Level 1 Avalanche for Ice Climbers
EDUCATIONAL COURSE
MAG’s Level 1 Avalanche Course for Ice Climbers is designed specifically for climbers looking to gain the skills and knowledge for safe backcountry travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanche hazard is a serious threat to ice climbers as approaches to the vast majority of ice climbs are accessed via avalanche terrain. The field portion of this course will cater specifically to ice climbers, with a focus on making safe decisions on-the-fly in terrain and situations encountered while approaching climbs without skis. This course meets all national guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA); including material covered, duration, and classroom/field components.
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Classroom sessions – Online Learning at your own location and pace with a 1-2 hour Zoom review prior to your field days.
Field Courses – Field day locations take place in and around Cooke City, MT. 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.
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Proficiency on WI3 ice climbing terrain
Knowledge of knots, belaying, & rappelling
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Two Full Field Days (8am-5pm)
8 hours of online learning with evening Zoom session prior to field days
Experienced AAA recognized instructor(s)
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Food, water, transport, lodging
Avalanche safety gear, technical clothing, backpack, etc.
Rescue insurance
Trip insurance
Guide gratuity
Unforeseen expenses from circumstances outside of Montana Alpine Guides’ control
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Please see our Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policies.
COURSE DATES
Cooke City
DATES TBD
Don’t see course dates to match your schedule? Book a Private Course for any dates!
COURSE DURATION
24 Hour Hybrid Course
2 Field Days (8:00am-5:00pm)
1-2 Hour live zoom meeting with educator prior to field day
RATIO
Maximum 5 Participants: 1 Instructor
COST
$595/participant
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“I had a great time on the course with Ryan, he was great on all levels, not surprised though, this is what I have come to expect from MAG. This course was very well worth it even though I have already taken Level 1 and 2 for skiing. On top of it being a great review, it was super helpful having higher-end discussion in a small group setting, it seemed to be more practical. It was great looking at the terrain in a bigger picture, not only do you cover traveling in avi terrain but it helped to look at objective hazards on tricky sections, like traverses to access climbs, all the while forecasting for overhead danger. It opened up a lot of discussion points about critical thinking when climbing. I would recommend this course for anyone climbing on snowy mountains but it is also great for skiers who want continued education, review, and practice seeing avalanche terrain from a different perspective.” ANTHONY S.
