Central OR Avy 1 & Rescue Course

Central OR Avy 1 & Rescue Course

Earn your Recreation Level 1 & Avalanche Rescue certificates in Central Oregon.

Bend, Oregon
Group Course
Ability level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Access the backcountry with this fundamental ski touring & avalanche skills course.

Do you want to ski in the backcountry? Do you have an advanced or higher skiing ability? Do you like learning in a group setting?  

Powered by our partners at Ullr Backcountry, The Recreation Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue course will provide you with a sound understanding of basic avalanche assessment and rescue. You will learn about snowpack assessment, weather, terrain and how these factors contribute to stability. This course is the foundation in the A3 (American Avalanche Association) required avalanche education progression.  In addition, participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, become familiar with rescue gear, and will practice realistic scenarios to help improve skills. A Recreation Level 1 certificate and an Avalanche Rescue certificate are provided upon course completion. 

Plans may evolve with weather & guides' judgement, we strive to find the best conditions each day

ITINERARY

Classroom & Field Sessions

7:30-8:00 am – Norwegian Breakfast Buffet & Hot Drink Bar
8:00 am – 10:00 am – Classroom, Avalanche 1 Curriculum.
10:00 am- 5:00 pm – Field sessions

More learning!

7:30- 8:00 am – Norwegian Breakfast Buffet & Hot Drink Bar
8:00-10:00 am – Classroom, Avalanche 1 Curriculum
10:00 am- 5:00 pm – Field sessions

Final Exam

8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Field Session, Rescue Scenarios & Final Exam

What’s Included

  • Course material (decision-making handbook)
  • 3 days of instruction from certified A3 providers

Not Included

  • Air­fare
  • Trans­porta­tion
  • Hotel accom­mo­da­tions
  • Avalanche rescue equipment 
  • Lunch
  • Per­son­al gear
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance

Questions? Contact us!

What’s Included

  • Course material (decision-making handbook)
  • 3 days of instruction from certified A3 providers

Not Included

  • Air­fare
  • Trans­porta­tion
  • Hotel accom­mo­da­tions
  • Avalanche rescue equipment 
  • Lunch
  • Per­son­al gear
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance

Questions? Contact us!

Location Details

Located just 30 minutes from the popular mountain town of Bend, the snow-covered peaks of the Three Sisters Wilderness turn the surrounding terrain into a winter playground. Here, fresh snow blankets the alpine zone for as much as nine months a year. A record-setting snowpack, high-quality snow, easy road access, variety of terrain, and strong avalanche safety support combine to make Central Oregon the best place in North America to build skills from basic backcountry touring to advanced ski mountaineering.

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FAQs

Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?

Yes, this course requires completion of AST 1 (or equivalent), ski touring experience, and advanced ski or riding ability.

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’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Who are the guides?

The crew at Altus Mountain Guides is composed of fully-certified ACMG and IFMGA guides. They have been leading backcountry education courses as well as international skiing, climbing, and mountaineering trips since 2012.

Is my trip guaranteed to run?

No, as each course requires a minimum number of guests in order to run, please wait to make travel arrangements and book flights until you have received confirmation from evoTrip that your departure has been confirmed.

Is this course right for me? What skill/experience level is required?

This course is for those who have their AST 1 Course completed, previous touring experience, advanced skiing/snowboarding ability, and a moderate fitness level (can ski tour uphill 1000 - 1500 meters). It is also recommended that participants have a minimum of 20 days of touring experience and regularly ski tours of 1000m days of uphill travel.

Are rentals available?

Yes, rentals can be secured from evo Backcountry in Whistler Village. /locations/whistler/backcountry/services/ski-snowboard-rentals

What does the online pre-course entail?

Unique to Altus AST courses is our custom made #altusonlinelearning platform with over 13 courses available. Each course is built and instructed by one of our guides and is used to ensure you get the most out of your time in the field. The AST 1 pre-course takes approximately 3 – 4 hours to complete and is a series of videos and presentations followed up with a final exam. The final exam requires a 60% pass to receive the AST 1 certificate. Students will have access to this course for learning to revisit for 2 months from sign up.

What gear should I bring?

Avalanche Safety Gear Avalanche Transceiver Shovel: Collapsible aluminum shovel. Probe: 220cm to 320cm in length Hardware Ski touring skis: bindings, skins, & poles or split board + skins Ski touring/snowboard boots Snow saw (optional) Suitable day pack 30 – 40L Clothing Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants Lightweight, breathable jacket and pants (for uphill skinning/climbing) Insulated jacket (synthetic insulated jacket is strongly recommended) Lightweight gloves for climbing/skinning Warm gloves Warm hats Balaclava or another type of neck warmer Baselayers Miscellaneous Sunglasses Goggles Sunscreen Sun hat Ski strap Small personal ski repair kit Personal first aid, medication Camera Lunch/Water Please arrive in the morning with food and drink for the day.

Should I tip my guides?

Yes, guide gratuity is not included in your course and is recommended if you enjoyed your experience.

Do you require or recommend insurance for this trip?

All participants must have personal internationally accepted medical insurance for all activities pertaining to your trip, including emergency rescue and evacuation. With your insurance, please ensure you will be covered for “roped travel” if booking a technical trip. Canada – Rescue insurance is not required The USA – Required Altus provides flexible trip cancellation insurance. This insurance costs 12% of the pre-tax course amount and allows the customer to cancel or reschedule 1 time at no penalty. Customers must inform Altus of change or cancelation requests 24 hours prior to course/trip start. Rescheduling must be completed within 12 months of original courses days and subject availability.

What if I need to change or cancel my course?

evo will refer to the Altus Mountain Guides' cancellation policy. Cancellations must be submitted in writing by email to [email protected] and will only be recognized once received by Altus Mountain Guides. Cancellation requests sent directly to guides instead of the office will not be recognized as guides are often in the field and unable to relay messages. Cancellations Greater than 30 days from the start date The deposit will be refunded in full Less than 30 days The full trip amount will be forfeited When a trip is booked, Altus Mountain Guides immediately begins incurring expenses, including deposits for guides, huts, and transportation. Third-party expenses will be subject to their own cancellation policies. Under the extenuating circumstance, if Altus Mountain Guides is forced to cancel a trip for reasons beyond its control, credit or refund will be issued – to be determined by AMG on a case-by-case basis. In any case, Altus’s non-refundable expenses on behalf of a client will not be refunded due to cancellation. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance for your trip or course, which also permits 1 change or cancellation at no penalty. Please see above travel insurance FAQ for more details.

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