2026/2027 Avalanche Courses Offered

Red Raven Guides is excited to offer Avalanche Rec level 1 & 2 along with also refresher courses this 26/27 winter season. A minimum of 3 participants is need for the course. Course instructor to student ratio is 1:4-5

All of our lead instructors are:

• AMGA Certified Ski Guides

• Avy Pro 2

• WFR/EMT

• American Avalanche Association Pro Members

If you are someone who ventures into the mountains by skiing, alpine climbing or split-boarding then this is your first step in helping with your decision making while in the mountains Understanding where and why avalanches occur, dynamic terrain types, and what rescue gear to carry is essential information. Identify avalanche hazards in dynamic terrain types and training the tools to facilitate a rescue in the event of an avalanche are essential to have when playing in the mountains. Be educated for yourself and your backcountry group. Learn to read avalanche forecasts and become your own expert.

*** Note that our courses are for those that have SOME or more backcountry experience and riding experience. You will also need adequate backcountry equipment. this means NO SNOWSHOES. Please look at the packing list. If you are very new to backcountry and new to your gear, please consider hiring us for a backcountry intro day before signing up for your avalanche course. ***

*** 16 years old at least, Must be able to drive, parent or guardian must sign wavier and other documents***

*** PLEASE read the cancelation policy and course gear list throughly ***

Dates for 2026/2027

Dec 11 - 13, 2026 Avy REc 2 (WOMEN ONLY)

Dec 12 - 13, 2026 AVY REC 1 REFRESHER

Dec 18 - 20, 2026 AVY REC 1

Dec 18 - 19, 2026 AVY REC 1 REFRESHER

Avalanche Rec 1

Build a strong foundation for traveling more confidently in winter backcountry terrain. Our three-day Avalanche Rec 1 course is designed for skiers, riders, snowshoers, climbers, and other winter travelers who want practical tools for recognizing avalanche hazards, making informed decisions, and responding effectively in an emergency.

Throughout the course, you will learn:

• How to recognize and assess avalanche hazards

• How to identify avalanche terrain and choose safer travel options

• How to use weather, avalanche forecasts, and field observations to support decision-making

• Where to find reliable information for planning backcountry trips

• How weather affects the snowpack

• How to recognize signs of an unstable snowpack

• Safer travel techniques, including route selection, group management, and communication

• Essential companion-rescue skills, including beacon searching, probing, shoveling, and rescue response

This course takes place over three full field days, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 - 4 p.m. each day. Expect to spend the day outside learning through hands-on practice and real-world discussions. Digital and physical course materials, readings, and homework will be provided and required throughout the course.

Avalanche Rec 2

Take your backcountry decision-making, snowpack knowledge, and rescue skills to the next level. Our three-day Avalanche Rec 2 course is designed for experienced winter travelers who have completed Rec 1 and want to build stronger skills for planning and traveling in more complex avalanche terrain.

Throughout the course, you will learn:

• Advanced avalanche hazard evaluation and forecasting

• Snowpack structure, stability tests, and how to interpret field results

• How weather, wind, and recent avalanche activity influence instability

• Terrain selection, route planning, and managing exposure in complex terrain

• How to use observations throughout the day to adjust your plans

• Human factors, group communication, and decision-making under pressure

• Advanced companion-rescue skills, including multiple-burial scenarios

• Rescue leadership, communication, and organized response techniques

• How to develop a complete tour plan using current weather, avalanche, and snowpack information

This course takes place over three full field days, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 - 4 p.m. each day, with a strong emphasis on field-based learning. Digital and physical course materials, readings, and homework will be provided and required. Participants should arrive with solid Avalanche Rec 1 knowledge, appropriate winter backcountry equipment, and a readiness to learn through hands-on practice in the mountains.

Avalanche Rec 1 Refresher

Refresh your avalanche awareness, companion-rescue skills, and backcountry decision-making before the winter season. This two-day field course is designed for skiers, riders, snowshoers, climbers, and snowmobilers who have previously completed an Avalanche Rec 1 course and want to rebuild confidence through practical, scenario-based learning.

Throughout the course, you will review:

• How to recognize current avalanche hazards and signs of unstable snow

• How to read avalanche forecasts, weather observations, and recent conditions

• How to identify avalanche terrain and choose safer travel options

• How to apply field observations to terrain and route decisions

• Snowpack clues, including recent avalanche activity and other signs of instability

• Group communication, human factors, and decision-making under pressure

• Companion-rescue skills, including beacon searches, probing, shoveling, and rescue leadership

• Efficient transitions, terrain management, spacing, and safer travel techniques

• How to build a practical plan for your next backcountry tour

The course runs over two full field days, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 - 4 p.m. each day. Expect to spend the day outside in winter conditions practicing with your own backcountry equipment. Participants should have previously completed Avalanche Rec 1 and arrive ready to move, learn, and participate in hands-on rescue and decision-making scenarios.