Avalanche Rescue

Avalanche Rescue is a one-day, stand alone course that is designed for both new and experienced backcountry travelers and aspiring avalanche professionals. Avalanche rescue is designed to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep current on best practices in rescue techniques and equipment.

Avalanche Companion Rescue at a Glance

  • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah — Wasatch Range.
  • Tuition: $200, or $150 with a Level 1 Avalanche Course. Scholarships available.
  • Format: One full field day and about 2 hrs of online pre-course work.
  • Who it’s for: New and experienced backcountry travelers—no previous avalanche training required. Beginners learn companion rescue fundamentals using a beacon, shovel, and probe. Returning students and Level 1 graduates build on their skills through advanced techniques and realistic rescue scenarios. Instruction is tailored to each participant’s experience.

Choose Dates and Register Here:

 

Course Dates, Winter 2026/27

Nov 20, Nov 22

Dec 4, Dec 11, Dec 18

Jan 1, Jan 8

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. This program is 8 hours long, as per AAA guidelines. Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the Recreational Level 2 and Pro 1 courses.

 

Avalanche Rescue Practice Day

Avalanche Rescue Practice Day

Course Topics and Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand and demonstrate: priorities & actions to take if involved in an avalanche (as a victim or responder).
  • Identify and be able to use gear necessary for avalanche rescue.
  • Demonstrate effective application of search techniques by leading or participating in, companion rescue for one and two beacon burials within specified times and search areas.
  • Improve their response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers.
  • Group Plan communication
  • Trailhead Checks
  • Travel Protocols
  • Understand and demonstrate methods and strategies used in locating burials without beacons
  • Describe likely medical issues to anticipate once buried victims are excavated
  • Understand how to request EMS resources and what to expect with larger ICS responses 

Scholarships Available:

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

Cancellation Policy:

If you need to cancel 60 days prior to the course, you will be given a full refund. Cancellations 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.