Provided by Utah Mountain Adventures
Find out more on our website or sign-in and select your course and date here.
Companion rescue is a last resort, but an essential skill to master, and stay current on as a backcountry partner. This 8-hour, field-based course focuses on the fundamentals of efficient rescue. Instructors will demonstrate, then students will practice all aspects of organizing and leading rescue, including transceiver searches; methodical probing; strategic shoveling; and airbag deployment and re-packing.
This course is a prerequisite to Pro Level 1 and Rec Level 2 and it also pairs well with the Level 1 Refresher Course. Students may travel on skis or split board with skins, or on snowshoes.
Course Description:
- Anticipating a rescue: terrain recognition and travel protocols
- Escape and survival strategies for avalanche victims
- Rescuer safety, last seen point, communication, 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 & transport
- Small & 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
2025-26 Dates
- Saturday, November 29, 2025
- Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Saturday, December 27, 2025
- Sunday, January 11, 2026
- Friday, January 23, 2026
- Saturday, February 21, 2026
Duration
1 Day
Location
Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake City, Utah
Fee
$239 per person plus tax
Register here or contact Utah Mountain Adventures:
email: uma@utahmountainadventures.com
phone: 801-550-3986