Motorized Level 1 Avalanche Course

Meet at Baker Creek Parking Lot

Baker Creek Parking Lot

Time

9:00am - 5:00pm

Session

Multi-Day

Description

Our Motorized Recreational Level 1 is a 2-field day course, plus 6-8 hours of online learning, that provides an introduction to avalanche risk management for motorized users. This course meets the American Avalanche Association requirements for a Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course.

The structure of the class and each riding day are based on The Daily Flow. Learning will occur through a mix of pre-course online learning, a Zoom session, and two days of field practice.

Schedule

Each class will begin with a mandatory online session prior to field days. Field days will run from 9am-5pm, or instructor discretion. Instructors will communicate specific plans prior to and throughout the class. Attendance and participation in the full class is mandatory.

DATES

See Motorized Level 1 Mentorship (3-day) or schedule a private!

**Please email avy@svguides.com to inquire about private avalanche courses or for any avalanche/education-related questions. Min 4 people. Max 12. Pricing is the same as public courses.

PARTICIPANTS MUST

  • Have the ability to ride off-trail in variable conditions. Participants who struggle to ride off-trail in variable conditions may jeopardize the experience of others - please do not overestimate your riding ability.

  • Bring a functioning beacon, shovel, and probe. Beacons should be modern three-antennae, shovels should be made specifically for avalanche rescue, and probes should be 270cm or longer. Avalanche gear must be worn/carried on self, and not in a tunnel bag. An extra shovel in a tunnel bag is recommended.

  • Wear a DOT approved helmet and weather-appropriate gear.

  • Ride a reliable, well maintained snowmobile/snowbike, capable of off-trail travel. Machines must be registered with visible registration markings. Spare belts and repair kits are strongly recommended. Poorly maintained machines and/or machines not intended for off-trail travel may jeopardize the experience of others.

  • Read the required materials and apply the Daily Flow and Alerts stickers to machines for easy reference while riding.

  • Bring a radio capable of operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies. A simple speaker/mic is preferable to voice activated systems.

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

  • The SAC Daily Flow user guide and video. An electronic version of The Daily Flow book will be provided and a written copy can be provided if desired.

  • Avalanche Canada's online tutorial. Some of the details are different from the Daily Flow, but the concepts are the same.

  • Daily Flow and Alerts stickers, available for free at most regional powersports dealers. Additional stickers will be provided in class.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The successful student will be able to:

  • Recognize common themes in general risk management systems.

  • Demonstrate familiarity with rescue gear, including completion of a simple, untimed companion rescue scenario.

  • Consider the qualities of riding partners as they relate to risk; including both avalanche and non-avalanche risk.

  • Describe basic relationships between weather, snowpack and avalanches.

  • Access the Sawtooth Avalanche Center advisory and relate the danger rating, avalanche problem, and “Bottom Line” to potential avalanche risk.

  • Based upon riding partners and anticipated conditions, create safety margins using terrain and/or timing.

  • Confirm details with riding partners and use a simple plan as a group contract.

  • Manage the riding group using communication techniques and spotting/spacing strategies for both non-avalanche and avalanche terrain.

  • Use the SAC Conditions and Terrain Alerts stickers to maintain awareness of conditions and terrain while riding.

  • Recognize the benefits of digging below the snow surface for increased awareness of the day’s conditions, and for contributing to lifelong learning.

  • Participate in group discussions that link observed conditions to terrain use.

  • Encourage partners to learn from each day by using daily debriefs.

  • Submit observations to SAC using non-technical language and/or images and videos.

    This course information was provided by the Sierra Avalanche Center.

PRICING

$575/PERSON

*Guest to Guide ratio is 5:1 | Min. 4 | Max. 10

**Sales Tax and Forest Service fees not included

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Sun Valley Guides does not provide personal safety gear for avalanche course participants, so please come prepared with the necessary and reliable equipment. This includes a 3-antenna avalanche transceiver, a metal avalanche shovel, and an avalanche probe with a click-lock mechanism.

    For more details on required gear, please refer to our equipment list.

  • Yes. Sun Valley Guides is committed to providing safe and enjoyable adventures in the backcountry. All guests must read and sign a Release of Liability and Waiver of Claims Agreement prior to embarking on any guided trip. Be sure to read and sign the waiver prior to joining us in the mountains.  You can find your waiver in your reservation confirmation.  If you did not make the reservation, please ask whoever did to invite you to sign through their reservation confirmation email they received or email us at info@svguides.com 

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit is made to secure a spot on an avalanche course. Cancellations made with more than 2 weeks notice will receive a refund for the cost of the course, less the deposit fee. Cancellations made within 2 weeks of class start date are 100% non-refundable, but if a replacement for your spot can be found, we will transfer your deposit as credit for another course later in the same winter season with a $50 booking fee.

    Please keep in mind that these policies vary by service. See our full cancellation policy for details.