Avalanche Level 1 Salt Lake City

Avalanche Level 1 Salt Lake City, Utah (Wasatch Range)- Lean the skills needed to access 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. 

This avalanche course will cover curriculum that meets and exceeds the guidelines of the American Avalanche Association and is equivalent to an AIARE 1 avalanche course. The 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.

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.

 

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 

Each course will include an evening logistics check-in the Wednesday before the field dates, two field sessions on Saturday and Sunday (~7-8 hours each), and about 8 hours of online e-learning modules that you can complete at your own pace 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 7pm on Dec 31)
    • 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. 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 and Itinerary:   2026 Avi L1 Itin & Gear List

 

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: 

American Alpine Club’s Partner in Adventure Grant- for Outdoor Education: “Our goal is to help you and your partner stay safe as you broaden your climbing skill set.” -AAC. This fits perfectly with SIET’s objectives, definitely apply to this one! Grants up to $1,000. Applications are open from September 22—October 29. For courses in the US only. 
https://americanalpineclub.org/partner-in-adventure#utm_source=national1&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=partnerinadventure

Cancelation Policy for Avalanche Level 1 Salt Lake City:

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, or other logistical challenges and trip insurance is advised.

  • 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.