Avalanche Rescue Course

1-Day Avalanche Rescue Course

Sharpen your rescue skills. Build confidence when seconds matter.

Avalanche Rescue is a hands-on, one-day field course focused entirely on companion rescue skills — the techniques and decision-making that save lives in the backcountry. Whether you’re a new backcountry traveler or looking to refresh and refine your rescue systems, this course provides essential training in beacon search techniques, probing strategies, and efficient shoveling under realistic conditions.

Led by professional mountain guides and avalanche educators, this day emphasizes repetition, scenario-based practice, and coaching to build confidence and muscle memory for fast, organized response in an emergency.

Avalanche Rescue is the required follow-up or refresher for all AIARE-certified avalanche education pathways and is recommended for all backcountry skiers, riders, and climbers who travel in avalanche terrain.

Price: $275.00

Dates: Please reach out for availability

Course Highlights

  • Learn the latest standards and techniques for single and multiple burial scenarios

  • Practice efficient transceiver search patterns for speed and precision

  • Master strategic shoveling to maximize speed and team coordination

  • Develop skills for organized group rescue and scene management

  • Understand the importance of preparation, communication, and leadership during real avalanche incidents

  • Get personalized feedback and coaching from experienced guides

  • Course Goals

    • Learn the fundamentals of avalanche rescue skills for backcountry travelers

    • Build confidence using avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel)

    • Improve decision-making in avalanche terrain

    • Enhance teamwork and communication during emergency situations

    • Provide hands-on practice in realistic rescue scenarios

    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

    • Use avalanche transceivers efficiently to locate buried victims

    • Conduct systematic snow probe searches

    • Dig and perform companion rescues effectively

    • Manage multiple rescues under time pressure

    • Work as a coordinated team during rescue operations

    • Make informed decisions to reduce avalanche risk during travel

    • Apply learned skills in a variety of backcountry terrain and conditions

  • Morning

    • Meet at trailhead and check gear

    • Brief on avalanche hazards and decision-making

    • Practice beacon use and search techniques

    Midday

    • Snow probe practice and systematic searching

    • Companion rescue drills (digging and victim recovery)

    Afternoon

    • Multi-person rescue scenarios

    • Review of skills and Q&A

    • Course wrap-up and next steps

    • Comfortable traveling in the backcountry

    • Basic skiing or splitboarding skills

    • Bring your own avalanche gear: beacon, shovel, probe

    • Able to hike or tour for a few hours in winter conditions

    • Previous avalanche training AIARE 1 or equivalent recommended

  • Included:

    • Friendly AMGA trained splitboard guides

    • Strike plates (for scenarios)

    • Avalanche reference cards

    • Wag Bags (Waste Disposal Bags)

    Not Included:

    • Ski/splitboard touring equipment.

    • Avalanche rescue equipment

    • Food

    • Transportation

    • Guide Gratuities

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Typical Day Schedule

Morning:

  • Introductions, equipment checks, and avalanche rescue overview

  • Beacon drills: signal search, coarse search, fine search, and pinpoint accuracy

Midday:

  • Probing and shoveling systems

  • Team rescue coordination and timing drills

Afternoon:

  • Complex rescue scenarios: multiple burials and partner organization

  • Debrief, performance review, and take-home practice plan

What You’ll Learn

  • Transceiver function and fine search techniques

  • Probing strategies for multiple burials and deep burials

  • Strategic shoveling and excavation methods

  • Group rescue organization and communication

  • Triage, first response, and incident management fundamentals

  • Post-rescue debrief and gear maintenance

Who It’s For

  • Backcountry skiers, splitboarders, and mountaineers of all levels

  • Ideal for those who’ve taken an AIARE 1 or plan to refresh their rescue skills

  • Small-group format ensures hands-on practice and individualized instruction