Avalanche Training Level I (Feb. 5-7 2027)

Instructors: Paul Dawson, Amber Gallo

The Level I curriculum gives participants a thorough, practical introduction to avalanches.

The American Avalanche Association’s Recreation Level I curriculum is a 24-hour course that provides participants with a thorough, practical introduction to avalanches and the skills needed to recognize the conditions that cause them. Participants will also learn strategies for prudent decision-making and techniques for traveling in avalanche terrain to increase the odds of avoiding and surviving an avalanche. Because avalanches are complex and cannot be predicted with certainty, the course will also emphasize efficient avalanche companion rescue skills.

This course may be canceled due to insufficient snow or inadequate enrollment.

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

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

An online meeting is held from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday before the weekend fieldwork. Weekend field days run from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

The self-paced 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.