Utah Avalanche Center's Continuing Education Series
Please join us for a new series of advanced, discussion-based seminars designed for experienced backcountry travelers looking to deepen their avalanche knowledge. Each session will explore niche and often overlooked topics in avalanche safety, offering a space for in-depth conversations, critical thinking, and shared insights among seasoned backcountry travelers. This is not an introductory avalanche class; it’s an opportunity to challenge your assumptions, refine your decision-making, and engage with a community committed to continual learning.
- This is a 21-and-over event
- When: January 26, 2026, 6-8 PM
- Where: Fisher Brewing
- Tickets: $15
Our first-ever Continuing Education Series event is designed to help students gain a clearer understanding of how they perceive their avalanche skills, while also examining the limitations of risk management practices.
Over the past decade, the demographic of people getting caught in avalanches has shifted to include a more educated and experienced user group. Many of these victims had completed multiple avalanche courses, thoroughly understood the avalanche forecast, were skilled in creating efficient tour plans, and were well-versed in avalanche rescue techniques. Yet, these individuals still fell victim to the very hazards they sought to avoid. While various factors may contribute to this demographic shift, a common theme in many accident reports is the inaccurate perception, or misperception, of one’s avalanche skills.
Format
The Illusion of Skill: Perception in Avalanche Terrain is a discussion-based seminar in which you will work in small groups, or “field partners”, to complete tabletop exercises simulating unique backcountry scenarios. Guided by professional avalanche educators, these exercises provide a safe environment for participants to examine and reflect on their perceived risk management skills.
Participants will be asked to complete a brief homework assignment (approximately 30 minutes) before the event. These assignments, sent upon registration, include reading a short research article and completing a brief questionnaire. We kindly ask all participants to complete the assignment in advance to help ensure a valuable learning experience for everyone.
Learning Outcomes
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Understand your perception of your avalanche and risk management skills.
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Identify areas for improvement in your avalanche and risk management skills.
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Recognize the limitations of avalanche knowledge when managing uncertainty.
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Understand the changing demographics of avalanche victims.
Prerequisites
This seminar is designed for advanced backcountry recreationalists with at least 2 years of backcountry experience. To view our introductory avalanche courses, please check out the Know Before You Go awareness program and our on-snow avalanche classes.