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.

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!

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We offer two Level 1 Avalanche Course formats:

Standard Level 1 Course—3 days/2 nights, with the best instruction and most hands-on learning opportunities (and best powder turns!) in Montana.

$775/person for weekday courses (Mon-Wed.)

$825/person for weekend courses (Friday-Sun.)

Level 1+PLUS Course—a 4-day/3 night course that builds on the standard Level 1, giving students an extra day and night of instruction, practice, powder turns, and backcountry fun. Maximize your experience and value!

$1050/person (Thursday-Sunday)

Register By Clicking the Dates Below!

Standard Level 1 Avalanche Course

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/four full days and two/three nights at beautiful Bell Lake Yurt, delicious meals, a certificate of completion, and plenty of turns! Compare at $600+ for online/town-based courses, and BSBG provides amazing value and an unparalleled real backcountry experience. Don’t take our word for it, read the reviews HERE!

  • 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 other courses) students receive personalized attention and the best quality experience possible.

  • Guests will need touring bindings and skins or a splitboard (no snowshoes, please), and an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. Avalanche gear rentals are available through Big Sky Backcountry Guides. Please call for details.

  • 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—BSBG carries group food and supplies. Please be physically prepared.

  • Pack List and Planning Resource HERE

  • Meet Your Instructors HERE

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 wish we had in every course: more time! It gives us more time to put you in the driver’s seat, assessing conditions, creating tour plans, leading, route finding, making decisions as a group, and of course, skiing powder! It gives you a greater opportunity to practice side-by-side with professionals, ask questions, and enjoy a spectacular place.

This 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!

Private Avalanche Education at Bell Lake Yurt

Learning 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. Private avalanche courses include everything public courses do, with your private group of eight people (or equivilant cost). Private courses based in Big Sky are also available for smaller groups. Email us for more info, to reserve your private course, or inquire about alternative dates at info@bigskybackcountry.com.

2025-26 Avalanche Course Schedule:

(Click Dates Below to Register)

2025/26 Season Avalanche Course Registration Begins June 1st, 2025!

1.) December 12-14, 2025 (8 Spots Left!)

2.) December 15-17, 2025 (6 Spots Left!)

3.) December 19-21, 2025 (8 Spots Left!)

4.) December 26-28, 2025 (8 Spots Left!)

5.) December 29-31, 2025 (8 Spots Left!)

6.) January 2-4, 2026 (8 Spots Left!)

7.) January 5-7, 2026 (8 Spots Left!)

8.) January 9-11, 2026 (8 Spots Left!)

9.) January 12-14, 2026 (Pending)

*10.) January 15-18, 2026 Level 1+Plus! (8 Spots Left!)

11.) January 19-21, 2026 (Pending)

12.) January 23-25, 2026 (8 Spots Left!)

13.) January 26-28, 2026 (Pending)

*14.) January 29-Feb. 1, 2026 Level 1+Plus! (8 Spots Left!)

If you don’t see a course opening that might work for you, please email info@bigskybackcountry.com to be placed on our waitlist!

Level 1 Avalanche Course Learning Outcomes:

  • 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.

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.