Avalanche Education
Winter 2009-10
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 offers avalanche courses to help you jump-start and refine your avalanche knowledge. We highly encourage every backcountry user to take a Level 1 Avalanche Course and to follow up with yearly practice, to enjoy a lifetime of safe and rewarding backcountry experiences.
Why take a course with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides?
*We offer a wide range of avalanche classes. Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, or snowshoer, you can find a JHMG course suitable to your needs and skills.
*We offer excellent student to instructor ratios. We strongly believe the best learning is accomplished in small tour groups, where you’ll be assessing avalanche conditions and making group decisions in the field.
*Our winter guides are some of the most experienced avalanche educators in the country. We have accrued years of knowledge through our work as backcountry ski guides, ski-patrollers, heli-ski guides, Denali guides, AMGA examiners, and recreationalists. We are also seasoned teachers, who enjoy sharing our knowledge with those who are motivated to learn. Our diverse experience directs the evolution of our avalanche curriculum to provide the best avalanche education possible.
*JHMG avalanche courses place a strong emphasis on decision-making and practical avalanche skills. We schedule field time so that you can be involved with real decisions in real terrain appropriate for your experience level.
* Level 1 and Level 2 Avalanche Courses offer full day tours in Grand Teton National Park for those who are ready for a rigorous outing.
* JHMG avalanche courses follow the educational and length guidelines developed by the American Avalanche Association. Level 1 Courses are 24 hours long, and Level 2's are 32 hours.
*JHMG is now an AIARE Course Provider. The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education is a nationally recognized, non-profit group dedicated to developing avalanche curriculum and disseminating cutting edge information to its instructors. We have one AIARE Level 1 course offered in 2010, with more in future years.
Women's Courses: Jackson Hole Mountain Guides offers all-women's avalanche courses on a biannual basis. For 2009-10, we are offering a Level 1, 3-day class on January 15-17. These clinics offer women a great learning environment and an opportunity to meet other backcountry skiers and boarders. 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 Avalanche Awareness Courses, as well as the December Level 1 Course, 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. Payment is due at sign-up. 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.
2009-2010 Avalanche Courses
Out of Bounds Safety Day NEW!If you travel beyond the gates at ski resorts, this class is for you. Designed for downhill riders, this field day on Teton Pass emphasizes safe skiing protocols, avalanche terrain identification, and efficient beacon use.
$100pp. The minimum group size is 4, and the maximum student to guide ratio is 6:1.
Custom Dates; please call to book.
Avalanche Awareness Course
Want to learn the basics of backcountry safety and travel but can’t commit to three days of a full level one class? JHMG’s introductory avalanche course is your answer. Course consists of one evening class and one day in the backcountry on Teton Pass. (see schedule and equipment list -pdf)
$140pp. The minimum group size is 4, and the maximum student to guide ratio is 8:1 in class and 7:1 in the field.
December 18-19
February 5-6
Level 1 Avalanche Course
Build a 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)
$250pp. 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. The maximum number of students is 15.
Level 1 A: December 11-13
Level 1 B: January 12-14 (Tues-Thurs schedule)
Level 1 W: January 15-17 (Women's Course)
AIARE Level 1 C: January 29-31
Level 1 D: February 19-21
Powder in the Park Day NEW: 10% off for locals!
Day tour through avalanche terrain while refining and expanding your avalanche skills. You’ll evaluate snow stability on the go, perform stability tests, learn backcountry control methods, discuss decision-making and powder ski. A great alternative for experienced backcountry skiers without the time for a Level 2 course. (equipment list-pdf)
$200/2, $140/3-4
Custom dates; please call our office to book
Level 2 Avalanche Course
Designed for skiers and winter alpinists who regularly travel in avalanche terrain, this course is open to both recreationalists and professionals. Our four-day curriculum is comprehensive and balanced between classroom and field time, including a full day tour in Grand Teton National Park. Fine-tune your assessment skills, learn the latest in avalanche science and build skills in leading others in avalanche terrain.
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)
$400pp. The maximum group size for the course is 8. 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 4-7