2023/2024 Avalanche Education

Registration for field courses will open November 1, 2023 at 4 p.m. MST. CLICK HERE

AVALANCHE AWARENESS

Learn simple steps you can take to stay safe and have fun in avalanche terrain. This engaging presentation is grounded in the Know Before You Go Program. Join us at watering holes and other venues across the Flathead Valley in November, December, and January. (Free, no sign-up) All events start at 6 p.m.

• Bias Brewing, Kalispell (Nov 13)
• Stonefly, Coram (Nov 29)
• Koocanusa Brewing, Eureka (Dec 7)
• Andy’s Crafthouse, Bigfork (Dec 13)
• Penco Power Products, Kalispell (Dec 20)
• Great Northern Cycle & Ski, Whitefish (Jan 11)

PARTNER RESCUE

Be confident in your ability to rescue your backcountry partners in the event of an avalanche. A full-day introduction or refresher in strategic rescue techniques. Spend the morning rotating between stations for each piece of rescue gear: beacon, shovel, and probe. In the afternoon, put your skills to the text with a mock companion rescue, including a debrief. These skills are perishable and important to practice every winter and throughout the season. ($65)

• Human-Powered Ladies (Dec 16)
• Motorized (Jan 6)
• Human-Powered REFRESHER (Jan 13)
• Human-Powered (Jan 17)

INTRO TO AVALANCHES

This is an opportunity to get your hands in the snow and gain familiarity with essential concepts and practices for travel in avalanche-prone terrain, including how to read and apply the avalanche advisory. With an evening classroom session and eight-hour field day, this unique course is an affordable entrance point for those who may not yet be ready for a Level 1, but it is not a prerequisite. With one evening/midweek classroom session and a weekend field day, this course offers 24 hours of instruction time. ($100)

• Human-Powered (Jan 18 evening classroom session, Jan 20 field day)
• Motorized (Jan 25 evening classroom session, Jan 27 field day)
• Human-Powered Ladies (Feb 1 evening classroom session, Feb 3 field day)
• Human-Powered (Feb 22 evening classroom session, Feb 24 field day)
• Human Powered (March 7 evening classroom session, March 9 field day)

MOTORIZED LEVEL 1

Develop a variety of basic skills for snowmobiling in avalanche terrain including trip planning, hazard management, group communication, and terrain choice. This curriculum is designed specifically to meet the needs of motorized users. ($400)

Stay tuned for dates!

Interested in a human-powered Level 1? Visit our friends at The Patrol Fund and The Mountain Guides

QUESTIONS?

Send a note to education@flatheadavalanche.org