Recreational Level 1
Information
Time
9:00am - 5:00pm
Session
Multi-Day
Description
Traditionally, our Recreational Level 1 courses were 3 days long, but due to COVID-19, we developed an online learning platform to reduce the classroom time spent together inside a confined room. Therefore, this hybrid course will be 2 days of field time, which will be spent tour planning, learning and practicing beacon rescues, learning to travel safely through the backcountry, and a whole lot more. The other “day” will consist of online learning geared to be at your own pace. It will consist of videos, presentations and quizzes to mark learning. This information will be sent ahead of time and must be completed before the start of the course. There will be a Zoom meeting check-in to answer any questions from the outline module, cover an equipment assessment and lay out our expectations for the field days.
This intensive course is a comprehensive introduction to avalanche phenomena as it relates to backcountry skiers and snowboarders. The course format will emphasize practical avalanche awareness and safety measures through hands-on learning. The entire backcountry course will be based in Ketchum and the field portion in the mountains of the Wood River headwaters. The course format will comprise a mix of classroom theory and field practice while touring and evaluating avalanche terrain. Students will receive a certification of completion for a Level 1 Avalanche Training Course as outlined by the American Avalanche Association. Course text included.
DATES
JANUARY 3-4, 2026
JANUARY 10-11, 2026
MARCH 14-15, 2026
**Please email avy@svguides.com to inquire about private avalanche courses or for any avalanche/education-related questions. Min 4 people. Max 12. Pricing is the same as public courses.
See also our Recreational Level One - Hut Based Course and our THREE Field Day Recreational Level One Mentorship Avalanche Course
Prerequisites
Backcountry touring experience, intermediate ability, and an understanding of basic Avalanche Awareness preferred.
Topics Covered
Avalanche types, speeds, and motion
Identifying avalanche terrain
Avalanche problems
Statistics
Terrain features, shape, and size
Snowpack development and change
Weather’s impact on the snowpack
Safe travel protocols
Human factors
Tour planning
Decision-making tools
Interpreting the avalanche advisory
Understanding basic stability tests
Companion rescue
Trailhead function check
Route selection
Recommended Reading
PRICING
$585/PERSON
*Guest to Guide ratio is 6:1 | Min. 4 | Max. 12
**Sales Tax and Forest Service fees not included
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Sun Valley Guides does not provide personal safety gear for avalanche course participants, so please come prepared with the necessary and reliable equipment. This includes a 3-antenna avalanche transceiver, a metal avalanche shovel, and an avalanche probe with a click-lock mechanism.
For more details on required gear, please refer to our equipment list.
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Safety is our top priority! All of our guides are licensed by the IOGLB and are highly-trained avalanche professionals and/or AMGA trained or certified. Our guides have an intimate knowledge of the vast mountains surrounding Sun Valley as well as the current snow and avalanche conditions.
AMGA stands for American Mountain Guides Association, an internationally recognized organization that offers rigorous training courses for guides in the alpine, rock, and ski mountaineering industry. Guides endorsed by AMGA are verified to operate at a high level of professionalism and with a deep knowledge of their sport. Learn more about AMGA here.
An IFMGA guide is a mountain guide who has achieved the highest level of certification in the world. The IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) sets rigorous global standards for guiding in skiing, climbing, and mountaineering. When you’re with an IFMGA guide, you can trust you’re in the hands of one of the most highly trained and experienced professionals in the industry.
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Yes. Sun Valley Guides is committed to providing safe and enjoyable adventures in the backcountry. All guests must read and sign a Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims Agreement prior to embarking on any guided trip. Be sure to read and sign the waiver prior to joining us in the mountains. You can find your waiver in your reservation confirmation. If you did not make the reservation, please ask whoever did to invite you to sign through their reservation confirmation email they received or email us at info@svguides.com
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A 50% non-refundable deposit is made to secure a spot on an avalanche course. Cancellations made with more than 2 weeks notice will receive a refund for the cost of the course, less the deposit fee. Cancellations made within 2 weeks of class start date are 100% non-refundable, but if a replacement for your spot can be found, we will transfer your deposit as credit for another course later in the same winter season with a $50 booking fee.
Please keep in mind that these policies vary by service. See our full cancellation policy for details.