Avalanche Level 1 Salt Lake City

Avalanche Level 1 Salt Lake City, Utah (Wasatch Range)- Lean the skills needed to access the untracked powder of the backcountry! This course provides students with a solid foundation of skills which enables them to travel more safely and make informed decisions in the backcountry. SIET Avalanche programs are unique in that the class size is small, which allows the instructors to customize the course to specific student goals and provide more one-on-one coaching.

In addition, all SIET avalanche courses are led by AMGA/IFMGA Certified Mountain Guides who have extensive backcountry experience, have taught dozens of avalanche courses, and are well versed in the most current industry best practices. All SIET Avalanche Courses are endorsed by the American Avalanche Association.

All of our avalanche courses cover curriculum that meets and exceeds the guidelines of the American Avalanche Association and is equivalent to an AIARE 1 avalanche course. This program is 24 hours long with 60% of course time spent in the field and 40% in the classroom and/or online, as per AAA guidelines.

 

Avalanche Level 1 Course in the Wasatch

 

Course Topics and Learning Outcomes:

  • Make key observations for snowpack and weather.
  • Practice snowpack tests appropriate for the current avalanche problems.
  • Identify avalanche terrain in the field.
  • Choose terrain appropriate for the current avalanche forecast and avoid avalanche problems.
  • Access the local avalanche bulletin and learn to understand & apply the information.
  • Describe where and why avalanches occur.
  • Understand key components of avalanche formation.
  • Human Factors: Identify & apply decision tools to prepare for traveling in avalanche terrain.
  • Apply risk management tools: safety equipment, trailhead checks, and communication.
  • Learn procedures for Basic Companion Rescue.

Dates and Logistics, Winter 2025/26 

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.

    • 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.

Register Here:


Prerequisites: 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 safely. Snow shoes, nordic gear (cross country), and snow machines are not an option for SIET courses (contact us if you need to find a course provider that specializes in those modes of travel, we’d be happy to help!).

 

Required Gear List: Avalanche Level 1 Gear List

Itinerary: Avalanche Level 1 Itinerary

 

Avalanche Level 1 Course Salt Lake City Utah

Mount Superior, the core of the Wasatch Range. Home to world-class backcountry skiing..and powerful avalanches!

Scholarships Available:

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

Cancelation Policy:

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. The course may also be cancelled due to bad weather, sickness, low enrollment, or other logistical challenges, in which case the course will be rescheduled or students will be given a credit or refund.

  • Rentals available from evo.com, please make your request 10 days before the course start date

  • Transportation not provided; all wheel drive and/or chains sometimes required by law in the Wasatch.