Motorized LEVEL 1 AVALANCHE COURSE

Our Motorized Recreational Level 1 is a 2-field day course, plus 6-8 hours of online learning, that provides an introduction to avalanche risk management for motorized users. This course meets the American Avalanche Association requirements for a Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course.

The structure of the class, and structure of each riding day, is based on The Daily Flow. Learning will occur through a mix of pre-course online learning, a Zoom session, and 2 days of field practice.

Schedule:

Each class will begin with a mandatory online session prior to field days. Field days will run from 9am-5pm, or instructor discretion. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Attendance and participation in the full class is mandatory.

Dates:

See Motorized Level 1 Mentorship (3-day) or schedule a private!

**Please email jp@svguides.com to inquire about private avalanche courses or for any avalanche/education related questions. Min 4 people. Max 12. Pricing the same as public courses.

Participants Must:  

  • Have the ability to ride off-trail in variable conditions. Participants who struggle to ride off-trail in variable conditions may jeopardize the experience of others - please do not overestimate your riding ability.

  • Bring a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. Beacons should be modern three-antennae, shovels should be made specifically for avalanche rescue, and probes should be 270cm or longer. Avalanche gear must be worn/carried on self, and not in a tunnel bag. An extra shovel in a tunnel bag is recommended.

  • Wear a DOT approved helmet and weather-appropriate gear.

  • Ride a reliable, well maintained snowmobile/snowbike, capable of off-trail travel. Machines must be registered with visible registration markings. Spare belts and repair kits are strongly recommended. Poorly maintained machines and/or machines not intended for off-trail travel may jeopardize the experience of others.

  • Read the required materials and apply the Daily Flow and Alerts stickers to machines for easy reference while riding.

  • Bring a radio capable of operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies. A simple speaker/mic is preferable to voice activated systems.

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:  

  • The SAC Daily Flow user guide and video. An electronic version of The Daily Flow book will be provided and a written copy can be provided if desired.

  • Avalanche Canada's online tutorial. Some of the details are different from the Daily Flow, but the

    concepts are the same.

  • Daily Flow and Alerts stickers, available for free at most regional powersports dealers. Additional

    stickers will be provided in class.

Learning Outcomes:

The successful student will be able to:

  • Recognize common themes in general risk management systems.

  • Demonstrate familiarity with rescue gear, including completion of a simple, untimed companion rescue scenario.

  • Consider the qualities of riding partners as they relate to risk; including both avalanche and non-avalanche risk.

  • Describe basic relationships between weather, snowpack and avalanches.

  • Access the Sawtooth Avalanche Center advisory and relate the danger rating, avalanche problem, and “Bottom Line” to potential avalanche risk.

  • Based upon riding partners and anticipated conditions, create safety margins using terrain and/or timing.

  • Confirm details with riding partners and use a simple plan as a group contract.

  • Manage the riding group using communication techniques and spotting/spacing strategies for both non-avalanche and avalanche terrain.

  • Use the SAC Conditions and Terrain Alerts stickers to maintain awareness of conditions and terrain while riding.

  • Recognize the benefits of digging below the snow surface for increased awareness of the day’s conditions, and for contributing to lifelong learning.

  • Participate in group discussions that link observed conditions to terrain use.

  • Encourage partners to learn from each day by using daily debriefs.

  • Submit observations to SAC using non-technical language and/or images and videos.

This course information was provided by the Sierra Avalanche Center.

WHAT IS PROVIDED:

  • AMGA certified and/or trained guide

  • Guides will be carrying a first aid kit, navigation equipment, inReach satellite device, repair kit, bivy/rescue sled and survival supplies

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • Check out our EQUIPMENT LIST

    Karl Malone Powersports (208) 788-4005 in Hailey services Polaris snowmobiles and Skidoo sled and sells parts and machines.

Rates:

$575 per student

*Guest to Guide ratio is 5:1 | Min. 4 | Max. 10
**Sales Tax and Forest Service fees not included
***Guide gratuity not included. As part of the service industry, it is customary to tip your guide(s) if you are happy with their service and should reflect a level of excellence in the service. If you choose to tip, 10-20% of the total trip fee is standard and cash/Venmo is the preferred method.

TYPICAL MEETING TIMES & PLACE:

Full Day 9 AM - 5 PM
Meet at the Baker Creek Parking Lot