Provided by Utah Mountain Adventures
UMA’s Avalanche Level 1 Refresher is a single-day, field-based review of key Level 1 concepts and skills. Given that Avalanche Level 1 is such an intense, 24-hour download of information, it’s wise to brush up annually! This compact course is well worth the cost and time. The course focus is on information-gathering, appropriate terrain selection and effective decision-making for Level 1 graduates.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Our Avalanche Level 1 Refresher is well worth the cost and time. Whether you just had your Level 1 avalanche training last season, you’re new to the Wasatch snowpack, you want more hands-on practice or it’s simply been a while, this refresher course is for you! Refreshing your skills regularly is a great way to stay up-to-date on industry-leading research and best practices. In addition, it’s an efficient, affordable, compact overview of key Level 1 concepts, snowpack tests and analysis.
By attending this Avalanche Level 1 Refresher, you will get a chance to methodize your systems in the company of professional backcountry guides. In turn, you will exercise the decision-making skills learned in your Level 1 avi training in the field. In addition, guides will act as mentors as you take the reins on formulating the day’s tour plans and monitor how you choose to evaluate the snowpack via tests, observations, etc.
UMA’S AVALANCHE LEVEL 1 REFRESHER COURSE CURRICULUM
- Review of the types of avalanche problems and how to treat them
- Understanding the scale of terrain, paths and specific features, and mapping snow cover
- Relating current structure and layering in the snowpack to realistic tour planning
- Review of snow surface changes, metamorphism and formation of Persistent Weak Layers (facets, depth hoar, surface hoar)
- Understanding and correct use of most current snowpit practices: hardness, shears, tests (CT, ECT, PST, DTT)
- Effective interpretation of test results (strength, structure, propagation, red lights, lemons)
- Prioritizing snowpack tests and observations based on current snowpack issues
- Applying tests, terrain selection and decision-making skills to current avalanche problems
- Use of safe travel protocols and communication to mitigate human factor risks (group size, diversity and goals)
- Awareness of best backcountry practices in up and downhill travel and etiquette
MAX STUDENT : INSTRUCTOR RATIO
6 : 1
WHY TAKE A REFRESHER?
As professional mountain guides, we understand the value of continuing education and feedback. It’s important to seek constructive criticism and professional instruction as you evolve in your backcountry career.
Join our broadly-experienced, highly-trained instructors in your mission to maintain current avalanche skills. We will share the practical tools we use to make consequential up and downhill route-finding decisions efficiently. Our focus for this refresher course is on information-gathering in the field, appropriate terrain selection and effective decision-making for Level 1 graduates.
SCHEDULE:
- Saturday Field Session: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
COURSE DATES:
- Nov 28, 2026 (Saturday)
- Dec 20, 2026 (Sunday)
COST:
- $269 plus tax
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
- An Avalanche Level 1 Certificate is required.
FITNESS & SKILL LEVEL
- You must have the ability to climb ~2000 vertical feet in half a day at a steady pace.
- You should be comfortable, confident and in control making linked turns in variable snow, soft snow, trees and bowls.
- Backcountry travel experience is highly recommended.
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
