Skiing Adventures USA

Hybrid Avalanche Course AAI Level I

2 Days + 8 hours online learning Group: 1-8 people $615/person

Note: Benegas Brothers Expeditions strives to provide the highest quality logistics, giving you the best climbing experience possible. For this expedition, we are working through our partner, Wasatch Mountain Guides, a Recognized A3 Provider.

The mountains are a paradise for many of us — but the alpine environment is not without hazards. Avalanches are a deadly and treacherous force every backcountry traveler must reckon with. If you spend enough time in the backcountry, you will eventually see one. Having the proper training is not optional: it is the difference between managing risk intelligently and entering terrain you cannot read.

Our Level 1 Hybrid Avalanche Course was developed in partnership with the American Avalanche Institute (AAI). The hybrid format combines the flexibility of self-paced online learning with the irreplaceable value of two full field days in the Wasatch backcountry, led by certified avalanche educators.

This course is offered through Wasatch Mountain Guides (WMG), co-owned by IFMGA-certified guide Willie Benegas. It is a private course — your group, your schedule, your field environment.

About the Guides

All Wasatch programs are operated by Wasatch Mountain Guides (WMG) — one of Utah’s most trusted guide services, co-owned by IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide Willie Benegas. Willie brings over 30 years of high-level guiding experience across the Wasatch, the Alaska Range, the Andes, and the Himalaya. Every day in the field is led by AMGA-trained and certified guides who know these mountains in every season and condition.

Benegas Brothers Expeditions acts as the sales and marketing partner for these programs. Clients sign a WMG release form prior to the trip and make payment directly to WMG. The same standards, the same guide team, the same caliber of experience you find on every BBE program worldwide

Phase 1: Online Self-Paced Learning

Upon registration, you receive access to an AAI-developed online course containing instructional videos, an extensive workbook with note outlines, an in-depth study guide, and comprehensive quizzes. The course is framed around the Backcountry Avalanche Checklist — a systemic and proven approach to decision-making in complex backcountry environments. Complete at your own pace, but must be finished before your first field day. The BBE team is available by email for questions throughout.

Phase 2: Live Virtual Seminar

The evening before your first field day, we meet by video conference with your guide and course instructor. Questions are answered, gear is reviewed, and you confirm readiness for the field days ahead.

Phase 3: Two Field Days — Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon

Two consecutive 8-hour field days in the Wasatch backcountry. An exhaustive set of practical avalanche preparedness skills covered in real terrain:

  • Terrain assessment and route planning
  • Safe travel protocols
  • Snowpack and weather observation
  • Tour planning and field observations
  • Stability tests — use and interpretation
  • Rescue: beacon search, probing techniques, strategic shoveling, and companion rescue scenarios

All rescue skills are practiced in full — not demonstrated. Every participant performs beacon searches, directs a rescue scenario, and operates the Z-pulley and C-pulley systems. By the end of Field Day 2, you have real hands-on competency, not just classroom familiarity.

Completion

Participants who complete the online course and both field days receive an Avalanche Level 1 certificate — the foundational credential recognized across the backcountry community. Course material remains accessible for review through the end of the winter season.

This course is for anyone who enters avalanche terrain — skiers, snowboarders, splitboarders, snowshoers, ski tourers, and winter mountaineers. It is the foundational training that every backcountry traveler should complete before their first season in the mountains.

Prerequisites

None. This is a Level 1 course — no prior avalanche training is required. You need to be able to move through backcountry terrain for 8-hour field days in winter conditions. Avalanche rescue kit (beacon, shovel, probe) is required for the field days — rental kits are available.

Who Gets the Most From This Course

  • Skiers, riders, and snowshoers who are transitioning from resort to backcountry terrain for the first time
  • Anyone who has been going into the backcountry without formal avalanche training
  • Climbers and mountaineers building toward winter alpine objectives in the Wasatch or beyond
  • Groups of friends or partners who want shared decision-making skills and common framework

After This Course

A Level 1 certificate is the beginning, not the end. You will leave with a decision-making framework, practical rescue skills, and the ability to read snowpack at a foundational level. Continued education — field experience, mentorship under skilled partners, and eventual Level 2 training — builds on this foundation. This course pairs naturally with our Wasatch Backcountry Skiing and Lift Access Backcountry Skiing programs.

How long does the online course take to complete?

The online course is self-paced — most participants complete it in 4–8 hours spread over several evenings. It must be completed before your first field day.

When are field days scheduled?

This is a private course — field days are scheduled on your dates, subject to guide availability. Contact us with your preferred dates and we will confirm. Courses run December through April.

Do I need my own avalanche rescue kit?

Yes. A beacon, shovel, and probe are required for both field days. Rental kits are available through BBE/WMG — arrange in advance.

Can we book as a group?

Yes. Private groups of up to 8 participants are available, with two guides provided for field days. Pricing scales with group size — see the rates below. Group bookings are the most cost-effective format.

What is the maximum group size?

Maximum 4 clients per guide. For groups of 5–8, two guides are provided, maintaining the 4:1 ratio.

What is the cancellation policy?

Deposits non-refundable. 121+ days: 75%; 90–120 days: 50%; 60–89 days: 25%; 59 days or less: no refund. All cancellations in writing.

Included

  • Self-paced AAI online course with workbook, study guide, and quizzes
  • Live virtual seminar with BBE/WMG instructors the evening before Field Day 1
  • Two 8-hour guided field days in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon
  • Certified avalanche educator guide(s)
  • Avalanche Level 1 certificate upon completion

Not Included

  • Avalanche rescue kit — beacon, shovel, probe (rental available)
  • Transportation to/from meeting location
  • Canyon parking fees
  • Food and beverages for field days
  • Personal backcountry clothing and gear
  • Guide gratuities (customary: $50–$100/day)

Getting Here

All Wasatch programs meet in Salt Lake City, Utah. The drive from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to the mouths of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons is approximately 30 minutes. From downtown Salt Lake City, allow 20–25 minutes.

Most programs meet at the Park & Ride lots at the mouths of Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, or directly at resort accommodations in the canyons. Your guide confirms the exact meeting location prior to your program date.

Canyon parking: most lots in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon require a paid parking permit or UTA Canyon Service bus pass during winter weekends — check current restrictions at udot.utah.gov. Riding the free UTA Canyon Shuttle from the Park & Ride is the simplest option when canyons are busy.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are non-refundable. Remaining balance refund schedule: 121+ days: 75% refund; 90–120 days: 50%; 60–89 days: 25%; 59 days or less: no refund. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

Insurance

Rescue and activity insurance is recommended for all Wasatch programs. We recommend Spot Insurance for activity-specific daily coverage — available to purchase at the time of booking for a fraction of the cost. For full travel insurance details, see the BBE Travel & Rescue Insurance page.

The Backcountry Doesn't Forgive Guessing.

Avalanche training isn't a box to check. It's the decision-making foundation that keeps you alive. Learn it properly online, in the classroom, and in the field.

Book Trip
Location:
Utah
Group:
1-8 people
Duration:
2 Days + 8 hours online learning
Skill:
Beginner to Advanced, good fitness encouraged
Activities:
Skiing
Pricing

Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.

The Backcountry Doesn't Forgive Guessing.

Avalanche training isn't a box to check. It's the decision-making foundation that keeps you alive. Learn it properly online, in the classroom, and in the field.

A Partner you can trust

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