This course is a collaboration between Beartooth Powder Guides and Beartooth Rides and Guides.

We will split our time between the Beartooth Mountains on the Shoshone National forest and Cooke City.

Over the course of 3 days days, participants will be exposed to techniques and skills required to become a more competent backcountry partner and rider. The course will include a combination of lectures and field sessions where students will get hands-on experience in learning about snowpack layering, terrain management, decision making, reading and understanding avalanche and weather forecasts, companion rescue skills and a multitude of other information to keep you and your partners safe in the backcountry.                                                                                                                                                                                                

Course Topics:

Snowpack Layering and formation

Snowpack tests and other observations as they relate to the avalanche forecast

Terrain Identification (avalanche paths, slope shape, aspect, slope angle)

Terrain management

Mountain Weather Concepts (wind, precipitation, temperatures)

Snow climates

Avalanche types and concepts

Decision making skills

Interpreting the Avalanche Bulletin (Hazard rating and type)

Beacon use and rescue training