AIARE Hut Based Level 1 Avalanche & Rescue Course – Williams Peak Yurt

Learn the key elements of making sound decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain while staying at Williams Peak Yurt.

Based at the famous Williams Peak Hut in the northern Sawtooth Range, this 4-day AIARE Level 1 Avalanche and Rescue Course is an incredible way to learn the key elements of making sound decisions in avalanche terrain while in the spectacular alpine ambiance of the Sawtooths.

These courses will teach you the key elements of trip planning and preparation, interpretation of the avalanche bulletin, observational techniques for snowpack, how weather impacts avalanches, terrain analysis, travel techniques, and decision-making fundamentals. You’ll also learn the basics of avalanche rescue while practicing realistic scenarios. These courses follow the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) curriculum and are taught by AIARE Qualified Instructors. In addition to the field learning, this course requires 5-7 hours of online learning. After completing this course, students will have the prerequisites to take an AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course.

Is this course right for me? This course is targeted for new backcountry skiers and riders who are familiar with their equipment. Participants must have enough backcountry touring experience to feel comfortable moving around in winter backcountry conditions and be able to ski and ride black diamond runs in-bounds at a resort. If you are unfamiliar with your equipment or uncertain about your skiing and riding ability, please consider taking an Intro to Backcountry Course or contact lindsay@sawtoothguides.com with questions. Without these skills it is difficult to absorb the curriculum of a Level 1 Avalanche Course.

Our nationally recognized instructors and unmatched learning environment (i.e. incredible ski terrain!) will provide the best possible education experience during your AIARE Level 1 Avalanche & Rescue Course. This course is based at Williams Peak Yurt. We also offer AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Courses and AIARE Avalanche Rescue Courses based in Stanley, Ketchum/Sun Valley and Boise. Let us teach you how to minimize your risk while maximizing your skiing or riding!

  • PREPARE for backcountry travel by tracking conditions, investigating trip options and practicing rescue during realistic scenarios.
  • Develop a trip PLAN utilizing the current avalanche advisory.
  • Apply the RIDE SAFELY checklist to monitor conditions and communicate associated hazard and risk with your group.
  • Apply the RIDE SAFELY checklist to recognize avalanche terrain and choose terrain that matches the current conditions and skills of the group.
  • Contribute to a TEAM that travels and decides together, listens to every voice, challenges assumptions and respects any veto.
  • Routinely instigate and participate in a group DEBRIEF to intentionally develop experience.
  • Create a plan for continuing development of skills and experience.
  • Describe what to do if they or a member of their party is caught in an avalanche.
  • Identify and be able to use gear necessary for avalanche rescue.
  • Set up a realistic scenario in order to practice an avalanche rescue response.
  • Improve their response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers.
  • Develop a plan for continued practice.

Prior to the course: 5-7 hours of online learning prior to the course

Day 1:

  • Course Introduction and Outcomes
  • Travel to Williams Peak Yurt
  • Practice Avalanche Rescue

Day 2:

  • Introduction to the AIARE Risk Management Framework
  • PREPARE:
    • Track the Season’s Changes
    • Investigate Trip Options
  • Field Ski Tour

Day 3:

  • PLAN:
    • Assemble Your Group
    • Anticipate the Hazard
    • Plan Your Route
    • Discuss Your Emergency Plan
  • RIDE SAFELY Checklist
  • Field Ski Tour: Observational Techniques, Snowpack Tests, Avalanche Terrain

Day 4:

  • Field Ski Tour: Putting It All Together – Practicing the AIARE Framework
  • Return to vehicles
  • Course Wrap Up and Evaluation
  • Course ends 4:30pm

 Difficulty:

  • Good fitness
  • Advanced downhill ski skills: Ability to regularly ski/ride black diamond runs at a ski resort
  • 5 days of previous backcountry skiing experience or completion of either of SMG’s Sun Valley Intro To Backcountry or Bogus Basin Intro To Backcountry courses.
  • Proficiency using backcountry skiing equipment (skins, bindings, boots, etc…i.e. the course will not be your first time using your gear in the backcountry)

 Duration: 4 days

 Meeting Time: 8am

 Meeting Location: We will meet at our Stanley office.

 What We Provide:

  • Highly trained, professional, and fun AIARE avalanche instructors
  • AIARE Level 1 Course Manual and Field Notebook
  • Avalanche rescue equipment if needed
  • All food and portering of food to the hut
  • 3 nights at the Williams Peak Hut
    • Sleeping bags at the hut – We will provide a compact sleeping bag liner for you to carry in.

 What You Need:

  • Alpine touring, telemark, or split-board equipment. Our curriculum is designed around skiing and riding so we cannot accommodate snowshoes in this course.
  • Backcountry skiing clothing and equipment
  • Be sure to read our Preparing For Your Avalanche Course page
  • Review the full equipment list

 Why take your avalanche course from Sawtooth Mountain Guides?

  • Experience. We began teaching avalanche courses nearly 30 years ago!
  • Instructors. Our instructors are highly-trained and nationally-recognized avalanche professionals with years of guiding, ski patrolling, and avalanche forecasting experience.
  • AIARE Curriculum. AIARE courses are developed by a nation-wide collaboration of avalanche experts and are professionally reviewed.
  • Unmatched Venue. Courses based in Stanley or Ketchum/Sun Valley benefit from contrasting snow climates within a short distance from classroom locations.
  • Fun: Avalanche education doesn’t need to be dry and boring. Our friendly and engaging instructors will keep things interesting, and our world-class terrain is sure to provide some exciting skiing and riding!

 Dates:

  • January 23-26, 2026

Ratio: 5:1

 Stanley: $1500/person