Avalanche Training Level I (Feb. 23-25, 2024)

The Level I curriculum is designed to give participants a thorough, practical introduction to avalanches.

The American Avalanche Association’s Recreation Level I curriculum is intended to be a 24-hour course designed to give participants a thorough, practical introduction to avalanches as phenomena, and the skills to recognize the key conditions responsible for their occurrence. Additionally, participants will learn strategies for prudent decision-making and techniques for travel in avalanche terrain that will increase the odds of avoidance and survival. Since avalanches are complex and cannot be definitively predicted, the importance of efficient avalanche companion rescue skills will also be emphasized.

Please note that this course may be canceled due to insufficient snow.

All students must have an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel. Analog or digital (phone app) inclinometer is also important to have.

The field portion of the course will be run by KPAC staff in the terrain surrounding Arizona Snowbowl.

There is an online meeting from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday evening before the weekend fieldwork. Weekend field days run from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

The classroom components are online modules developed by The American Avalanche Institute. Students will spend five to eight hours completing the online coursework. KPAC recommends that students complete the online course before the weekend field sessions. All online modules must be completed before receiving a Level 1 certificate. The online modules have optional "deep dives" for those wanting more information.