Avalanche Fundamentals Non Motorized Field Day at Red Lodge Mountain

Avalanche Fundamentals is an introduction to avalanche basics. It covers the basics of weather observations, snowpack development, avalanche terrain identification, travel techniques and companion rescue.

An online lecture series accompanies this course. The video lectures on intro to avalanches, terrain identification, mountain weather and snowpack, human factors & decision making, and avalanche rescue are prerequisites. The on-snow field day will give students a chance to practice theories learned in the video lectures, and get hands on with our experienced team of instructors.

What you will learn:  

• Relevant components of mountain weather

• Application of local Avalanche Forecast

• Identify avalanche terrain

• Snowpack Observations

• Travel techniques in the backcountry

• Companion rescue techniques 

Ability Requirements 

• Participants must have the preparedness to be outside for the entire day and take care of themselves in winter conditions with adequate layers, hydration and fueling. 

• Basic ski or snowboard skills are required and participants must be able to negotiate intermediate (blue square) terrain. Short off piste travel is required

• Ability to travel short distances uphill from the ski area by skinning with touring equipment required

• Basic knowledge of your touring gear is required, but we will review uphill travel with skins if it’s a new skill. All gear must have retention devices or brakes to ride the lifts at Red Lodge Mountain

• Ability to carry a backpack up to 25 pounds, bend up and down repeatedly, twist, and shovel snow.

Equipment Requirements

• Modern, 3 antenna beacon with fresh batteries 

• Avalanche Shovel (These are metal and specific to digging/chopping in firm, icy snow, extendable handles are strongly encouraged) 

• Avalanche Probe (At least 240cm) 

• Skis, Snowboard, Touring Skis or Splitboard (with retention devices for riding lifts) with climbing skins

• Helmets are strongly encouraged 

• Small backpack with required gear, layers, food and water

• $20 for an uphill pass at Red Lodge Mountain

The Field Day will be held at Red Lodge Mountain ski area, from 9:00am- 4:00pm. We will meet in the Red Lodge Mountain base area courtyard, just outside the Ski Patrol office at 9am sharp. Pre-registration is required. Waiver Required.