Level 1 Avalanche

Bozeman Area Level 1 Avalanche Courses

Get a Level 1 avalanche course and a fully guided, catered yurt trip with Big Sky Backcountry Guides! Bell Lake Yurt's immersive, high-country environment takes avalanche education where it belongs: into the backcountry. Spend three days and two nights learning, exploring, and skiing/riding in the mountains--not a classroom. All BSBG Courses are accredited by the American Avalanche Association.

Courses include: Guiding and instruction, yurt accommodations, and all meals—we take care of everything, so you can focus on learning and enjoying your experience!

BSBG is the absolute best at what we do—read the reviews!

Click Dates Below to Register!

Bell Lake Yurt Level 1 Avalanche Course Formats:

  • 3 Days/ 2 Nights

    $775/person (Mon-Wed)

    $820/person (Fri-Sun)

    (No hidden fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout!)

    • Pricing includes professional instruction, three full days and two nights at beautiful Bell Lake Yurt, delicious meals, a certificate of completion, and plenty of turns!

    • Compare at $700+ for competitor’s online/town-based courses, and BSBG provides amazing value and an unparalleled real backcountry experience. You can’t learn about avalanche terrain if you don’t see and experience avalanche terrain!

    • With a maximum class size of eight (vs. up to 24 in other courses), experienced instructors, and a maximum instructor ratio of 4:1 (vs. 6:1 in most other courses) students receive personalized attention and the best quality experience possible.

    • The approach to our yurt is 2.6 miles and 1,600 feet, which usually takes around three hours of skinning. You will need to carry personal gear and a sleeping bag. Please be physically prepared.

  • Avalanche Level 1+Plus

    4 days/3 nights

    $1,050 (Thurs-Sun)

    (No hidden fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout!)

    The 4-day Level 1 course addresses the number one thing we’ve always wanted in traditional Level 1 courses: more time!

    That’s more time to put students in the driver’s seat, assessing conditions, creating tour plans, leading, route finding, making decisions as a group, and of course, skiing powder!

    It provides students 33% greater opportunity to practice side-by-side with professionals, ask questions, and enjoy the incredible terrain of Bell Lake Yurt, as compared to a standard Level 1 format.

    BSBG’s Level 1+PLUS is simply the highest-quality L1 learning experience you’ll find anywhere.

    Guiding and instruction, yurt accommodations, and delicious meals are all still included.

    We have limited Level 1+Plus sessions available—register today!

    • Pricing includes professional instruction, four full days and three nights at beautiful Bell Lake Yurt, delicious meals, a certificate of completion, and plenty of turns!

    • Compare at $700+ for our competitor’s 3-day online/town-based courses, and BSBG provides amazing value and an unparalleled real backcountry experience. You can’t learn about avalanche terrain unless you see and experience avalanche terrain!

    • With a maximum class size of eight (vs. up to 24 in other courses), experienced instructors, and a maximum instructor ratio of 4:1 (vs. 6:1 in most other courses) students receive personalized attention and the best quality experience possible.

    • The approach to our yurt is 2.6 miles and 1,600 feet, which usually takes around three hours of skinning. You will need to carry personal gear and a sleeping bag. Please be physically prepared.

  • Learning about avalanche safety in a private course with your friends, family, and regular ski partners is an excellent way to form a solid baseline of context and communication for rewarding and safe backcountry exploration—plus taking an all-inclusive yurt trip with your friends and family is a blast!

    Private yurt-based avalanche courses include everything public courses do, with your private group of 7-8 people (see above).

    Private courses based in Big Sky are also available for smaller groups, but do not take place at Bell Lake Yurt. Instead, we’ll utilize various areas around Big Sky for fieldwork.

    Email us for more info, to reserve your private course, or inquire about alternative dates at info@bigskybackcountry.com.

    • Learn to understand & apply local avalanche forecasts.

    • Describe where and why avalanches occur—key components for avy formation.

    • Study Human Factors. Identify & apply simple decision-making tools to prepare for traveling in avalanche terrain.

    • Apply risk management tools: safety equipment, trailhead checks, and communication.

    • Learn procedures for Basic Companion Rescue.

    • Make key observations for snowpack and weather

    • Practice snowpack tests appropriate for the current avalanche problems.

    • Identify avalanche terrain in the field.

    • Choose terrain appropriate for the current avalanche forecast & conditions. Link skier objectives to terrain and avoiding the day’s avalanche problems.scription

Important Payment and Booking Info

  • The advertised price is what you pay—no fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout.

  • Courses and camps require full payment at time of booking.

  • Courses are non refundable, unless your position in the class can be filled. An $80 administrative fee will be assessed to all refunds.

  • Payments may be made via credit card. Rates do not include guide gratuity.

  • Complete payment and cancellation info HERE.

  • Booking any BSBG experience is an explicit acknowledgement and acceptance of all BSBG policies and procedures.