Rec Level 1

Rec Level 1

$725.00

The foundation course for all backcountry users. Learn to identify avalanche terrain, interpt the avalanche forecast, understand weather and snowpack factors, practice rescue techniques, and make basic go/no-go decisions. Minimum 24 hours with field experience. $725 Hybrid (8 hour online learning module, 2 hour evening zoom class, 2 full day field sessions).

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Description

Rec Level 1 is for skiers, splitboarders and motorized users who want to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Participants may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Companion Rescue, but these are not a prerequisite for this course.

Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Duration: Online Learning Module, 2 hour Evening Virtual Meeting, + 2 Field Days

Maximum Ratio: 6:1

Minimum Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.

Course Includes

  • Professional instruction
  • Course workbooks
  • Online/classroom and field instruction

What is not included on a Companion Rescue course:

  • Transportation to and from the trailhead
  • Personal gear
  • Avalanche rescue gear
  • Food

Required:

  • Avalanche Transceiver
  • Avalanche Probe
  • Avalanche Shovel
  • Touring boots
  • Touring skis or splitboard – adjusted to boot sole length
  • Climbing Skins
  • Poles with powder baskets
  • Avalanche airbag or ski specific pack, 30-40L
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Inclinometer or smartphone app (installed)
  • Food/Water
  • Small repair kit

Recommended Clothing:

  • Synthetic or wool base layers
  • Synthetic mid-layer
  • Lightweight wind shell
  • Shell jacket
  • Down or synthetic insulated jacket
  • Shell pants
  • 2+ pair gloves
  • 2 warm hats
  • Sunhat
  • Goggles
  • Sunglasses
  • “Buff”

Recommended Essentials

  • Sunscreen + spf lip balm
  • Small “rite in the rain” note book and mechanical pencil
  • InReach/Spot
  • Radio
  • Chemical hand warmers
  • Headlamp
  • Ski Straps x2
  • Smartphone Apps, installed
    • Giai, Caltopo or OnX navigation apps
    • Steve’s Badass Avalanche Inclinometer (Slope angle)
    • Snowtool (snow crystal ID)
    • Avy App (US avalanche forecast centers)

Pre-Course Online Module – The online learning module is required to be completed before your field session days. The online materials introduce to a variety of topics that your instructors will expand upon in the field. 

Logistics Virtual Meeting – The evening before the first field, your instructor will hos an online meeting. Questions about the pre-course material will be answered, a review of the current avalanche conditions and venue location and parking logistics will be covered.

Field Day 1 – 8:00am – 4:30pm

  • Course meets at predetermined location
  • Morning avalanche, weather and safety briefing
  • Introduction to trailhead rescue gear checks
  • Introduction to the Backcountry Process
  • Companion rescue practice – demonstrations, practice and observation/coaching
  • Transition to instructor led tour and snowpack observations – introduction to snow pack tests
  • Terrain tour (ATES) – how to identify avalanche terrain and safely navigate it
  • Debrief observations in the field and return to trailhead
  • Assign parameters for day 2 tour plan

Field Day 2 – 8:00am – 4:30pm

  • Meet at trailhead
  • AM Discussion – Backcountry Process (avalanches, snowpack, weather)
  • Trailhead transceiver function check
  • Student/Instructor-led tour: Terrain Identification, recording observations in field books, snowpack tests / observations, weather observations, review companion rescue
  • Return to trailhead – Debrief in small groups followed by large group discussion
  • Course wrap up & next steps

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