For the 2016-2017 season we’ll be offering a variety of class dates that make it easy to find a course to fit your schedule. Below is a brief description of the courses we offer plus links to more information and online registration 
MONARCH Based Classes
This course is a 3-day, 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. You will be presented with the basics of how to recognize avalanche hazards, how to manage them, how to minimize them, and finally how to respond in case of an emergency. During this course you’ll analyze an avalanche forecast, identify avalanche terrain and avalanche types, learn basic rescue techniques, gain an understanding of basic snow pack properties, learn the basics of route selection/terrain features, and more. Five sessions will be offered. Each session is open to a maximum of 12 students.
Classroom Based – Monarch Mountain Lodge
Course Cost: $390
Level 1 Course Dates:
- Feb 24-26, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
Hut Based – Tomichi Lodge
Course Cost: $575
- Level 1 Course Dates:
- Dec 27-29, 2016 (Tue-Thu)
- Jan 27-29, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
Click here for more information on the Tomichi Lodge.
LEVEL I – Crested Butte Based This course is a 3-day, 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. You will be presented with the basics of how to recognize avalanche hazards, how to manage them, how to minimize them, and finally how to respond in case of an emergency. During this course you’ll analyze an avalanche forecast, identify avalanche terrain and avalanche types, learn basic rescue techniques, gain an understanding of basic snow pack properties, learn the basics of route selection/terrain features, and more. Five sessions will be offered. Each session is open to a maximum of 12 students.
Course Cost: $390
Level 1 Course Dates:
- Dec 9-11, 2016 (Fri-Sun)
- Dec 27-29, 2016 (Tue-Thu)
- Jan 6-8, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
- Jan 20-22, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
- Feb 3-5, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
- Feb 17-19, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
- Mar 3-5, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
Click here for more information on our Level 1 courses.
Click here to register for a Level 1 course now. 
LEVEL I Hut – Maroon hut
Our Hut-Based Level 1 Course gives you the opportunity to put your new found knowledge into practice immediately. The curriculum mirrors that of the Level I course, but takes place in a backcountry ski hut, located just outside of Crested Butte. Hut-based courses allow students to completely immerse themselves in the course curriculum due to the unique environment. Breakfast and dinner are provided during the 3-day course. Five sessions are offered. Each session is open to a maximum of 6 students.
Course Cost: $575
Level 1 Hut Based Course Dates:
- Dec 16-18, 2016 (Fri-Sun)
- Jan 13-15, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
- Feb 10-12, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
- Mar 10-12, 2017 (Fri-Sun)
Click here for more information on our Hut-Based Level 1 course.
Click here to register for a Hut-Based Level 1 course now. 
LEVEL II
The Level 2 course dives deeper into the principles and techniques of Level I, but with a strong focus on snow science. This 4-day course is great for anyone looking to become a backcountry guide or for the advanced backcountry enthusiast. We’ll explore the snow metamorphism process and how it relates to backcountry snow stability, weak layer formation in the snow pack, temperature gradient and its effects on snow, standardized observations and recordings for weather, avalanche activity, and snowpack, practice advanced rescue techniques, and more. Three sessions offered. Each session is open to a maximum of 12 students.
Course Cost: $525
Level II Course Dates:
- Dec 15-18, 2016 (Thu-Sun)
- Jan 19-22, 2017 (Thu-Sun)
- Feb 9-12, 2017 (Thu-Sun)
Click here for more information on our Level 2 courses. 
Avalanche refresher Course Cost: $135
Refresher Course Dates:
- Dec 17, 2016 (Sat)
- Jan 28, 2017 (Sat)
- Feb 18, 2017 (Sat)
Click here for more information on our Avalanche Refresher course.
Click here to register for an Avalanche Refresher course now.
