Provided by Utah Mountain Adventures
Companion rescue is a last resort, but an essential skill to master and stay current on as a backcountry partner. This full-day, field-based Avalanche Rescue course focuses on the fundamentals of efficient rescue. Instructors will demonstrate, then students will practice, all aspects of organizing and leading rescues, including transceiver searches, methodical probing, strategic shoveling and airbag deployment and re-packing.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Avalanche rescue, like so many other skills, requires repetition to be good at it. In the event an avalanche has occurred, you typically have less than 15 minutes before serious injury is sustained by the victim. Although the goal is to never be in this situation, if you ever are, it’s your duty to know how to use your gear and use it well. Additionally, best practices in the industry are regularly researched and updated. In turn, any updated rescue techniques will be passed along to you as research and equipment evolve.
No avalanche or backcountry training is required to take Avalanche Rescue. Avalanche Fundamentals or Avalanche Level 1 is recommended. This avalanche rescue course is an A3 Pro Level 1 and Rec Level 2 prerequisite. It also pairs well with the Level 1 Refresher course. Students may travel on skis or splitboard with skins, or on snowshoes. Each person who completes the training will receive their Avalanche Rescue card accredited by the American Avalanche Association (A3). All UMA Instructors are professionally certified by the American Avalanche Association.
UMA’S AVALANCHE RESCUE COURSE CURRICULUM
- Anticipating a rescue: terrain recognition and travel protocols
- Escape and survival strategies for avalanche victims
- Rescuer safety, last seen point, communication and common mistakes
- Transceivers: antennae, range variations, idiosyncrasies
- Beacon checks, trailhead and full-range, send and receive
- Single-beacon searches, including deep burials
- Multiple burials; flagging functions with various beacons
- Basic patient care for avalanche victims, packaging and transport
- Small and large team rescues: response roles, tactics and scenarios
- Non-transceiver searches: spot probing; probe lines
- Gear to carry and recommended training for backcountry travel
- Emergency response procedures and interfacing with EMS teams
SCHEDULE:
- 7:30am – 3:30pm, Backcountry Field Session
COURSE DATES:
- Dec 6, 2026 (Sunday)
- Dec 19, 2026 (Saturday)
- Dec 26, 2026 (Saturday)
- Jan 10, 2027 (Sunday)
- Jan 22, 2027 (Friday)
- Feb 20, 2027 (Saturday)
COST:
- $269 plus tax
MEETING LOCATION: Meeting location is generally at the UMA Office in Cottonwood Heights or at a trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon or Big Cottonwood Canyon just outside Salt Lake City, Utah.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: Transportation will not be provided. Most canyon parking lots require a parking fee and we encourage carpooling for the overflow lot. Feel free to reach out to the other participants in your group to carpool.
- Register here or contact Utah Mountain Adventures:
- [email protected]
- 801-550-3986
- UtahMountainAdventures.com
