RECREATIONAL LEVEL 1 HUT TRIP
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. Students will be required to complete an online learning module (estimated 6-8hrs) in advance of the hut trip.. 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. The course format will comprise a mix of pre-trip planning and field practice while touring and evaluating avalanche terrain. Students will receive a certification for completion of a Level 1 Avalanche Training Course as outlined by the American Avalanche Association.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet at the SVG headquarters to review gear for the trip. Depart to Easily Hot Springs parking lot and skin into Tornak Yurt (1400’, 3.5 mile approach). Once we get to the hut, we will unpack and go into avalanche rescue scenarios nearby the hut.
Day 2: Go over pre-trip planning with the avalanche forecast from Sawtooth Avalanche Center. Guides will lead a tour, demonstrating how to manage moving through avalanche terrain. There will be some time spent in a snowpit looking through weak and strong snow and some stability tests to confirm your decision making.
Day 3: Students plan their own tour using paper maps and/or their cell phones (download maps ahead of time). Students will lead the group, taking turns as the leader, through a day of touring. We will pack up and ski out of the hut all the way back down to the trailhead.
We are not hosting a public course for winter 2024-25 but we can schedule a private course.
**Please email jp@svguides.com to inquire about private avalanche courses or for any avalanche/education related questions. Min 4 people. Max 8. Pricing the same as public courses.
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:
Avalanche Essentials by Bruce Tremper
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
Hut rental fee
Online Course Material
Avalanche field notebook
Hutmeister/cook
Snowmobile Porter for food and a small carry on size personal gear
Food includes breakfast, lunch and bars, appetizers, dinner, and dessert (meals start and finish with lunch on the first day of the trip)
What you need:
See EQUIPMENT LIST
Typical Meeting Times and Place:
Meet at the Sun Valley Guides Headquarters at 8am. Carpool to trailhead.
Pricing:
$2100/PERSON
INCLUDES INSTRUCTOR(S), PORTER, HUTMEISTER/CHEF, GOURMET FOOD, SNOWMOBILE CARGO/TOW & HUT RENTAL
*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.
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
(208) 726-8818
711 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340
(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
