Day 1, 2 and 3: Avalanche Level 1 course.

Day 4: We begin by reviewing avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes by practicing their storage, function, and use. We will then examine a variety of options for basic backcountry equipment such as skins and bindings. With this knowledge, we begin our first tour moving slowly as to introduce many of the big concepts such as terrain selection and evaluation, track setting, route finding, proper use of ski touring equipment, and safety.

Day 5: We will meet in the ski lodge and introduce navigational equipment covering the skills required for a tour plan. We then head to the backcountry where we will cover more terrain and have the opportunity for downhill track setting and safe, efficient group movement. We will introduce navigational skills and continue to review and fine-tune all of the skills up to this point. Every student will have the chance to practice all the skills they've learned while receiving hands on coaching and feedback.

We seek to help you develop a good working knowledge of:

• Ski touring gear
• Transceivers and avalanche equipment
• Skiing technique and personal skills assesment
• Terrain analysis for uphill and downhill track laying
• Use of map and compass
• Tour planning
• Types and characteristics of avalanches
• An introduction to how avalanches form and release
• Avalanche terrain
• Trip planning and preparation
• Travel techniques and decision making
• Avalanche rescue