Avalanche Rescue Course: Taos
2022-02-12 | Taos
Silverton Avalanche School 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 scenarios. This course is intended for those new to the backcountry. The course should also be retaken on a regular basis to keep skills sharp and to stay up to date with advancing rescue techniques and technology.
This course is recommended for anyone completing a Rec Level 1 course and it is a mandatory prerequisite for both the Recreational Level 2 Avalanche Course and the Professional Avalanche Progression. We implement an internationally vetted curriculum and state of the art knowledge from MountainSafety.info. SAS is one of the charter organizations of this working group of international mountain safety education groups. The course meets the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association.
If interested please contact Silverton Avalanche School

Recreational Level 1: 3 Day Rescue Integrated: Taos
2022-02-19 08:00 - 2022-02-21 17:00 UTC | Taos
Learning to READ the Story of the Winter Backcountry
Reading and understanding winter’s seasonal narrative, as it’s written across mountain slopes and backcountry bowls, is both a learned skill and a practiced art. Silverton Avalanche School’s REC Level One Avalanche Course introduces students to the ways we ritualize our planning, observations and assessments and highlights the critical importance of Reading the Story of the Winter each and every day.
In SAS’s Three Day, Rescue-Integrated, REC Level One, students engage in an experiential curriculum designed to cultivate personal comprehension of the backcountry in winter; in students’ home turf, via local avalanche bulletins, utilizing the Avalanche Triangle, employing a backcountry field notebook and through incorporation of field obs, online resources and digital applications.
In 2021-2022, all three day, SAS Rec Level One courses will integrate and include our Avalanche Rescue training. Students who have already completed a one day rescue training are eligible to enroll in our Two Day, Accelerated REC Level One.
Our courses exceed the requirements set by the American Avalanche Association for avalanche education. This course has a mix of online and in person learning.
If interested please contact Silverton Avalanche School

Avalanche Rescue Course: Santa Fe
2022-02-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Santa Fe
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 scenarios. This course is intended for those new to the backcountry. The course should also be retaken on a regular basis to keep skills sharp and to stay up to date with advancing rescue techniques and technology.
This course is recommended for anyone completing a Rec Level 1 course and it is a mandatory prerequisite for both the Recreational Level 2 Avalanche Course and the Professional Avalanche Progression. We implement an internationally vetted curriculum and state of the art knowledge from MountainSafety.info. SAS is one of the charter organizations of this working group of international mountain safety education groups. The course meets the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association.
If interested please contact Silverton Avalanche School

Avalanche Rescue Course: Santa Fe
2022-02-27

Recreational Level 2 Avalanche Course: Taos
2022-03-17 08:00 - 2022-03-20 17:00 | Taos
Learning to LEAD in Avalanche Terrain
Created to meet the needs of advanced, backcountry users and meticulously refined based upon our alumni’s feedback, this capstone experience represents the pinnacle of training for recreationalists in the United States.
Silverton Avalanche School’s REC Level Two is an experiential curriculum, rooted in international best practice, offered in unparalleled field locations, and led by preeminent snow safety and mountain professionals. SAS is proud to offer the most comprehensive, robust and student centered Level Two experience available for backcountry recreationalists. This course encourages students to identify their needs and areas for additional skill development as instructors support students via individualized training and learning goals.
The SAS REC Level Two provides a comprehensive, highly personalized learning experience that focuses on our students’ ability to:

Competently assess terrain of consequence
Understand risks, hazards, exposure and vulnerability in the backcountry
Confidently facilitate in-field communications and decision making
Refine micro and macro route finding and terrain management strategies recognize and address uncertainty with self and others
Analyze the snowpack and anticipate avalanche problems, sans avy bulletin
Lead tour planning and the development of time control plans
Efficiently solicit observations and options from your teammates
Be proactive in planning for rescue and emergency situations

All Level Two courses require previous completion of a one day Avalanche Rescue course, in addition to our Level 1, as students are expected to complete a rescue test and participate in emergency scenarios throughout the course.

If interested please contact Silverton Avalanche School

Beverly Mountain Guides Avalanche Rescue Course
2023-01-27 | Taos
AIARE (COMPANION) AVALANCHE RESCUE COURSE
There’s definitely a time and a place to learn about how to perform an avalanche rescue. But it’s not when an avalanche actually happens. Learn how to switch into rescue mode and all the special nuances needed to make sure you and your companions have the best opportunity of survival. We can take much of the mystery out of avalanche rescue and can explain why rescuers take the actions they do, when they do, and how they do it. We deliever a multi faceted approach as some learn different than others. However, we all need to be on the same page when the clock is ticking. A fellow backcountry traveler, your buddy, or even your spose may depend on your ability to utilize your rescue equipment to save their life. Get honed! AIARE (Companion) Avalanche Rescue is a one-day stand-alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis (annually or biannually) in order to keep you honed on the latest and greatest of techniques, research, and technology. This is a companion rescue course and will cover single & multiple burial scenarios, and is also a prerequisite for AIARE 2 Avalanche Course. If you’re looking for professional rescue courses, contact me directly and we can discuss how we have a Mountain Safety.info rollout that is perfect for you and your team.
Certainly, this is not a requirement for the AIARE 1 course as there is a small component of companion rescue within the AIARE 1 Avalanche Course itself. You may bring your own beacon, shovel and probe to the course, or you may use our equipment to train with. Courses will be out of the Edelweiss Spa & Lodge at Taos Ski Valley.
Team courses for Search and Rescue that address MountainSafety.info skills are separate contract courses. Please contact us if you are interested in MS.i or team movement skills and professional rescue techniques.
”Best to keep your skills up to date and we hope you never need them.”
Register for a AIARE (Companion) Avalanche Rescue Course today.
Photos [left to right: how to assess stability, high quality snow stability tests help with uncertainty, witnessed burial and survival in Nambe Basin]
BMG AIARE AVALANCHE COMPANION RESCUE COURSES
LOCATION:
Taos, Ski Valley, NM
Jan 27
Feb 3
Feb 24
March 3

Silverton Avalanche School RECREATIONAL LEVEL 1 AVALANCHE COURSE
2023-01-27 08:00 - 2023-01-29 17:00, 2023-02-03 08:00 - 2023-02-05 17:00, 2023-03-03 08:00 - 2023-03-05 17:00 | Taos
The Backcountry is always telling us a story. Are you Listening?
Reading and understanding winter’s seasonal narrative, as written across mountain slopes, backcountry bowls and understanding where avalanches lurk, is both a learned skill and a practiced art. Silverton Avalanche School’s REC Level One Avalanche Course introduces students to the ways we ritualize our planning, observations and assessments and highlights the critical importance of “Reading the Story of Winter” each and every day, in order to minimize risk traveling through avalanche terrain.
In SAS’s 3 Day, REC Level One, students engage in a hands on curriculum designed to develop a personal understanding and applying a set of tools to help navigate avalanche terrain safely. Tools are applied through the course, such as the avalanche bulletin, utilizing the Avalanche Triangle, employing a backcountry field notebook and incorporating field observations, and applying online resources and digital applications. Our courses exceed the requirements set by the American Avalanche Association for avalanche education. This course has a mix of online and in person learning. The outcome is a an understanding of when where and how to safely navigate avalanche terrain. Our curriculum is based on national guidelines published by the American Avalanche Association.
SAS courses occur in the Silverton area, Taos NM area and Southern Colorado. SAS is permitted to operate on public lands with the USFS.
If interested please contact Silverton Avalanche School

Beverly Mountain Guides Rec 1 Avy Class
2023-01-27 08:00 - 2023-01-29 17:00 | Taos
Beverly Mountain Guides is celebrating our 19th year of teaching AIARE avalanche courses in New Mexico, and over 29 years of teaching avalanche education. Avalanche Courses AIARE is a culmination of the best in avalanche course training. BMG is THE pre-eminent and constant resource for public, private, and military avalanche education in New Mexico. BMG is also a course provider in Washington, Colorado, and internationally.
Remember, taking an avalanche course is an absolute requirement for those going into the backcountry, that’s why we teach avalanche courses. We teach Avalanche Courses – AIARE – Mountain Safety.info as a full compliment of educational resources for those operating in avalanche terrain. Understand, learning about avalanche behavior is a fundamental skill for any backcountry traveler whether you are snowshoeing on a quiet trail or ripping it up on a snow machine. We use the curriculum from the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) to formulate the best in avalanche education. AIARE curriculum meets and exceeds the American Avalanche Association mandates for avalanche courses.

COURSE OUTLINES

From the beginning, our courses cater to the individual learning process with a low student to instructor ratio. Our lead instructors are also licensed International Mountain Guides (IFMGA) with thousands of hours teaching and guiding descents all over the world. Don’t wait until the snow is already deep to take an avalanche course. Yes, it’s best to use your knowledge and skills immediately after a course. We can help you achieve your goals of gaining avalanche knowledge by drawing on our extensive backgrounds as mountain guides, educators, and rescue personnel.

AIARE LEVEL 1 AVALANCHE COURSES*
AIARE LEVEL 2 AVALANCHE COURSES
AIARE COMPANION RESCUE AVALANCHE COURSES*
Mountain Safety.info rescue curriculum is rolled into our AIARE companion rescue courses, and is sanctioned through the International Commission of Alpine Rescue (ICAR) and in collaboration with the UIAA.
*Prerequisites: You will need both the AIARE 1 and AIARE Rescue Course prior to moving on to any other courses in the AIARE curricula. (There is no rescue component in the AIARE 2). Get your courses through BMG today! Learn more about AIARE by clicking here.

Register for an avalanche course today and reserve your slot!
Click HERE to register

Beverly Mountain Guides Rec 1 Avy Course
2023-02-03 08:00 - 2023-02-05 17:00, 2023-02-10 08:00 - 2023-02-12 17:00, 2023-03-03 08:00 - 2023-03-05 17:00 | Taos

Beverly Mountain Guides Rec 2 Avy Course
2023-02-06 08:00 - 2023-02-08 17:00 | Taos
LEVEL 2 AIARE AVALANCHE COURSE
AIARE Level 2: Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard
The level 2 course is a 3-day program that provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. This course also includes the introductory and prerequisite components for the professional progression.

Building on previous knowledge and experience, the Level 2 expands from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the Level 1 course and adds in the evaluation of factors, critical to stability assessment.
Student Learning Objectives
Because the objective of the AIARE 2 is also to learn how to manage uncertainty in avalanche terrain, this course is for those who have completed an AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, and have had at least one year of backcountry travel experience. Therefore, the AIARE 2 provides more opportunities for coached application of the AIARE Framework to new terrain and conditions. So, this enables participants to apply the AIARE Framework to new situations and contexts such as traveling in a new region, expanded understanding of information from an avalanche center, and will help with working with local experts such as a ski patrol or guide service.
Who Should Take This Course:
This course is ideal for those wanting to expand their skills for management of risk in avalanche terrain. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills.
Prerequisites
Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain on backcountry skis or splitboard. An AIARE 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent Level 1 training is required as well as the AIARE Avalanche Rescue course. Also, a winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is required before taking the AIARE 2 course.
There will be some pre-course homework as there is much to cover in this course. We are looking forward to working with you!
Equipment List
Click here to REGISTER NOW!

Beacon Bash Southwest: Presented by Weston at Ski Santa Fe
2023-02-11 09:00 - 16:00 | Santa Fe

Silverton Avalanche School Avalanche Rescue Course (Santa Fe)
2023-02-25, 2023-02-26 | Santa Fe
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 scenarios. This course is intended for those new to the backcountry. The course should also be retaken on a regular basis to keep skills sharp and to stay up to date with advancing rescue techniques and technology.
This course is recommended for anyone completing a Rec Level 1 course and it is a mandatory prerequisite for both the Recreational Level 2 Avalanche Course and the Professional Avalanche Progression. We implement an internationally vetted curriculum and state of the art knowledge from MountainSafety.info. SAS is one of the charter organizations of this working group of international mountain safety education groups. The course meets the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association.

Beverly Mountain Guides Rec 2 Avy Course
2023-03-06 08:00 - 2023-03-08 17:00

Silverton Avalanhe School Pro 1 Avalanche Course (Ski Patrol Focused)
2023-03-06 08:00 - 2023-03-10 17:00 | Taos
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.
Students refine terrain recognition and travel skills while gaining experience characterizing avalanche paths and avalanche occurrences. Students are given the opportunity to leverage previous experience in terrain and deepen their understanding of how snowpack and terrain interact. Instructors provide coaching, instruction and ongoing evaluation both in the field and the classroom. Upon successful completion of a final written exam and several field exams, students are awarded an industry standard certification recognized by the American Avalanche Association (A3).
Registration Process:

Review requirements (found below).
Pay the application fee/course deposit
Fill out the course registration form here.
Receive receipt of application fee/course registration from our office.
Your application will be reviewed (up to 4-6 weeks) and you will be notified of your program acceptance or admissions denial.
Pay $100 professional course fee to A3 and show receipt of this payment (This is new from A3 for the 2022-23 season and required to be fully registered in the course).
Pay your course fees in full within 30 days of program acceptance.
Receive full course information package once course fees are paid in full.
SAS holds a $60 administrative processing fee if your course fees need to be refunded due to not meeting application requirements.

Student Requirements for Enrollment (1-3 all required):
Course applicants have completed the following A3 required prerequisites prior to enrollment found in the A3 Program Oversight document:

Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Training from an A3 REC provider/program
Avalanche Rescue Course from an A3 REC provider/program

*A3 Note: Applicants who believe they have the educational equivalent of the above-listed prerequisites can apply to the Pro Course Provider of their choice for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) review. Course enrollment in these situations is at the discretion of the Pro Course Provider.
3. One winter season (20 days or more) of relevant experience (demonstrated through one of the following).

Prior avalanche work experience; OR
A supervised unpaid work internship in the guiding/avalanche industry supported by a letter of reference; OR
Letter of recommendation from AAA Professional member; OR
A3 Membership (Affiliate or Professional); OR
Winter backcountry travel experience supported by documented trip planning and recorded field observations that contributed to avalanche hazard assessment and personal avalanche risk management.

Students receive:

Access to SAS Online Learning Classroom
Snow Weather and Avalanche Guidelines
Field book

Fee Breakdown
Total: $1399
Deposit: $275, Balance: $1124
Note: some program venues may have additional or increased costs that are noted above in the program listing.
The Registration Process: Students pays deposit, application is reviewed and upon approval a payment link is sent for the final balance.
**A3 Professional Course Fees are separate and go directly through A3.

Silverton Avalanche School Pro AVSAR Course (Santa Fe)
2023-03-27 08:00 - 2023-03-30 17:00 | Santa Fe
PRO AVSAR
This course focuses on organized avalanche rescue fundamentals and represents international state of the art knowledge on the subject. The course is designed for professional avalanche workers, including ski patrols and SAR team members who respond to avalanche incidents as an organized unit. Topics include, multiple burial, close proximity problems, deep burials, extended rescue/recovery operations along with the application of other search devices such as RECCO.
SAS is a member of the Mountain Safety. info International working group and collaborates with the research and development of rescue techniques with 26 other countries. SAS is also a member of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) and serves on the Avalanche Commission. The techniques and skills you learn in this class have been vetted and tested in alpine countries around the world. The Pro AVSAR proficiencies and guidelines are recognized and developed by the American Avalanche Association (A3).
This course is an excellent primer for Mountain Rescue Teams testing for reaccreditation with the Mountain Rescue Association.
*New for 22-23′ In addition to Silverton Avalanche School’s course fee, participants will pay $100 to the American Avalanche Association for professional recognition. More information on A3’s fees can be found here.
