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Education

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AIARE 1 Course | Ages 16+

Multiple Session Dates–An introductory course where participants will learn to plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.|

The fundamentals of snow safety.



A preliminary course where participants will spend 24 hours spread over either 3 or 4 days planning and preparing for travel in avalanche terrain. Topics covered include human factors, avalanche terrain recognition, "red flag" observations, communication and decision-making, terrain selection, travel techniques, departure checks and companion rescue skills.


Lesson Details


AIARE 1 Course

Hybrid courses will have evening Zoom sessions on the first 2 days, then 2 full days in the field. All other courses will be in person for the 3 days, a mix of classroom and field time.

  • Location: Snowbird, Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon field locations, conditions dependent.
  • Required Equipment: Touring backpack, transceiver, shovel, probe (Mammut demo included if needed), ski poles, skis/splitboard with uphill capability, climbing skins cut and fitted for day 1.
  • Prerequisites: Students must be able to travel in backcountry terrain, with an advanced-intermediate level of downhill skiing or snowboarding in off-piste conditions. If you are new to backcountry ski or snowboard gear, please consider taking a Backcountry 101 Course before your AIARE 1.


For Guiding & Lessons support, please contact Snowbird Mountain Guides for Guiding products or Mountain School for Lessons and Camps.

  • Snowbird Mountain Guides: 801.933.2096
  • Mountain School: 801.947.8222


  • You may also reach Guiding & Lessons support by email at mountainguides@snowbird.com.

    $635.00

    AIARE 2 Course | Ages 16+

    Feb. 14-16, 2025–The AIARE 2 Course provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision-making skills in more complex situations. |

    Further your knowledge of avalanche terrain.



    The AIARE 2 Course spans 24 hours spread out over 3 days and provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision-making skills in more complex situations. Building on the AIARE Risk Management Framework introduced in the AIARE 1, the AIARE 2 prepares students for being leaders within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain and/or developing a travel plan where resources are scarce.


    Lesson Details


    AIARE 2 Course

    All courses will be in person for 3 days with a mix of classroom and field time.

    • Location: Snowbird, Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon field locations, conditions dependent.
    • Schedule: 8 am - 4pm
    • Required Equipment: Touring backpack, transceiver, shovel, probe (Mammut demo included if needed), ski poles, skis/splitboard with uphill capability, climbing skins cut and fitted for day 1. Snow study tools are strongly encouraged (this could include a crystal ID card, snow saw, hand lens/loop, snow thermometers, rutschblock cord, inclinometer and compass)
    • Prerequisites: AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue Course


    For Guiding & Lessons support, please contact Snowbird Mountain Guides for Guiding products or Mountain School for Lessons and Camps.

  • Snowbird Mountain Guides: 801.933.2096
  • Mountain School: 801.947.8222


  • You may also reach Guiding & Lessons support by email at mountainguides@snowbird.com.

    $785.00

    Avalanche Rescue Course | Ages 16+

    Multiple Session Dates–AIARE Avalanche Rescue is an 8-hour course that can be taken by any backcountry user before or after participating in an AIARE 1 course to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and to refresh rescue skills. |

    Practice your snow-safety skills.



    Participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics in transceiver searches, methodical probing and strategic shoveling through drills and realistic scenario practice. Companion rescue is a last resort, but it's essential to keep these skills fresh in the unfortunate event a backcountry partner needs help.


    Lesson Details


    AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

    • Schedule: 8 am - 4 pm
    • Location: Determined by instructor prior to course. Possible locations include Snowbird and other Little Cottonwood or Big Cottonwood Canyon field locations.
    • Required Equipment: Touring backpack, transceiver, shovel, probe (Mammut demo included if needed), ski poles, skis/splitboard with uphill capability, climbing skins cut and fitted for day 1
    • Prerequisites: Students must have the required gear to practice avalanche rescue, as well as the skills to move around in variable surface conditions in uphill or downhill mode on their touring gear. This course is a good refresher on the rescue skills learned in AIARE 1, but AIARE 1 is not a prerequisite.


    For Guiding & Lessons support, please contact Snowbird Mountain Guides for Guiding products or Mountain School for Lessons and Camps.

  • Snowbird Mountain Guides: 801.933.2096
  • Mountain School: 801.947.8222


  • You may also reach Guiding & Lessons support by email at mountainguides@snowbird.com.

    $275.00

    Backcountry 101 | Ages 16+

    Multiple Session Dates–A 1-day introduction to the basic skills and knowledge needed to go for a backcountry tour. |

    Learn from the pros.



    You will learn and practice the use of alpine touring equipment, climbing skins to go uphill, route finding and technique. You will also get navigation and trip planning tools, a basic understanding of avalanche safety equipment and learn how to assess avalanche terrain and the avalanche forecast.


    Details


    Backcountry 101

    • Location & Time: 8 am. Meet at the Mountain Center (Snowbird Center, Plaza Deck, Level 3).
    • Skill Level: All participants should be advanced skiers in physical condition for high altitude exertion and must be able to hike with touring skis. This course is intended for the beginner backcountry traveler, but it is still necessary to have an advanced skiing or snowboarding ability in order to travel safely off-piste and outside of the resort.
    • Required Equipment: Alpine touring skis or splitboard, climbing skins, transceiver, avalanche shovel, probe and backpack. Mammut transceiver, backpack, shovel and probe use is included in the course cost, but guests may also use their own gear if preferred. Touring skis and skins are available to rent at Snowbird.


    For Guiding & Lessons support, please contact Snowbird Mountain Guides for Guiding products or Mountain School for Lessons and Camps.

  • Snowbird Mountain Guides: 801.933.2096
  • Mountain School: 801.947.8222


  • You may also reach Guiding & Lessons support by email at mountainguides@snowbird.com.

    $300.00

    Digital Navigation Course | Ages 16+

    Dec. 7-8, 2024–Learn the ins-and-outs of planning a trip into the backcountry using digital GPS web programs and apps, taught by the experts at Snowbird Mountain Guides. |

    Navigate the backcountry.



    Participants will learn how to use CalTopo, or another application of their choice, and utilize its features to assist with navigation, decision making and problem solving. The course consists of a 3-hour Zoom session and a 5-hour in-person session.

    During the online session, students will learn how to utilize CalTopo and its features. The in-person session will focus on instructor-assisted exercises focused on completing a planning session. Exercises can be worked on independently or in small groups.


    Lesson Details


    Digital Navigation Course

    • Dates: December 7-8, 2024
    • Schedule: Day 1 (Zoom Session) 9 am - Noon
      Day 2 (Classroom) 9 am - 2 pm
    • Location: Powderbird
    • Required Equipment: Laptop or tablet
    • Prerequisites: This course has no prerequisites, but it is a great complement to AIARE 1 and AIARE 2 courses.


    For Guiding & Lessons support, please contact Snowbird Mountain Guides for Guiding products or Mountain School for Lessons and Camps.

  • Snowbird Mountain Guides: 801.933.2096
  • Mountain School: 801.947.8222


  • You may also reach Guiding & Lessons support by email at mountainguides@snowbird.com.

    $225.00

    Ski Mountaineering Camp | Ages 18+

    March 27-30, 2025–Expand your backcountry snow travel expertise at the Ski Mountaineering Camp with Snowbird Mountain Guides. |

    Expand your boundaries.



    Participants will delve into trip planning for ambitious ski mountaineering objectives and multi-day tours, learn to handle an ice axe and crampons and practice using snow anchors, among other essential skills.


    Details


    Ski Mountaineering Camp

    • Dates: March 27-30
    • Details: March 27 will be an evening Zoom session. March 28-30 will be in the backcountry.
    • Prerequisites: AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue are prerequisites, AIARE 2 is strongly encouraged. All participants should be advanced to expert skiers or snowboarders in physical condition for high altitude exertion and must be able to hike with touring skis or a splitboard.
    • Required Equipment: Mammut demos of a shovel, probe, transceiver and pack are available and included in the camp cost. All participants will need backcountry touring skis or splitboards with climbing skins, a backcountry backpack, a shovel, a probe and an avalanche transceiver. Additional ski mountaineering gear will be required for this camp, including a harness, crampons and ice axe. An additional gear list, zoom link and other course details will be shared before the camp.


    For Guiding & Lessons support, please contact Snowbird Mountain Guides for Guiding products or Mountain School for Lessons and Camps.

  • Snowbird Mountain Guides: 801.933.2096
  • Mountain School: 801.947.8222


  • You may also reach Guiding & Lessons support by email at mountainguides@snowbird.com.

    $1,460.00

    Women's Backcountry Camp | Ages 18+

    Jan. 31 - Feb 2, 2025–Join us for a weekend dedicated to building knowledge and honing backcountry skills with fellow women. |

    Let's go girls.



    The Women's Backcountry Camp offers the perfect opportunity to connect with future adventure partners, master navigation tools, learn to plan backcountry trips safely and spend ample time exploring snow-covered terrain.


    Details


    Women's Backcountry Camp

    • Dates: January 31, 2024 - February 2, 2025
    • Details: January 31 will be in the evening only for introductions and an in-person class.
    • Prerequisites: All participants should be intermediate to advanced skiers or snowboarders in physical condition for high altitude exertion and must be able to hike with touring skis or a splitboard.
    • Required Equipment: Alpine touring skis or splitboard, climbing skins, transceiver, avalanche shovel, probe and backpack are required. Mammut transceiver, backpack, shovel and probe are included in the cost, but guests may also use their own gear if preferred. Touring skis and climbing skins are available to rent at Snowbird–please contact us for more information.


    For Guiding & Lessons support, please contact Snowbird Mountain Guides for Guiding products or Mountain School for Lessons and Camps.

  • Snowbird Mountain Guides: 801.933.2096
  • Mountain School: 801.947.8222


  • You may also reach Guiding & Lessons support by email at mountainguides@snowbird.com.

    $575.00