Avalanche Level 1 Refresher Course
1 day of Avalanche Level 1 Refresher Training
Bear Valley, California
$295
Our Avalanche Refresher Course in Bear Valley is a one-day program designed for graduates of an Avalanche Level 1 (or equivalent) who want to refresh and sharpen their skills for safe backcountry travel. The day begins with a classroom session at our Bear Valley office where we review course goals, conduct a quick gear check, and dive into current avalanche hazard information, problem types, and updates to industry best practices. We’ll also revisit decision-making frameworks like FACETS and the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale, along with human factors that influence group dynamics. The bulk of the course takes place in the field, where participants practice companion rescue skills, run through single and multiple burial scenarios, and work on efficient probing and shoveling techniques. We’ll also refresh quick snowpack and weather observation methods, practice route-finding in avalanche terrain, and engage in real-time decision-making exercises. The day concludes with a group scenario that ties together terrain assessment, hazard evaluation, and rescue practice, followed by a debrief back at the office. Participants leave with a renewed confidence in their avalanche safety skills and a certificate of completion.
Departure: Bear Valley, California
Duration: 1 day
Prerequisites: Avalanche level 1 or Rescue Course, and/or level 2 course
Included in Course Cost: Instructor fees, land use fees, course materials, Student certificate
Group Size: 12
Guide to Guest ratio: 1:6
Avalanche Level 1 Refresher Course Itinerary
Course Outline & Curriculum
Morning Session – Classroom (Bear Valley Office)
Duration: ~2.5 hours
- Welcome & Goals
- Pre-Course homework: Information will be sent for a planning of a short backcountry tour
- Introductions, course objectives, review of personal goals.
- Quick gear check (transceiver, probe, shovel, touring gear).
- Avalanche Safety Refresher
- Current avalanche hazard bulletin & weather discussion. Cal topo & on X backcountry
- Review of avalanche problem types, red flags, and snowpack basics.
- Updates from AAA/industry best practices since participants’ L1 course.
- Decision-Making Frameworks
- Review of terrain selection tools (FACETS, ATES (Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale).
- Human factors and group dynamics refresh.
Field Session – Practical Application
Duration: ~5.5 hours (including travel to field location)
- Companion Rescue Refresher
- Single and multiple burial scenarios.
- Efficient use of transceiver, probe, shovel.
- Strategic shoveling drills.
- Small team rescue scenarios.
- Snowpack & Weather Observations
- Quick pit techniques (hand shear, compression test refresh).
- Tracking snowpack trends with limited time.
- Weather observation and how it ties into hazard evaluation.
- Travel & Terrain Management
- Route finding in avalanche terrain.
- Identifying safe zones, travel spacing, and communication.
- On-the-go decision-making exercises: “What would you do here?” scenarios.
- Group Scenario Exercise
- Apply decision-making, terrain assessment, and rescue practice.
- Debrief in the field.
Wrap-Up – Office/End of Day
Duration: ~30 minutes
- Student-led discussion: What did we learn? What needs more practice?
- Resources for continued learning (Avalanche.org, AAA, AIARE updates, etc.).
- Issuance of certificate of completion.
Gear Checklist (Student-Provided)
- Avalanche beacon (3-antenna digital)
- Probe (240cm minimum)
- Shovel (metal blade)
- Touring gear (AT skis/splitboard/snowshoes)
- Helmet, pack, layered clothing, gloves, goggles
- Lunch, snacks, water
- Notebook & pencil
Avalanche Course FAQ
- Q: Why should I take an avalanche course with SWS Mountain Guides?
A: We’ve been teaching avalanche courses since our early days in 1981, and our curriculum is recognized by the American Avalanche Association (A3). Our instructors are experienced educators and mountain professionals who focus on practical skills, real-world decision-making, and helping you become more confident in the backcountry. - Q: Are your avalanche courses approved?
A: SWS Mountain Guides is an American Avalanche Association (A3) fully recognized Avalanche Course Provider for meeting or excessing the national standards for avalanche education in the U.S. set by the American Avalanche Association. Our courses carry the same recognition other A3 recognized providers including the American Avalanche Institute, and AIARE associated organizations. For example; our Level 1 and rescue course with SWS qualifies you to take a Level 2 or Pro 1 with SWS Mountain Guides with any other A3-recognized provider. -
Q: What types of avalanche courses do you offer?
A: We offer Avalanche Level 1, Avalanche Rescue, Avalanche Level 1 Refresher*, Avalanche Level 2, and Professional Level 1 in partnership with the American Avalanche Association. We also provide customized refresher and awareness courses. Our programs are designed for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, climbers, and mountaineers. Note:*The Avalanche Level 1 Refresher is meant to review and reinforce the A3 curriculum from the full Level 1 course. It is not a replacement for the complete Level 1. - Q: Do I need any prior experience to take an avalanche course?
A: No prior avalanche training is required for Level 1. You should be comfortable skiing, snowboarding, or traveling on snowshoes in backcountry terrain. Higher-level courses (Level 2) do require a completed Level 1 and Rescue Course, plus some time in the backcountry to practice your skills. - Q: Where are your avalanche courses held?
A: Our courses are offered in Oregon, Nevada, and California, including Mount Shasta and Bear Valley. We also offer custom courses in Tahoe, Lassen, and the Eastern Sierra. Each location offers varied terrain and snowpack for a comprehensive learning experience. - Q: What’s included in the course cost?
A: Instruction, course materials, discounts and trials of mapping programs. You’ll be responsible for your own backcountry ski, snowboard, or snowshoe setup, along with clothing, food, and transportation. Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel is available for rent from us if you don’t have your own) - Q: How many people are in a course?
A: We keep groups small. We will not exceed 6 students per instructor on our courses. This ensures more personalized instruction, better group discussions, and increased learning during field sessions. - Q: What will I learn in a Level 1 Avalanche Course?
A: You’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand weather and snowpack factors, use decision-making frameworks to reduce your exposure to avalanche hazards, travel protocols while in avalanche-prone areas, and practice rescue techniques. The course is a mix of classroom and hands-on fieldwork. - Q: How much time is spent in the classroom versus the field?
A: Our courses are 24+ hours over 3 days. Day 1 and 2 are typically a morning classroom session followed by afternoons in the field. Day 3 consists of a full day in the field to emphasize practical, hands-on experience in real snow conditions, because that’s where the learning really sticks. - Q: What gear do I need for an avalanche course?
A: You’ll need a backcountry travel setup (skis with touring bindings and skins, splitboard with skins, or snowshoes), appropriate winter clothing, a backpack, food, and water. Avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) is available for rent if you don’t have your own. - Q: Can I rent ski or snowboard gear from you?
A: We don’t rent skis or splitboards, but we can point you toward trusted local rental shops near each course location. - Q: How physically fit do I need to be?
A: Avalanche courses are active, requiring travel in snow and variable conditions while carrying a pack. Moderate fitness is recommended, but you don’t need to be an elite athlete. If you can comfortably hike several miles in the mountains, you’ll be fine. - Q: How do these courses help me in the real world?
A: The goal is to give you tools to make better decisions in the backcountry. You’ll leave the course more confident in assessing terrain, recognizing hazards, communicating with your partners, and using your rescue gear if an emergency arises. - Q: What if the weather is bad during my course?
A: Avalanche courses run in all kinds of winter weather, since changing conditions are part of the learning process. If conditions are unsafe to travel in the field, your instructor will adjust the plan, but most storms actually enhance the educational experience. - Q: How do I sign up for an avalanche course?
A: You can register directly on our website or give us a call. Once you sign up, we’ll send you a confirmation email with course logistics, gear list, and rental options. Our office team is always happy to answer any questions you have before your course.