Confidence Starts with Avalanche Training
For adventurers in and around Bozeman, Billings, Red Lodge and Cody, WY, Beartooth Mountain Guides are the expert-led avalanche education instructors. Learn how to travel safely in avalanche terrain, make confident decisions, and protect your partners in the backcountry.
You Love Skiing Montana's Backcountry, But You Know the Dangers
Prepare for the 'What-ifs" with our 3-day avalanche education courses in Cooke City, MT and Red Lodge, MT, designed to give current and aspiring skiers, splitboarders, and mountaineers the tools they need to access the backcountry safely. They are formatted with the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association.
The uncertainty and the pressure to make the right call can leave even experienced skiers second-guessing themselves. Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making with field time on all 3 days. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
Meet Your Instructors
For over 20 years, Beartooth Mountain Guides has helped climbers and skiers safely navigate the wildest terrain in the Northern Rockies. Our avalanche courses are taught by professional avalanche instructors who have completed a Professional Avalanche Level 1 course and meet American Avalanche Association (AAA) standards.
All programs have oversight from Akio Joy, IFMGA/American Mountain Guide, ensuring the highest level of professionalism and expertise.
“I thought I knew the basics, but this course completely changed how I move in the mountains. The instructors made everything real — not just theory.”
-- Jamie A, Bozeman
“The best investment I’ve made for my safety and confidence. Aki and Anju's team bring in such a depth of experience. I feel ready to take responsibility in decision-making with my friends.”
-- Elise M., Red Lodge
How It Works
1. Choose Your Course
Start with Avalanche Level 1 or advance with Level 2 — both designed for real backcountry conditions.
2. Train with the Experts
Hands-on learning in the field: terrain management, snowpack analysis, rescue skills, and risk management.
3. Ski With Confidence
Make better decisions, support your partners, and enjoy your time in the mountains with peace of mind.
When You Understand the Mountain, the Adventure Opens Up.
Travel with confidence, protect your crew, and ski with calm, capable decision-making. True freedom in the backcountry starts with the right training.
Choose Your Course
Not Ready Yet?
Receive our free Backcountry Safety Checklist — learn the four key checks every skier should make before heading into avalanche terrain.
Avalanche Level 1 Courses
Dates and Locations for Recreational Avalanche Level 1 Training in Cooke City and Red Lodge, Montana
Small Instructor-to-Student Ratio (1:6 Maximum)
Get more personalized coaching and feedback with intentionally small groups, ensuring every participant receives hands-on support.
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In-Person Classroom Sessions
Over three days, you’ll move from core avalanche concepts in the classroom to hands-on application in real mountain terrain. Each session builds on the last, giving you a clear path from understanding to confident decision-making.
Three Field Days
Spend three days applying your skills in real terrain. Learn how to identify avalanche hazards, assess conditions, select safe travel routes, and practice snowpack observations. On the second day of the course, we will be spending a full day in the field, practicing snowpack evaluation.
3-day Recreational Avalanche Level 1 Course (December 12-14, 2025)
Starts Dec 12
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3-day Recreational Avalanche Level 1 Course (December 20-22, 2025)
Starts Dec 19
590 US dollarsLoading availability...
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3-day Recreational Avalanche Level 1 Course (January 9-11, 2026)
Starts Jan 9, 2026
590 US dollarsLoading availability...
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3-day Recreational Avalanche Level 1 Course (January 23-25, 2026)
Starts Jan 23, 2026
590 US dollarsLoading availability...
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3-day Recreational Avalanche Level 1 Course (February 14-16, 2026)
Starts Feb 14, 2026
590 US dollarsLoading availability...
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