This course is designed for those who have taken a Level 1 Avalanche Course, and are looking to refresh key skills while branching out into new terrain.
You’ve found yourself descending a slope that you don’t feel certain about. You have some avalanche training, but it has been a while. Do you feel confident making snowpack evaluations? How about assessing avalanche terrain? Do you feel confident you can find your partner(s) with a transceiver in the case of an avalanche?
The skills learned in avalanche education courses are perishable, and we need to be on our best game when setting foot into the backcountry. This course is designed for those who have taken a Level 1 Avalanche course, and are looking to refresh key skills while branching out into new terrain. The Level 1 refresher course offers professional coaching and mentorship applying the skills learned during a level 1 to new terrain, and is a great option for those looking to take a Level 2 soon. We highly recommend folks sign up with their touring partners to maximize the benefits of this course. We will also cover any updates to current best practices that may have changed since you took your Level 1.
Who is this course for?
- If it has been a couple years since your Level 1.
- Those who have specific skills in mind they’d like focused coaching with.
- If you’re newer to the area, have a Level 1 and want to receive mentorship while getting to see new terrain.



Trip Details
Duration
Evening Zoom Session + Single Field Day
Difficulty
Must have taken a Level 1 Course prior to signing up for the refresher
Maximum Guide Ratio
6:1, 3 students required to run this course
Included
- AIARE and AMGA trained/certified guide
- Avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe upon request)
- Federal land usage surcharge (USFS/BLM)
Not Included
- Personal skiing/riding equipment – Rentals are available to be reserved out of our office and retail partner Cripple Creek Backcountry
- Lunch/snack food
- Guide gratuity (we recommend tipping at least 20% of your student registration)
Trip Itinerary
Zoom Session evening prior- We will spend an evening reviewing the season’s weather and avalanche conditions, reviewing key Level 1 concepts, and making a tour plan for the field day the next day.
6-8 hr Field Day- The field day will begin at our Silverton office classroom at 8 am at 1303 Greene St. Silverton, CO and quickly transition to the backcountry. We will spend the day focusing on group management skills for the up and down, making relevant weather and snowpack observations, decision making and teamwork skills, and using terrain to manage avalanche risk, as well as any other specific goals you may have.
