Hands-On Avalanche Training in the Wasatch Mountains

Gain the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills to travel more safely in avalanche terrain. The School of International Expedition Training’s Avalanche Level 1 course offers small-group instruction led by IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides, blending classroom learning with full field days in Utah’s backcountry. The American Avalanche Association endorses all of our Avalanche Courses and are equivalent to an AIARE 1 avalanche course.

 

Enroll Now — Limited Seats Available

Course Details

Duration 2 full days, 7-8hrs of online eLearning + 1 evening check-in
Location Wasatch Range, Salt Lake City, Utah
Instructors AAA Pro Members, AMGA-trained
Price $600 per person
Designed for Experienced and novice backcountry skiers, see prerequisites below
Equipment Beacon, shovel, probe, touring setup (see list below)

Upcoming Course 2025-2026 Dates

    • Dec 6-7 (with an evening check-in at 7pm on Dec 3) 
    • Dec 13-14 (with an evening check-in 7pm on Dec 10)
    • Jan 3-4 (with an evening check-in at 7pm on Tuesday, Dec 30)
    • Jan 10-11 (with an evening check-in 7pm on Jan 7)
    • Jan 17-18 (with an evening check-in 7pm on Jan 14)
    • Jan 31- Feb 1 (with an evening check-in 7pm on Jan 28)
    • Feb 14-15 (with an evening check-in 7pm on Feb 11)
    • Feb 21-22 (with an evening check-in 7pm on Feb 18)
    • Other dates and private courses available upon request.

Reserve Your Seat:

 

Note: Each session limited to 12 participants (1 instructor per 6 students). This avalanche level 1 course will have 2 field sessions on Saturday and Sunday (7-8 hours each day), a virtual check-in via Zoom the Wednesday before the field dates, and about 8 hours of online e-learning modules that you can complete at your own pace anytime before the course begins. Please note this course has prerequisites, see below for details.

Avalanche Level 1 in Salt Lake City Utah

What To Expect

 

  • Avalanche Awareness and Terrain Management

Understand how avalanches form, recognize red flags, and evaluate slope conditions in real-world terrain.

  • Trip Planning & Route Selection

Learn to read maps, interpret avalanche and weather forecasts, and choose safer travel routes.

  • Rescue Techniques

Hands-on companion rescue using beacons, probes, and shovels — practice real-time scenarios.

  • Snowpack Observation

Develop skills for snow stability analysis, pit digging, and documentation.

 

Enroll Now — Choose Your Dates

Why Choose Expedition Training?

  • Smaller groups = more hands-on time. (1:6 instructor ratio ensures personalized feedback.)
  • Locally based in the Wasatch. Learn from instructors who know the terrain.
  • Professional certification. Led by AMGA/IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides with decades of field experience.
  • Focused curriculum. No “cookie-cutter” franchised material — real decision-making, not just memorization.

Meet Your Instructors

 

josh-beckner

Josh

IFMGA/AMGA certified guide, AAA Pro Member, and lead instructor with 20+ years of mountain guiding experience.
nate-furman

Nate Furman, PhD

Instructor, Board Member, Program Advisor for SIET, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, 20+ years of professional experience.

 

Hear From Our Graduates

 

“SIET opened my eyes to the world of expedition climbing. It helped me to understand what climbing safely and successfully in the big mountains requires. It showed me the level I need to reach to achieve my goals in climbing and skiing.“

-Ethan Judd

 “My favorite aspect of the program was its immersive nature. Spending nearly a month in a foreign country, living, learning, and climbing with a small group was pivotal to absorbing as much as I could of the vast knowledge-base of our instructors. Before committing to an alpine climbing program, I evaluated dozens of options, and I have no doubt that I made the right choice with SIET.“

-Rich Murray

 “My SIET trip was an experience of a lifetime and an adventure I will never forget. I have learned climbing and rescue skills that are now essential to my life outside. Thank you SIET for helping me progress to a new level in the adventures I pursue!“

-Neil Seifert

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

If a major storm or unsafe avalanche danger prevents field sessions from running as planned, we’ll adjust the schedule or relocate to a safer area. You’ll be notified of any changes in advance. It is possible the course may be cancelled due to bad weather, and trip insurance is advised.

SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT:

This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or split board. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and are comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort in all conditions.

  • Skis with touring bindings or split board
  • Boots with a walk mode, comfortable enough for 5-6 hours of skinning up hill
  • Poles with powder baskets, no race baskets (for split boarders too!)
  • Climbing skins (if borrowing or renting, make sure they fit the length/width of YOUR skis)

SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

The following equipment is important safety equipment and should be in good condition. Please do not borrow gear unless you know the gear has been treated well, i.e. to manufacturer’s recommendations.

  • Avalanche transceiver (Digital, less than 5 years old)
  • Avalanche probe (240cm or longer)
  • Shovel (flat-backed, metal blade, collapsible, no plastic shovels)
  • First Aid Kit and personal meds (personal kit for blisters, small cuts, headaches, upset stomach, etc.)

LAYERS:

This is the bare minimum for your average winter day, if you tend to get cold in winter conditions, especially while not moving for 1-2hrs, then bring more layers.

  • Base layers (top and bottom thermals, wool or synthetic)
  • Fleece (med or heavy weight)
  • Waterproof/breathable jacket
  • Lightweight down jacket (if you get cold easily bring this as well as a big one)
  • Big down or synthetic down jacket (the bigger the better!)
  • Gloves, 2-3 pair (you’ll be sticking your hands in the snow a lot! Plan on going through multiple pairs)
  • Buff and/or winter hat
  • Ski/snowboard pants

OTHER:

  • Goggles (both light and dark lenses would be ideal)
  • Sun glasses, 100% UVA/UVB (required) and sun block
  • Backpack, 35-45 liter
  • Food and water (2 liters) for the field days (thermoses are great!)
  • Helmets are recommended

SNOW STUDY KIT:

The following items are optional but will be useful for the course and future trips

  • Guides Notebook- 4 5/8” x 7” all-weather paper (“Rite in the Rain” LEVEL No.311 recommended)
  • 2 Mechanical pencils (pens will freeze!)
  • Crystal card
  • Magnifying loupe (10x or more is ideal)
  • Dial-Stem Thermometers (Centigrade)
  • Snow saw and Ruschtblock cutting cord (3-millimeter cord works best)
  • Inclinometer (or compass with inclinometer; apps also available: UAC and/or Theodolite recommended)

LOCAL RENTAL OPTIONS:

If you need to cancel 60 days prior to the course, you will be given a full refund. Cancelations that occur after 60 days will not receive a refund.

Students must be able to comfortably ski/board a ‘blue square’ run in western resorts in any condition, including powder, crust, chunder, etc. You must also be fit enough to climb 1,500-2,000 feet of vertical per day and still have the energy to ski/board back down.

No prior avalanche experience is required. This course is designed for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and climbers who are new to avalanche education or want a refresher before taking higher-level training.

 

Scholarships Available:

SIET offers a number of scholarships to help folks receive the training they need. Please check the Scholarships Page for more info.