Avalanche Training

Prerequisite

This course is for skiers and splitboarders that want to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. You should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow.

Course Description

Silverton Avalanche School’s Recreational Level One Avalanche Course introduces backcountry skiers and snowboarders to ways to ritualize planning, observations and assessments, and highlights the critical importance of “Reading the Story of Winter” each and every day to minimize risk when traveling in the mountains.  In SAS’s three-day Recreational Level One, students will engage in hands-on curriculum designed to develop an understanding and application of tools to help navigate or avoid avalanche terrain.

Venue

Course meets at RMOC.  Actual mountain venues will be determined on a daily based on current weather and snowpack. We operate in the Sawatch Range of Central Colorado and have access to a variety of zones, including Monarch Pass, Independence Pass, and Fremont Pass.

Itinerary

Actual syllabus will be emailed to participant after registration.  Expect long sessions in a snowpacked mountain environment. Additionally, expect approximately 4 hours of pre-course work prior to the start of the class.

Details

Demo skis and splitboards available from Weston Backcountry.  Avi kits available if needed (Beacon, shovel, probe, backpack).  Lunch NOT included

2025/2026 Dates

• December 19 – 21
• January 9-11
• March 13 – 15

Cost

$669

Prerequisite

You should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain.

Course Description

Avalanche Rescue is a one-day stand-alone course that covers the basics of companion rescue as well as the current best practices in rescue techniques and gear. Students receive professional coaching on their rescue skills and timed practice with realistic, hands-on scenarios. This course is intended for all levels of backcountry users. The course should be retaken on a regular basis to keep skills sharp and to stay up to date with advancing rescue techniques and technology.

Venue

Course meets at RMOC.  Mountain venue will be determined by current weather and snowpack.

Details

Avi kits (beacon, shovel, probe, backpack) provided.   Splitboards and skis available for rent. No boots for rent, all gear compatible with downhill boots.

2025/2026 Dates

• December 13
• January 17
• January 31
• February 28

Cost

$240

Prerequisite

Professional application required.  Click Here for details

Course Description

The Pro 1 is the first step in professional level training in a progression of courses designed for avalanche workers early in their careers or for experienced workers looking to stay current with industry standards. The course covers the fundamentals of weather, snow, and avalanche observation, data collection, and recording to the industry standard in an operational setting. Students study and utilize the basics of avalanche hazard and risk assessments, while gaining operational practice in both the collection of data, daily contribution hazard and risk discussion and the forecasting process.

Venue

Course meets at RMOC.  Actual mountain venues will be determined on a daily based on current weather and snowpack. We operate in the Sawatch Range of Central Colorado and have access to a variety of zones, including Monarch Pass, Independence Pass, and Fremont Pass.

Itinerary

Will be delivered after successful acceptance into the course

Details

Avi kits included (Beacon, shovel, probe, backpack).  Meals NOT included

2026 Dates

• February 9 – 13

Cost

$1999

Prerequisite

Course Description

This two-day course is being piloted by SAS for the 2025-2026 winter season, as it is scheduled to become part of the American Avalanche Association’s professional progression in 2027. The training builds upon the basic skills introduced in the companion rescue course, which is part of A3’s REC progression. Participants will learn advanced applications of the tools, techniques, tactics, and technology used by rescue professionals in avalanche terrain.

This course is an excellent opportunity for recreationalists who want to bridge knowledge and competency gaps, as well as for aspiring professional rescuers on search and rescue (SAR) teams or ski patrols.

Venue

Course meets at RMOC.  Actual mountain venues will be determined on a daily based on current weather and snowpack. We operate in the Sawatch Range of Central Colorado and have access to a variety of zones, including Monarch Pass, Independence Pass, and Fremont Pass.

Itinerary

 

Details

Lunch NOT included

2026 Dates

• February 14-15

Cost

$435