Master Backcountry Safety: Join Telluride’s Level 1 Avalanche Course
Stay Safe in the Backcountry: Enroll in Telluride’s Level 1 Avalanche Course
If you love exploring the backcountry, ski touring, or splitboarding in the San Juan Mountains, understanding avalanche safety is essential. Mountain Trip’s Level 1 Avalanche Course is your opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain.
This nationally recognized course offers three days of hands-on instruction in the field, classroom learning, and a comprehensive introduction to avalanche risk management. It’s the perfect foundation for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and splitboarders looking to enhance their safety skills.
Course Details
📍 Location: Telluride, CO
📆 Date: Last Level 1 Avalanche Course of the season!
🕒 Duration: 3 Days (plus optional pre-course online module)
In this intensive, hands-on training, participants will:
- ✔️ Learn how to assess avalanche conditions using the Avalanche Triangle
- ✔️ Develop essential companion rescue skills
- ✔️ Interpret avalanche bulletins and weather forecasts
- ✔️ Gain experience in backcountry travel and decision-making
Taught by AMGA-trained or certified instructors, this course equips students with practical skills needed for safe, responsible backcountry recreation.
Who Should Take This Course?
This Level 1 Avalanche Course is ideal for experienced skiers and snowboarders who:
- 🎿 Have prior experience with ski touring or splitboarding
- ⛷ Are comfortable skiing or riding variable terrain in the backcountry
- 🗻 Want to gain the skills needed for safe backcountry adventures
Not quite ready for this level? Check out Mountain Trip’s Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course!
Course Breakdown
📖 Pre-Course (Self-Paced Online Study Module) (Optional but highly recommended!)
Day 1: Avalanche Hazard Concepts & Rescue Skills
📍 Meet at Classroom Location
- Learn about the Avalanche Triangle (Terrain, Weather, Snowpack, Human Factors)
- Introduction to avalanche rescue skills
- Hands-on practice with beacon, probe, and shovel techniques
Day 2: Backcountry Tour Planning & Field Session
📍 Meet at Classroom Location & Transition to Field Training
- Interpret avalanche forecasts & weather reports
- Use online mapping tools for trip planning
- Conduct field observations in real-world conditions
Day 3: Full-Day Backcountry Tour & Decision-Making
📍 Meet at Field Location
- Put your knowledge into action with a guided backcountry tour
- Focus on group travel, terrain selection, and risk assessment
- Course closes with final debrief and certification
What’s Included?
- ✔️ 3 days of expert instruction
- ✔️ Nationally recognized Level 1 Avalanche certification
- ✔️ 1-year membership to Friends of CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center)
- ✔️ Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue (CORSAR) card
Gear Rentals Available
🏔 Beacon, shovel, probe (with backpack upon request): $50
🎿 Full ski touring kit (skis, boots, skins, poles): $200
Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear whenever possible.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
We understand that avalanche education can be a significant investment. The PI Avalanche Fund offers scholarships to help mountain town residents and outdoor enthusiasts further their education in honor of Peter Inglis, a former guide and avalanche educator.
🔗 Learn more & apply here: PI Avalanche Fund
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Spaces are limited for this final Level 1 Avalanche Course of the season—don’t miss your chance to gain critical backcountry safety skills.
🔗 Register now: Mountain Trip Registration
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is included in Mountain Trip's Level 1 Avalanche Course in Telluride?
- The 3-day course includes expert instruction, nationally recognized Level 1 Avalanche certification, a 1-year membership to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), and a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue (CORSAR) card. The curriculum covers avalanche hazard assessment, companion rescue skills, backcountry travel planning, and decision-making in real field conditions.
- What skills will I learn in Telluride's Level 1 Avalanche Course?
- You'll learn to assess avalanche conditions using the Avalanche Triangle, develop companion rescue skills with beacon, probe, and shovel techniques, interpret avalanche bulletins and weather forecasts, and gain practical experience in backcountry travel and terrain selection. The course culminates in a full-day guided backcountry tour where you apply these skills in real-world conditions.
- Is this Level 1 Avalanche Course right for me?
- This course is ideal for experienced skiers and snowboarders who have prior ski touring or splitboarding experience and are comfortable skiing variable terrain in the backcountry. If you're newer to backcountry skiing, Mountain Trip also offers an Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course as a foundation.
- How much does gear rental cost for the avalanche course?
- Beacon, shovel, and probe rentals are $50, and a full ski touring kit (skis, boots, skins, poles) is $200. Participants are encouraged to bring their own gear when possible. Scholarships are also available through the PI Avalanche Fund for mountain town residents and outdoor enthusiasts.