Small classes ensure individualized instruction. Level 1 student to instructor ratio is often 4:1 and Level 2 is often 2:1. Also, BCA Tracker transceivers, shovels, and probes available for loan. Questions? Email us here or call us at 970-731-2486.
Sandy guides a student through performing a Rutschblock Test.
This 3-day course is intended for the introductory student, as a refresher for more experienced backcountry travelers, and for the recreational backcountry leader. The sole prerequisite is the equipment and physical condition to travel in the backcountry on two 3-mile long day tours.
New this season, the February 6th -> 8th Level 1 will be held at Wolf Creek Ski Area, and will be lift service based! Day one is classroom in Pagosa Springs, day two is spent inbounds at Wolf Creek Ski Area, and day three is a tour in the side-country that starts with a ride up the Treasure Chair.
Wolf Creek Pass provides quick, easy, and safe access to large and small avalanche paths. You can observe avalanche terrain from safe locations, creating a perfect environment to learn about avalanches and where they occur. Feeling relaxed and safe allows you to truly absorb your Level 1 experience.
You will learn to recognize avalanche terrain, make "key" observations, understand & use the Avalanche Bulletin to choose terrain, apply route finding & travel techniques, mitigate your 'human' factor, and perform Companion Rescue skills.
Field practice is 15 hours (min) of this 24-hour course, so enjoy a hot springs soak on us!
Wolf Creek Avalanche School's AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course is a professional level avalanche hazard and snow stability evaluation course. It picks up where the Level 1 Course leaves off by introducing you to snow metamorphism, professional level snow pit techniques and weather, snowpack and avalanche observation and recording guidelines. The course is 40 hours of classroom and field instruction administered over 5 days, and begins AIARE's professional level avalanche course stream of the Level 2 and Level 3.
Students gain an understanding of:
- Snow metamorphism
- The various types of weak layers and the environmental conditions that influence their development.
- Slab avalanche initiation and propagation mechanics.
- Standardized tests to identify instabilities in the snowpack, and how to interpret the test results.
- Formal processes for avalanche hazard evaluation and stability assessments.
Involves a minimum of 20 hours of field work, so enjoy a hot springs soak on us!
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AIARE Level 1 course.
The Level 2 course takes an in-depth look at the many forms of snow.
Not all weak layers are this easy to identify!
Wolf Creek Pass provides the perfect classroom to study the avalanche phenomenon, and the WCAS staff know the terrain inside and out!
On each of our field days we travel three miles in the backcountry at 11,000'. A moderate level of fitness helps you to enjoy your course. The terrain is gentle and suitable for intermediate skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers. The ability to travel uphill over snow is required ~ skins and uphill bindings, or snowshoes.
Please read AIARE's required and optional gear list.
The Level 3 course is an advanced certification course for experienced and professional avalanche practitioners, professional guides, patrollers and advanced recreational backcountry travelers. The course is 7 days long and completes the avalanche course stream of the Level 2 and 3. Individuals who receive a passing grade and successfully complete the course receive a certificate provided by the AIARE administration.
Visit the AIARE website at avtraining.org for schedule and pricing for the Level 3 course.