Livingston Introduction to Avalanches with Field Session 2026 (FREE!)

Events in Montana

Classroom Session February 5th (6:00 - 8:00 pm), Field Session February 8th (10am - 2 pm)

insert_invitation Sun, Feb 8, 2026 10:00 AM (MST)

location_on Park High School, Livingston, Montana

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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.

Waiver Required.

This class will take place in two parts:

The classroom session will be February 5th at Park County High School in Livingston (Room C2) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Instructors will cover basic avalanche awareness. Topics include: avalanche terrain recognition, the effect weather has on avalanche hazard, the development of the mountain snowpack, decision-making skills. In addition, there will also be a discussion of rescue techniques and avalanche rescue gear.

Part two of the class will be a field session on Sunday, February 8th at Snowbank Campground in Mill Creek from 10 am to 2 pm. We encourage participants to bring their own avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, and pack.The field session will be held entirely outdoors. Come prepared to comfortably participate in any weather conditions. Hot drinks, snacks, and extra layers are strongly encouraged.The course goals are to 1) learn how to dig a snow pit, perform stability tests and interpret avalanche conditions, 2) learn how to wear and operate an avalanche beacon, and 3) perform a mock rescue including single and multiple burial searches. The course will also cover the importance of beacon skills; beacon operation and search principles; demonstration and practice of initial, secondary and pinpoint search; rescue practice scenarios including group management, probing and shoveling.

Pre-registration is required.