Dates and Times:
- January 28, 2027: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM classroom session
- January 29, 2027: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM field day & classroom session
- January 30, 2027: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Accredited by the American Avalanche Association, this course meets national standards for avalanche awareness education. This is not a Recreational Level 1 course, but serves as a refresher for those who have taken a Level 1 previously.
Course Overview
Have you taken an on-snow avalanche course in the past, but still aren’t sure how to plan a backcountry trip with confidence? Are you looking to refresh your avalanche skills using the latest research and best practices? Our Backcountry 201: Avalanche Refresher course builds on the skills needed to plan and execute a safe day in the backcountry while enjoying The Greatest Snow On EarthⓇ.
You’ll spend two full days on the snow and in the classroom focusing on the human factors of backcountry travel, group decision-making, and team-based tour planning. You’ll learn how to interpret avalanche forecasts, analyze snowpack data, use weather and mapping tools to develop tour plans, and apply professional planning techniques to real-world terrain.
After enrolling, you’ll gain access to our Student Portal, which includes pre-course assignments, detailed course information, valuable resources, and more. During the first classroom session, we’ll review the pre-course material, discuss current avalanche problems, and explore professional weather tools. On the first field day, you’ll assess the snowpack across a variety of aspects and elevations to better understand local snowpack structure. That evening, your group will work with your instructor to develop a trip plan for the final field day. On the second field day, you’ll implement the plan, make ongoing snowpack observations, and practice safe travel techniques.
Who Should Take this Course?
This course is designed for individuals with prior backcountry experience and a foundational understanding of avalanche safety, including completion of a formal avalanche course. Participants should be familiar with their equipment and confident using it in the field. Intermediate to advanced downhill ability is required. You must be able to ride black-diamond terrain in variable snow conditions. Strong riding skills are essential for safety, as there is no ski patrol to assist with evacuations. To get the most out of the course, you should be physically fit enough to travel uphill with skins and descend confidently in unpredictable conditions.
What is Required for this Course?
You must provide your own skis or splitboard equipped with alpine touring bindings and climbing skins. Snowshoes are not permitted in this course. Please come prepared with your own avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, probe, and shovel). If you need to borrow any of these items, let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.
Course Goals
- Understand how to use the avalanche forecast, public observations, and professional weather tools to plan a day in the backcountry.
- Learn how to clearly and concisely communicate snowpack information to your group.
- Identify avalanche terrain and non-avalanche terrain.
- Manage group dynamics to enhance safety in the mountains.
- Develop a process for formulating, communicating, and executing a trip plan.
- Understand advanced mapping techniques for backcountry travel.
- Learn how to become a valuable member of your backcountry team.
Cancellation policy
Our cancellation policy can be found here. If you have any questions, please email education@utahavalanchecenter.org
Winter Weather and Avalanche Hazard Policy
In the event of extreme winter weather and/or dangerous avalanche conditions, the UAC reserves the right to reschedule courses to maintain the safety of our students and instructors. If a course needs to be rescheduled, we will work with students to find the best rescheduled date and refund students who are unable to attend.