Alaska Avalanche Education & Mountain Skills Courses
Level 1 Avalanche Safety, Rescue, & Snow-Season Backcountry Travel
American Avalanche Association recognized Rec Level 1 & Avalanche Rescue education. This exceptional course significantly exceeds U.S. national guidelines and fulfills both prerequisites for Rec Level 2 and Pro 1.
Curriculum consists of recommended pre-course study (reading, online coursework, educational materials) and four field days with direct instruction from a Master’s-level outdoor educator and one of Alaska’s most experienced and knowledgeable backcountry avalanche professionals.
This course is offered in the Central Chugach (Valdez, Thompson Pass, Tiekel Valley), Western Chugach (Anchorage area – Chugach State Park), and Talkeetna Mountains (Hatcher Pass). Specialty, private, and custom versions are available in many other areas of Alaska. More information and scheduled dates available here.
Level 2 Avalanche Safety & Snow-Season Backcountry Travel
American Avalanche Association recognized Rec Level 2 education. This exceptional course significantly exceeds U.S. national guidelines.
Curriculum consists of recommended pre-course study (reading, online coursework, educational materials) and four field days with direct instruction from a Master’s-level outdoor educator and one of Alaska’s most experienced and knowledgeable backcountry avalanche professionals.
This course is offered in the Central Chugach (Valdez, Thompson Pass, Tiekel Valley), Western Chugach (Anchorage area – Chugach State Park), and Talkeetna Mountains (Hatcher Pass). Specialty, private, and custom versions are available in many other areas of Alaska. More information and scheduled dates available here.
This is a five-day springtime course for advanced backcountry skiers and snowboarders that want to develop and refine skills for ski mountaineering, especially in areas where avalanche forecasts and observations are limited or unavailable.
Curriculum is focused on planning, conditions assessment (avalanche safety, snowpack stability, surface conditions, objective hazards), big mountain terrain management, group dynamics, and technical skill development (glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and mountaineering).
This course delivers as much mentored big mountain ascending and descending as possible, in addition to skill development for ski mountaineering glaciated and technical terrain. More information and scheduled dates available here.
This is a five-day springtime course for advanced backcountry skiers and snowboarders that want to develop the knowledge, skill, and ability to plan and execute remote, multi-day ski and splitboard mountaineering trips in wild mountains where avalanche forecasts and observations are unavailable.
Curriculum is focused on planning, conditions assessment (avalanche safety, snowpack stability, surface conditions, objective hazards), big mountain terrain management, group dynamics, and technical skill development (glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and mountaineering).
This course delivers as much mentored big mountain ascending and descending as possible, in addition to skill development for expedition ski mountaineering in glaciated and technical terrain. More information and scheduled dates available here.
This is a three-day course offered in the the Valdez area Central Chugach: an ice climbing mecca within a few minutes drive of the world-class Keystone Canyon. It teaches the fundamentals of ice climbing in Alaska.
Curriculum consists of recommended pre-course study (reading, online coursework, educational materials) and three field days with direct instruction from a Master’s-level outdoor educator and one of Alaska’s most experienced and knowledgeable ice climbers. It covers hazard evaluation (objective and subjective), avalanche safety, risk assessment and management, gear selection, safety equipment, technical skill development, basic knots, rope handling, and top rope ice climbing.
The primary learning objective is for students to develop top rope ice climbing competency: anchor setup, belaying, and climbing. From this foundation students can gradually work toward lead climbing on ice independently or with further professional instruction.
Specialty, private, and custom versions are available in many other areas of Alaska. More information and scheduled dates available here.
Rates for private guiding and instruction start at $500 per day.
Guided days in the mountains are a great way to build knowledge, skills, and abilities. With the mentorship of a professional, you can more safely achieve objectives (whether it’s reaching a summit, riding a classic Chugach line, developing technical skills, or better understanding snow, weather, and avalanche dynamics).
Call/text 907-831-9686 or email Info@ChugachSnow.org for inquiries and registration.
