​Avalanche course – AAA (American Avalanche Association) level I and II

Avalanche awareness and avalanche rescue level I

During this class you will learn the basics of avalanche awareness and also the most effective rescue techniques. This is a three day class. The first day will be classroom, the second day in the field learning and practicing snow travel and route finding, and the third day avalanche rescue practice techniques in a real-time setting. Some of the topics that you will learn are:
  • Types of avalanches
  • Route finding and decision making
  • Characteristics of avalanches
  • How avalanches form and release
  • Assessing avalanche terrain
  • Trip planning and preparation
  • Avalanche gear review (beacons, probes, airbags, shovel, etc.)
  • Weather
  • Snow science
  • Rescue protocols and procedures
 PictureAvalanche on Annapurna




​Avalanches are serious business and our extensive avalanche education program aims to equip backcountry enthusiasts with the knowledge and experience  to safely enjoy the snow terrain. ​
The Level I Avalanche Course is oriented to any person who enjoys outdoor activities, such as the following:
  • Ski mountaineering
  • Cross country skiing
  • Mountaineering
  • Alpine climbing
  • Mountain guides
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Search and Rescue
  • Military forces
  • Off-piste skiers​
​The Level I Avalanche Course provides a complete introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, avalanche terrain, decision making, and rescue. In a continental snowpack such as the Grand Mesa and the San Juan Mountains, Summit Ridge Guides customized instruction maximizes student learning outcomes as they relate to backcountry travel. The AAA (American Avalanche Association) pro member instructors and the IFMGA/AMGA trained/certified mountain guides have extensive experience guiding, teaching and skiing the backcountry. Summit Ridge Guides  combine experience, knowledge-base, and access to backcountry skingi in the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre National Forest.
Our professional AMGA/IFMGA certified/trained mountain guides follow the AAA (American Avalanche Association) international snow education standards.

​AVALANCHE AWARENESS AND AVALANCHE RESCUE LEVEL II

​The Level II Avalanche Course provides an understanding of snowpack formation and metamorphism. Level I Course or equivalent training is required to take the Level II course. Some of the topics that you will learn are:
  • Snow metamorphism
  • Surface hoar formation
  • Stability testing
  • Observation and recording guidelines
  • Conduct snow testing
  • Route finding and planning
  • Rescue techniques

Our professional AMGA/IFMGA certified/trained mountain guides follow the AAA (American Avalanche Association) international snow education standards.

Place: Grand Junction and the Grand Mesa
Ratio: 1:6 
Price: $350.00 for one person, $170.00 for the second climber and $150.00 for the third climber. Special rates for groups and 20% discount for veterans, active duty personal and law enforcement. 
What we provide: IFMGA/AMGA certified mountain guide, climbing equipment, ropes, harnesses, crampons, ice climbing boots, ice tools, helmets, first aid, guiding permits, avalanche safety (beacon, shovel, and probe)
What we don’t provide: water, snacks, personal transportation, and personal medical insurance.
Season:  all year around
Prerequisites: None. 

​Glacier travel and crevasse rescue techniques

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​This course will give you the skills necessary to traverse a glacier safely. We will also teach you the most effective techniques during a crevasse rescue scenario. Because you have to react fast, we will put in your hands the tools and knowledge that you will need to safely protect your climber partner and yourself.
​​Some of the topics that we will teach you are:
  • Building ice and snow anchors
  • Raising pulley systems
  • Counterweight rescue systems
  • Glacier travel and rope management for two and three climbers
  • Ascending the rope with friction knots
  • Rappelling

course information

Place: Grand Junction, Grand Mesa, Elk Mountains or San Juan Mountains
Ratio: 1:6
Price: $350.00 for one person, $170.00 for the second climber and $150.00 for the third climber. Special rates for groups and 20% discount for veterans, active duty personal and law enforcement.
What we provide: IFMGA/AMGA certified mountain guide, climbing equipment, ropes, harnesses, crampons, ice climbing boots, ice tools, helmets, first aid, guiding permits.
What we don’t provide: water, snacks, personal transportation, and personal medical insurance.
Season:  all year around
Prerequisites: None.

equipment list

  • Boots (plastic or leather)
  • Socks (synthetic or wool)
  • Gaiters
  • Synthetic underwear
  • Long synthetic underwear
  • Softshell climbing pants or Gore-Tex/waterproof pants
  • Synthetic or wool first layer top
  • Fleece or wool second layer top
  • Softshell jacket (optional)
  • Gore-Tex/waterproof third layer jacket
  • Light gloves
  • Warm gloves
  • Synthetic or wool hat
  • Medium sized backpack (about 30-45 liters)