Avalanche Rescue Course
American Avalanche Association Recognized Provider
1 day of Avalanche Rescue Training
Mt Shasta & Bear Valley, California.
Mt Charleston, Nevada
$295
Our A3 Avalanche Rescue Course is a one-day, hands-on program designed to teach you how to respond quickly and effectively if someone in your group is caught in an avalanche. This A3-recognized course focuses on companion rescue — the crucial first minutes that can make all the difference.
What You’ll Learn:
Rescue Planning & Response – understand how to act fast under pressure
Beacon, Probe & Shovel Use – get confident with newest info on rescue gear
Companion Rescue Process – search, locate, excavate with proven techniques including multi-beacons search
Post-Rescue Care & Evacuation – manage injuries, hypothermia, and coordinate with professional rescue teams
Who Should Take This Course?
Backcountry skiers, snowboarders, splitboarders, and mountaineers. Anyone traveling in avalanche terrain who needs a refresher course. Students looking to refresh their rescue skills or continue to Avalanche Level 2 or Pro-1
Departure: Mt Shasta & Bear Valley, California, Mt Charleston Nevada
Duration: 1 day
Prerequisites: None, needed for Avalanche Level 2 & Professional Level 1
Included in Course Cost: Instructor fees, land use fees, course materials, A3 Student certificate & student fee.
Group Size: 12
Guide to Guest ratio: 1:6
Avalanche Rescue Course Itinerary
The course begins at 8 a.m. with a morning classroom session covering avalanche-related injuries, common hazards, helicopter rescue procedures, and current avalanche rescue equipment. This sets the stage for the field exercises that follow.
After the morning session, we move into the field where students begin with a single-burial scenario, working together as a team to locate and extract the simulated “victim.” As the day progresses, scenarios increase in complexity, including individual single-burial exercises, multi-burial team rescues, and multi-burial individual drills. These exercises are designed to provide extensive hands-on experience and simulate realistic avalanche rescue conditions.
The course typically runs until 5 or 5:30 p.m., allowing time to debrief after the final field exercises. Students review scenario outcomes, discuss techniques, and address any remaining questions before concluding the day.
This one-day course emphasizes practical, field-based training, giving students the opportunity to practice multiple scenarios, refine their skills, and gain confidence in managing avalanche rescue situations.
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.