Reading and understanding winter’s seasonal narrative, as it’s written across mountain slopes and backcountry bowls, is both a learned skill and a practiced art. The Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course introduces students to the ways we ritualize our planning, observations and assessments and highlights the critical importance of Reading the Story of Winter each and every day.
There are no pre-requisites for this course. It is for anyone who plans to spend time in avalanche terrain. Those aspiring to continue there education will need to take this course as prerequisite for the Recreational Level 2 and Pro 1 Courses. For 2022/2023 the three day level 1 course includes a day of in-person classroom education, and two field days including an integrated rescue course. We also offer stand alone Rescue Courses as it is a perishable skill that requires field time to stay dialed and you must have a current certification to pursue more advanced courses.
The course curriculum is curated and provided by the Silverton Avalanche School (SAS), the oldest, continually operating avalanche education program in the United States. Decades of experience and countless days in the field by internationally recognized instructors have gone into producing this essential tool for your backcountry quiver. The SAS Rec Level 1 exceeds the requirements set by the American Avalanche Association (AAA), the same certifying body that presides over AIARE and the programming of other education providers.
Program Cost: $550
Course Location: Mount Washington Valley, NH
Avalanche rescue kits will be provided, however numbers are limited and they will be provided on a first requested, first served basis. Check our Gear List and Resources page for other provided gear, packing lists, and rental options. You are encouraged to bring your own equipment.
Dates for 2023/2024
- 1/19-1/21 (Fri-Sun)
- 2/23-2/25 (Fri-Sun)
If you have a group and would like to set-up a private custom program please contact us.
Schedule
Day 1 – Classroom: Meet at 9AM and wrap around 4PM. Meeting location is TBD but will likely be in the Mount Washington Valley area (North Conway) or Gorham area. For custom/private programs the classroom location is flexible and can be moved to a place of convenience for the group. Additional instructor travel and lodging fees may apply.
Day 2 – Field Day #1: We will meet at a predetermined location* at 7:30AM (or time otherwise agreed upon with instructor), dressed, packed and ready for a full day in the field. We will wrap at around 4:30PM.
Day 3 – Field Day #2: We will meet at a predetermined location* at 7:30AM (or time otherwise agreed upon with instructor), dressed, packed and ready for a full day in the field. We will wrap at around 4:30PM.
* Potential field locations include east side of the presidential range based out of the Pinkham Notch Visitors Center, west side based out of the Cog Railway or other zones ranging as far as Western Maine and the Western White Mountains. We will utilize terrain that best serves the educational goals of the course and group and will make terrain selections when we have an accurate grasp on these factors, weather and conditions. Some locations (i.e. The Cog Railway, Wildcat Mountain) may require a one-time lift, uphill skin, parking or other fee. Each student is responsible for these additional costs.
Student Ratios
Instructor to student ratios are maximum 5:1 for a total of 10 students and 2 instructors. Courses need at least 4 students to run. If there are not enough students to run your course you will be notified 10 days in advance and will have the option to move to another course, cancel your registration, or in some situations, opt to move forward with a lower ratio program for additional compensation to be agreed upon by all parties.
Pre Work/Prep
The are no mandatory items for you to complete before your course. However, we will send recommended reading, viewing and study topics to you in your registration confirmation email. We highly recommend you take advantage of these resources. In the meantime, check out noblackoutdays.com, where we have put together an awesome repository of avy ed resources.
Gear
Please review our Gear Lists and Resources Page for general information and the gear list below for the items specific to your course. All items are mandatory unless otherwise noted
Lodging
We recommend the Cranmore Mountain Lodge, a locally owned option with quality amenities and convenient access to downtown North Conway. Use code: CML-IME for 10% off when booking on their website. In addition to CML their are many options to cover a wide range of lodging preferences including local Inns, hotels, hostels and AirBnb/STR. We recommend you book well in advance, as your course will be peak season and options fill-up very quickly. Please support local businesses if you can!
Covid-19
Please review our Covid-19 policies prior to your course. We will update you with changes to these policies as your course nears and the situation evolves.