Avalanche Education: Levels 1, 2, & 3
Winter 2007-2008
With some of the best backcountry access in North America, the Tetons offer a lifetime of turns through spectacular terrain. Learning to negotiate the backcountry takes years of dedication and practice. Jackson Hole Mountain Guides offer avalanche courses to help you jump-start and refine your avalanche knowledge. We highly encourage every backcountry user to start with a Level 1 Avalanche Course and to continue to learn for a lifetime of safe and rewarding backcountry experiences.
Why take a course with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides?
* Our winter guides are some of the most experienced avalanche educators in North America. In addition to backcountry ski guiding, our educators evaluate snow and avalanche conditions as ski-patrollers, heli-ski guides, Denali guides, AMGA examiners, and recreationalists. Collectively, our eight winter guides have over 160 winters of avalanche observation and instruction. We throw bombs, cut cornices, ski cut, and snorkel as much as possible; we attend the International Snow Science Workshop. Our diverse experience directs the evolution of our avalanche curriculum to provide the best avalanche education possible.
* JHMG avalanche courses emphasize decision-making and practical avalanche skills. We ensure you have the time and opportunity to make real decisions in real terrain appropriate for your experience level.
* Level 1 and Level 2 Avalanche Courses offer full ski tours in Grand Teton National Park for those who are ready for a demanding day.
* JHMG avalanche courses follow the educational and length guidelines developed by the American Avalanche Association.
*We offer excellent student-instructor ratios. We strongly believe the best learning is accomplished in small tour groups-you’ll be assessing avalanche conditions and making group decisions in the field.
Women's Courses: Jackson Hole Mountain Guides will once again be offering two all-women's avalanche courses. These clinics, a Winter Safety Course and a Level 1 class, offer women a great learning environment and an opportunity to meet other backcountry skiers and boarders. Read what womenspecific.com’s Jannine Witte wrote about 2005’s Level 1 course. The prices are the same as our regular courses, and as with all our avalanche classes, offer access to some of the latest equipment, including Backcountry Access DTS Beacons, Black Diamond shovels, avalanche probes, and backpacks.
Sign-up: for Winter Safety Courses, please sign up at Skinny Skis, just off the Jackson Town Square 307-733-6094. For all other courses, call our office at 307-733-4979/800-239-7642. Read our policies on payment, cancellations, and refunds for our avalanche courses.
Custom and Private Avalanche Courses can be arranged to fit your time frame and needs. Please call for details.
Avalanche PatrolThis day tour through avalanche terrain is designed for experienced backcountry skiers who wish to refine and expand their avalanche skills. You’ll evaluate snow stability on the go, perform stability tests, learn backcountry control methods, discuss decision-making and powder ski. If you don't have the time for a Level 2 course, this is a good alternative for you and your friends. (equipment list-pdf)
$325 private; $190pp/2; $140pp/3
Custom groups and dates only.
Winter Safety Course
JHMG’s introductory avalanche course for those who are unable to commit to the 3 days of a full Level 1 class: 1 evening class and 1 day in the backcountry. Learn the basics of backcountry safety and prepare for a Level 1 Course. (see schedule and equipment list -pdf)
$140pp. The minimum group size is 4, and the maximum student to guide ratio is 8:1.
November 30-December 1
December 21-22
January 11-12
February 1-2 (Women's)
February 15-16
Level 1 Avalanche Course
Build your foundation for safe backcountry travel with this comprehensive 3-day course focusing on hazard evaluation and decision-making in avalanche terrain. One full field day is devoted to slope evaluation, route finding, and risk management. Includes pits, stability tests, beacon drills and rescue scenarios. (see schedule and equipment list -pdf)
$230pp. The maximum student to guide ratio is 8:1 for the classroom sessions and half-day field tours, and 6:1 for the full-day backcountry tour.
December 7-9
December 14-16
January 4-6
January 18-20 (Women's)
February 8-10
Level 2 Avalanche Course
This course is designed for skiers and winter alpinists who regularly travel in avalanche terrain. Our four-day curriculum is comprehensive and balanced between classroom and field time, including a full day tour in Grand Teton National Park. Learn the exceptions to the rules, how to safely lead others, and the latest in avalanche science.
Prerequisites: 3-day Level 1 avalanche course and significant personal winter backcountry experience. An evening or 1-day awareness class alone is not adequate preparation. (see schedule and equipment list -pdf)
$450pp. The maximum group size is 6.
Maximum student to guide ratio is 6:1 for the classroom and half-day field tours and 4:1 for the two full-day backcountry tours.
February 21-24
Combined Level 1 & 2 Avalanche Course
We meet for four consecutive weekends in February. Friday evening class sessions are followed by Saturday tours. This accelerated and tour intensive course requires self-motivated students. During the month you will be required to evaluate the snowpack for a weekly analysis and forecast. We’ll track weak layers and learn how to manage them in the backcountry. (see schedule/equipment list-pdf)
$600pp/3; $510pp/4; $470pp/5.
Maximum student to guide ratio is 5:1.
February 1-23 (February 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23)
Level 3 Avalanche Course
Curriculum is based on ski guiding and is a stepping stone towards ski mountaineering certification with the AMGA.
Please call for details.