Description
Course Description
The Prival Level 1 avalanche course is a three-day / 24-hour course recognized by A3 the American Avalanche Association. This course will provide an introduction to travel in and avoidance of avalanche terrain. Students can expect to learn and practice terrain, weather and snowpack skills used in backcountry travel. An emphasis is placed on fundamental group decision making before entering the field, as well as “on the fly” adjustments and assessments during field travel. Case studies and cooperative group communication skills address the many human factors that can help to avoid accidents. Students will also practice basic partner rescue skills.
Who Should Take this Course
Winter backcountry travelers with some knowledge of or prior avalanche training and backcountry experience. A Previously completed UAC 101 or equivalent course is recommended. The Prival Avalanche Awareness and Companion Rescue Course and a minimum of one day of guided backcountry riding would alternately be a great starting point.
Aspiring professionals will need to take a AAA approved Level 1 and 8 hour Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course.
Learning Outcomes
– As provided by the guidelines of the American Avalanche Association –
At the end of the Level 1 course the student should be able to:
– Access avalanche bulletins and learn to understand & apply that information to the local forecast areas.
– Describe where and why avalanches occur and their key components for formation.
– Identify the basic Human Factors and apply simple decision tools to prepare for traveling in avalanche terrain.
– Apply risk management tools: safety equipment, trailhead checks, and basic group communication skills..
– Learn and practice on their own procedures for basic companion rescue.
– Make key observations for snowpack and weather, and document their findings.
– Practice snowpack tests relative to the current avalanche problems.
– Identify avalanche terrain in the field.
– Choose terrain appropriate for the current avalanche and weather forecast for safe travel.
Prerequisites
Students must be prepared to travel in avalanche terrain on skis, spitboard, snowshoes or snowmobiles and bring appropriate equipment for traveling in winter weather conditions for three consecutive days.
Prival is an accredited provider recognized by the American Avalanche Association. All course instructors are certified A3 members trained to teach at or above the level of avalanche education course listed here.
All course sign ups directly benefit the Prival Foundation’s Mission
To increase the public’s awareness of the natural world as both a health-enhancing resource and a delicate ecosystem by providing educational resources and encouraging diversity in the outdoor industry.
The Prival Recreational Level 1 Course is Now Available Nationwide
Caitlin –
This class what so helpful. The classroom day was via Zoom and the engagement and professionalism was so impressive. I actually preferred the Zoom setting. I have been a backcountry user for years and was interested in adding yet another weekend of training to my skills. There is ALWAYS more to learn to stay safe when negotiating avalanche terrain. I walked away with new things to practice and implement that I didn’t even know I was missing. The guides were so informative and experienced. Not to mention we got some awesome turns! I will 100% be furthering my backcountry education with Prival in the future. You should too!
Jacob –
Such an amazing experience! Our instructors, Bruce and Tarah, were incredibly knowledgeable and engaging during the zoom session and out in the field. They catered to all levels of experience and were great at addressing questions on the fly. Being an east coaster, the big UT terrain is daunting, but after taking this class I feel equipped with a good knowledge base to make smart decisions when exploring the backcountry. Can’t wait to learn more. Thanks Prival!
Daniele (verified owner) –
Firstly, the instructors/guides are exceptional. Tarah and Bruce are both very knowledgable, and also very adaptable to putting into context the scenarios that will be meaningful to you. It’s very refreshing to see guides with balanced and diverse skill sets and backgrounds. I had previously taken an Avy class that didn’t have such informative and actually useful documentation and study material. And taking this class opens you to so many resources it’s kinda insane. I feel so much more prepared to assess and evaluate risk while in the backcountry for myself. The backcountry is like a second language you’re constantly learning and Prival is like backcountry Rosetta Stone.
Angie –
My 16 year old son took this course, and came away having learned so much. I really believe the things he learned will last him a lifetime. He wasn’t sure if he would enjoy it, but he came home so excited after having skied backcountry for the first time with Bruce, even in some pretty rough blizzard conditions. I am actually here to sign him up for more classes this winter! Highly recommend!
Eric –
This was a fantastic class, and our instructor (Bruce) did a great job in leading our online / in-person training. Prival creates a very professional, organized, and fun environment to learn in. And Bruce, with his insider connections, was even able to hook us up on our last day with up-hill access at Brighton – which was closed to outsiders during that time and gave us access to some amazing, untapt powder terrain to learn in and ski in! Bruce has many years of training experience and he was very knowledgeable, engaging, and quite humerus throughout our sessions as well; he really made sure we understood what we were learning and that we could execute well on the skills he was teaching us. I feel more equipped than ever to travel safely, and wisely, through avalanche terrain. I highly recommend this class!
Forrest Danson (verified owner) –
Just completed the 3-day AIARE 1 course with Bruce and Hannah and it met all expectations and then some. Great combination of on-line learning via the AIARE coursework and Google Classroom pre-work (e.g., recommended videos, appls, tools, equipment, etc.), Zoom learning sessions, and field work. Both Bruce and Hannah were very knowledgeable about the content but also the Wasatch area and backcountry community. Took AIARE Avalanche Rescue course last year, so first field day was not new for me but great refresher and then two field days of touring the Wasatch to learn skills, evaluate snowpack conditions, and discuss how to navigate avalanche terrain. Tour one was up back side of Scott’s Bowl area and tour two was into Lake Mary area above Brighton. My group was exhausted by end of the three days but we each learned a ton and feel better prepared to join the backcountry community. Highly recommend if that is your goal!