travel up and downhill employing avalanche-hazard mitigation procedures, and teaching safe route-finding skills.
How to Register:
Avalanche pouring off Hellgate Cliffs, Alta, Utah
Photo by Craig Dillon
Dec 6 - 7, 2024 | Fri & Sat |
Dec 20 - 21, 2024 | Fri & Sat |
Jan 10 - 11, 2025 | Fri & Sat |
Feb 7 - 8, 2025 | Fri & Sat |
Mar 7 - 8, 2025 | Fri & Sat |
Friday evening lecture (6-9pm). Saturday field session (8am-4pm).
Salt Lake City, Utah
$259 per person plus tax.
UMA reserves the right to cancel or shorten the clinic if fewer than 2 participants register.
Introductory. No Experience Necessary.
View All Avalanche Classes Custom Avalanche Instruction Avalanche Gear Avalanche Class Logistics Frequently Asked QuestionsUtah Mountain Adventures
P.O. Box 521809
Salt Lake City, Utah 84152-1809
Phone: (801) 550 3986
Fax: (801) 486 8505