Skip to Main Content
  • Main slide 1
Trip

Utah

Ski & Snowboard

Trip Utah Avalanche Level 2 Course
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590
Advance your knowledge by learning critical decision making skills in avalanche terrain with your Avalanche Level 2!

This Avalanche Level 2 Course builds on the knowledge and experience that students have gained since their Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Courses. Avalanche Level 2 allows students to advance their decision making skills in more complex terrain and snowpacks, teaching them leadership skills, and how to create route plans when resources are limited, for example forecasting skills.

SIET Avalanche programs are unique in that the class size is capped at 12 students (6 per instructor), which allows the instructor to customize the course to specific student goals and provide more one-on-one coaching. This course will cover a curriculum that meets (and exceeds!) the guidelines of the American Avalanche Association. The program is 24 hours long with 60% of course time spent in the field and 40% in the classroom, as per the American Avalanche Association guidelines.

Most importantly, all SIET avalanche courses are led by IFMGA or AMGA Certified Ski Guides who have extensive backcountry experience, have Level 2 Pro Certifications, are AAA Pros, have taught dozens of avalanche courses, and are well versed in the most current industry best practices.


Select Your Trip

Itinerary
Itinerary
Note that the itin­er­ary is sub­ject to change due to inclement weath­er, unsafe route con­di­tions, determined in the guide’s best judgement, or any other reasons beyond our con­trol.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Day 1 + 2:

    Thursday - First Evening Lecture Session:
    This Zoom classroom session will be an introduction to the course, outlining the skills and knowledge that will be gained and how this will help to advance your capabilities in the backcountry. The guides will cover Avalanche Hazards, the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard (CMAH), Avalanche Release and Snowpack and Weather.

    Friday - Second Evening Lecture Session:
    Following on from the first Zoom classroom session, the guides will cover terrain, using technology to mitigate hazards, route planning and propose a case study to illustrate these factors.

    The lecture evenings are followed by 8 hour days in the field, putting the theory into practice and allowing you to apply these skills in scenarios you could see in the mountains.
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Day 3: Saturday - Field Day:

    At 7.30am we will meet at Guardsman Pass, the trailhead that will lead us into Big Cottonwood Canyon. Field topics for the day will include information gathering and planning, trailhead checks, alternate plans, field books, forecast vs observations, identifying uncertainty and group management techniques, including communication, teamwork and decision making. During this day there will be little mountain travel, approximately 1 mile in total. The day will end at 3.00pm.
  • 3
    Day number 3
    Day 4: Sunday - Field Day and Lecture:

    At 7.30am, we will meet in Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon (exact location to be determined). Today’s field topics will cover field observations, such as any identified gaps in knowledge, red flags, weather, mapping, recording, as well as snowpack evaluation using snow pit practices and interpretations. Expect and dress for a solid day of mountain travel. The field section of the day will end at 2.00pm.

    On Sunday late afternoon, the guides and students will conclude the course with a 3-hour lecture. This session will feature case studies with relevant scenarios, a quiz and a debrief of the course. There will then be the opportunity to ask the guides any questions that you have, and to discuss the next steps in your winter backcountry education.
Trip Package Includes
  • Professional instruction with a lead instructor who is AMGA Ski Certified
  • Backcountry permits
  • 20% discount code for evo.com (exclusions apply)
Trip Package Does Not Include
  • Air­fare
  • Transportation to and from the trailhead
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Meals
  • Personal gear (see FAQ for rental options)
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads) 
Additional Notes
Please note that to take part in this course you must have completed Avalanche Course Level 1 and Rescue Course. It is also recommended that you have one year of practicing these skills to increase familiarity and to effectively build on these skills in the Avalanche Course Level 2.

Questions? Call or email us!
Area Information

Wasatch Range


The Wasatch Range is sculpted by glaciers, and receives heavy falls of snow in the winter, creating a very dramatic and impressive landscape. Due to its location, the range has low relative humidity during the winter months, giving the snow a dry, powdery texture which most of the local ski resorts call ‘the greatest snow on earth”. For the course we will be passing through Guardsman Pass trailhead, a high mountain pass in the Wasatch Range and into Big Cottonwood Canyon. Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons have some of the easiest to access backcountry skiing in the country, with world-class terrain just minutes from the parking lot. This area is an environment that truly has it all - valleys filled with trees that lead up to impressive peaks and rock formations, and snowy classrooms that are an incredible place for backcountry education!

 
Trip Planning

Trip Planning

This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. It is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience with their setup prior to taking the course and be comfortable in steep blue/back terrain at the ski resort.

Below is a list of required and recommended equipment for your adventure. This is the bare minimum for your average winter day, and if you tend to get cold in winter conditions, especially while not moving, be prepared and bring more layers. Dressing properly and having the correct equipment will help enable the guides to provide a safer and more fun experience for your group. In the mountains, the weather can be temperamental and can change quickly and drastically.

Required Equipment (Snow Safety Equipment rentals are available)
Snow Study Kit (the following items are optional but will be useful for the course and future trips)
Recommended Clothing
Other Recommended Gear
FAQ
FAQ
  • I need local accommodations. Do you have recommendations?
    We recommend Extend Stay America, it's close to the mountains without the mountain town prices. evo also has a new SLC Hotel opening up in winter 2021, so if interested let us know and we can keep you posted on whether it will be open for your course dates!
  • What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
    SIET has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be covered prior to the trip. All participants must fill out a pre-trip COVID-19 questionnaire/agreement. Classroom lectures will be held via Zoom instead of in person.
  • Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
    Before taking this course, students should have acquired their Level 1 Avalanche Course, Rescue Course and it is strongly recommended to have one season of experience applying this learnt knowledge.
  • What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
    The deposit due at time of booking is $300. This includes a $100 non-refundable registration fee. Your balance will be due 60 days prior to your course start date. If you book your trip within 60 days of the course start date, full payment will be due.
  • How physically fit do I have to be for this course?
    This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it is recommended that you are in good physical condition. You should be able to travel uphill for 2,000-3,500ft each day of the course and still have plenty of energy left to ski/snowboard down hill.
  • Who are the guides?
    SIET guides are highly experienced instructors that have been trained by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), or the American Avalanche Institute (AAI). They are some of the best, most highly trained and experienced instructors in the country!
  • Are rentals available?
    Yes, rental gear can be secured through Skimo or Wasatch Touring. From February on we are excited to be able to offer gear rentals through our evo SLC Campus store (coming soon).
  • What if I need to cancel?
    evo will refer to the SIET cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your trip, please submit your notification in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date you receive written notice from SIET. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule: > More than 60 days from trip departure - $100 registration fee > 60 days or less from trip departure - 100% of trip cost. The course may also be cancelled due to bad weather, sickness, low enrollment, or other logistical challenges. Trip insurance is advised.
  • What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
    All date changes must be received in writing. There will be a fee of $100 for date changes. Any date changes can be difficult and is subject to all additional incurred expenses as assessed by SIET. Changes will be made at the sole discretion of SIET and may not be possible. Date changes are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for 6 months from written change notification.
  • When and how do I meet up with the group?
    You will receive detailed instructions regarding when and how to meet the group from SIET.
  • What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
    There is a maximum of 10 guests for this course. The guest:guide ratio is 5:1, with groups of 10 being split into 2 groups due to COVID.
  • Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
    You must be 18 years or older to attend this course.
  • Is transportation provided?
    Transport is not provided; bear in mind that all wheel drive and/or chains are sometimes required by law in the Wasatch.
Testimonials
“All the lessons - from hard, technical details to the subtle nuances of life at altitude - were always delivered clearly, and with full explanations as to ‘why’.”
Emily McKay
SIET Testimonial
“I not only gained valuable skills on my course, but I also learned where the holes in my knowledge were located and some resources to continue developing long after the course ended.”
Rich Stephanie Jones
SIET Testimonial

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590
Trip

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Select Your Trip

A destination near you

Coming Soon
Sorry, this trip is sold out
Sorry, this trip is no longer available

Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590