Level 1 Avalanche

EDUCATIONAL COURSE

MAG’s Hybrid Level 1 Avalanche Course follows national guidelines regulated by the American Avalanche Association (AAA); including our instructors’ credentials, material covered, duration, and classroom/field components.
Our Level 1 Course is designed to provide students with the knowledge to pursue backcountry ski terrain confidently.

- Classroom sessions – Online Learning at your own location and pace with a 1-2 hour Zoom review prior to your field days.
- Field courses – Mountain Ranges near Bozeman & Big Sky. Field days for Cooke City based programs will be held in and around Cooke City. If possible we select two separate geographic locations to provide students with a much more comprehensive environmental classroom than visiting the same general location each day.
- After completion of our L1 Course, you will receive a card from MAG that lists your name, dates of course, and instructors’ names. As a AAA-recognized educator, your completion of our L1 course will be accepted by other avalanche educators if you wish to pursue your avalanche education to the Level 2, Pro 1, or Pro 2 levels.
You do not need to be an advanced skier but you should be familiar with skiing a variety of snow conditions.
- Two Full Field Days (8am-5pm)
- 8 hours of online learning with evening Zoom session prior to field days
- Experienced AAA recognized instructor(s)
- Food, water, transport, lodging
- Backcountry ski/snowboard gear, avalanche safety gear, technical clothing, backpack, etc.
- Rescue insurance
- Trip insurance
- Guide gratuity
- Unforeseen expenses from circumstances outside of Montana Alpine Guides’ control
Please see our Avalanche Course Equipment List for the required equipment for this trip. Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and backpack may be rented from MAG for $50/day. Rentals must be coordinated in advance as our inventory is limited.
Please see our Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.