Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course

The Backcountry is always telling us a story. Are you Listening?

Reading and understanding winter’s seasonal narrative, as written across mountain slopes, backcountry bowls and understanding where avalanches lurk, is both a learned skill and a practiced art. Silverton Avalanche School’s REC Level One Avalanche Course introduces students to the ways we ritualize our planning, observations and assessments and highlights the critical importance of "Reading the Story of Winter" each and every day, in order to minimize risk traveling through avalanche terrain. 

In SAS’s 3 Day, REC Level One, students engage in a hands on curriculum designed to develop a personal understanding and applying a set of tools to help navigate avalanche terrain safely.  Tools are applied through the course, such as the avalanche bulletin, utilizing the Avalanche Triangle, employing a backcountry field notebook and incorporating field observations, and applying online resources and digital applications. Our courses exceed the requirements set by the American Avalanche Association for avalanche education. This course has a mix of online and in person learning. The outcome is a an understanding of when where and how to safely navigate avalanche terrain.  Our curriculum is based on national guidelines published by the American Avalanche Association. 

SAS courses occur in the Silverton area, Taos NM area and Southern Colorado. SAS is permitted to operate on public lands with the USFS. 

Cancellation & Transfer Policy

SAS requires a full credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. Cancellations within 1 week of the course start date will not be refunded and cannot be transferred. If you would like to transfer course dates 1 to 3 weeks prior to your original course start date, there will be a $100 transfer fee and no refund for cancellation. A date transfer more than 3 weeks before your original course start date can be done at no extra cost. Cancellations more than 3 weeks before your original course start date may receive a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we cannot give refunds, rain checks or cancellations if passes are closed. Please communicate with our office for extenuating circumstances.