Recreational Level 1

AVALANCHE TRAINING

Traditionally, our Recreational Level 1 courses were 3 days long, but due to COVID-19, we are working on creating an online learning platform to reduce the classroom time spent together inside a confined room. Our new 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 Zoom meeting check-ins 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 4-5, 2025
JANUARY 11-12, 2025 (4 SPOTS LEFT)
JANUARY 18-19, 2025
FEBRUARY 1-2, 2025

**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.

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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

What is provided:

● AMGA certified and/or trained guide

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

What you need:

See EQUIPMENT LIST

Typical Meeting Times and Place:

Full Day 8AM-5PM
Meet at the Sun Valley Guides Headquarters

Pricing:

$575/PERSON

*Guest to Guide ratio is 6:1 | Min. 4 | Max. 12
**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.

Rentals (Skis, splitboards, boots, avalanche equipment, backpacks, etc.):

Sturtevants Rental & Cycle Haus (mention you are going out with Sun Valley Guides to receive a discount)
(208) 726-4501
340 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340

Backwoods Mountain Sports
(208) 726-8818
711 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340

Elephant’s Perch
(208) 726-3497
280 N East Ave, Ketchum, ID 83340

Board Bin (carries Splitboard setups for rent)
(208) 726-1222
180 4th St E, Ketchum, ID 83340