Advanced Level

Big Mountain Snow Safety Program

High level | Private | Comprehensive

High Level We prepare professional freeride athletes and independent adventurers for big mountain exploration, in remote mountain ranges around the world. 

Private We operate in high angle technical terrain. This is the highest level course of its kind, therefore participation is application-based, specifically designed for you & your crew. 

Comprehensive This is not just an avalanche course, it’s an in-depth big mountain course covering technical rope skills, modern navigation methods, and cutting edge snow science. All mountain travel is student-led.

Program Specifics

Course Duration

4 Days Total (3 days on snow)

Schedule

Feb - Mar 2022

Cost

Starting at $1750 per person (based on a 4 person crew*)

Location

Teton Range, Wyoming (with Exum Mountain Guides)

* Minimum group size: 3 participants
* Maximum group size: 4 participants

CORE CONTENT (included in program)

Metamorphism of Snow
Understanding the Season History
The Complete Picture of Stability
Complex Rescue
Interpretation of Stability Tests
High Angle Terrain Management
Temperature Effects on Avalanche Release
Decision-Making Framework for Ski Alpinism
Stacking, Coiling, and Pre-rigging for Ski Alpinism
Belay techniques for Slab Management
Stances Anchors and Advanced Transitions
Multi-Stage Rappelling

Student Resume Requirements

  • Minimum 300 days of human-powered backcountry riding experience
  • Completed American Avalanche Association approved Level I & II Avalanche courses within the past 5 years
  • Completed American Avalanche Association approved Rescue Fundamentals course
  • 5 documented ski descents of 45-degree or steeper backcountry terrain
  • 3 documented ski descents involving 6000’+ in a day in the past 5 years
  • Documented snow assessment, and decision-making experience in at least 2 different mountain ranges
  • Students must be in groups that ski/ride together, are familiar with each other, and share similar risk tolerance, fitness, and ski/ride ability.
  • Proficiency with multiple burials – 2 beacons in a 50m x 50m area, probe strike within 7mins.
IN THE MEANTIME

Improve your backcountry performance, strength, and stamina

with Samsara training plans and video programs.

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