Out of sight, out of mind. Avalanches are often associated more with extreme sports such as backcountry skiing, splitboarding and snowmobiling, but not so much with ice climbing or hiking, statistics show otherwise. Whether snowshoeing along a creek at the base of a mountain: a terrain trap; or when 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 wanting to enjoy a casual winter day in the mountains. UMA's Level 1 Avalanche training is a 24-hour intensive course sanctioned by the American Avalanche Association (A3). Participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Description:

Everyone recreating in the mountains during the winter and spring should be knowledgeable of the current snowpack, avalanche conditions, how to read and access local advisories, understand what constitutes avalanche terrain and become aware of the traps and hazards unique to their sport that may be hidden in plain sight.

The avalanche level 1 training is a must have course for anyone recreating in the mountains. Mountaineers, climbers and snowshoers alike will gain a better appreciation and understanding of mountain terrain and the ever-evolving snowpack. In addition, it will help you to re-assess how you approach the mountains and understand the avalanche risk, wherever your risk tolerance lies.

Curriculum:

An introduction to:

• Accessing and understanding content of local avalanche reports
• Effectively applying an avalanche forecast to decision-making
• Where and why avalanches run and 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 field and during classroom route-finding exercises
• Selecting terrain and route appropriate to the present avalanche forecast and problem
• Associating objectives to terrain and avalanche avoidance

How to Register:

• Register Online
• Call us at (801) 550 3986
• Email us