Overview
Deepen your knowledge base and refine your backcountry skills through our American Avalanche Association approved recreational level 1 avalanche course. Our Rec 1 courses utilizes a mix of self guided learning, classroom time and experiential education to create a comprehensive learning environment that adapts to your schedule and learning needs. Our professional guides and avalanche instructors are dedicated to providing you with a unique and powerful course that will fundamentally change the way you view backcountry winter travel and how you make your choices when recreating in it.
Our hybrid TMG Level 1 Courses are designed for people looking to build a foundation for backcountry travel who need a more flexible timeline that can fit into evenings and weekends. This comprehensive course consists of self guided learning, an evening online video chat, and 2 days in the field. The curriculum focuses on understanding the avalanche triangle, hazard evaluation, decision-making and foundations in companion rescue. Throughout the course you will learn the skills and tools needed to evaluate the risk and navigate decisions when traveling through avalanche terrain.
The course begins two days before the first field day at 5:00 PM for the 3 hour online video chat and then meets in Grand Teton National Park on both field days. Students can expect to be done with class by 430 PM on both days. There is a 1 hour zoom class on mapping after the first field day.
Season Winter
Minimum Age 15
Trip Planner
Itinerary
Our JHMG Recreational Level 1 Avalanche courses take advantage of the amazing terrain in the Tetons to help jump start your touring career. We use a hybrid course model to maximize your time in the mountains. The course starts with online learning that you gain access to one week prior to course start. Two days before your course starts, you’ll meet with your instructor for an evening of virtual learning using video chat. The course will officially begin in the field where you’ll spend two full day tours traveling through the mountains practicing techniques for managing avalanche hazard.
Pricing
JHMG Recreational Level 1 Avalanche Course: $635
The Mountain Guides does not provide transportation for its clients. Students will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent .
Schedule
CLICK HERE to see current availability and sign up for a course!
Equipment
UPPER LAYERS
- Top Long Sleeve Synthetic: medium to expedition weight long underwear Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman 1/2 zip
- Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear 32 Degree Jacket
- Shell Jacket with hood. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cloudseeker Jacket
- Puffy Jacket: Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Ghostwhisperer Jacket
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman Tight
- Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Highball Pant
- Socks: Synthetic or wool. Sized for your boots and blister protection. Liners recommended.
HEAD AND HANDS
- Gloves 3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cyclone GTX Glove
- Hat: medium weight ski hat
- Hat: baseball or visor for sun
- Buff/neck gaiter
ACCESSORIES
- Back Pack: 30 to 40 Liter ski pack, Guide Pick: Mammut Pro Short Removable Airbag System Backpack
- Water & Food: Thermos or insulated water bottles are best. Lot’s of snacks.
- Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
- Ski Goggles
- Extra Prescription Glasses/Contact Lens
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Headlamp-Extra batteries
SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY (Packages available for rent at Jackson location ONLY)
- Boots: Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Snowboarding Boots
- Skis or Splitboard with compatible binding for boots
- Climbing Skins (fit to skis)
- Ski Poles
- Helmet (optional)
SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT (REQUIRED and available for rent at JHMG)
- Transceiver Guide Pick:Mammut Barryvox S
- Shovel Guide Pick: Mammut Alugator Twist shove
- Probe Guide Pick: Mammut Fastlock Probe 240
Travel
Grand Teton National Park is located roughly 30 minutes from our Jackson, WY headquarters. Our Jackson office is located in the south part of Jackson at 1325 S. Highway 89, Suite 104 and shares a parking area with Smith’s. Our phone number is (800) 239-7642 or (307) 733-4979. Most trips and classes will meet at this office for gear checks, preparation, and classes. The Jackson Hole airport is the closest, but Idaho Falls (a 2 – 2.5 hour drive) is a cheaper option and Salt Lake City (4 – 5 hour drive) are also air travel options. It is helpful to arrive a couple of days prior to your trip/class in order to acclimatize. Otherwise, you should arrive the day before and stop by our office for an equipment check. Do not plan on traveling the day after a significant climb – you will be tired and there are no guaranteed times when we will return to the trailhead. Plan on having accommodations for the night prior to and the night you return from a significant climb. There are a plethora of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Jackson and the surrounding area. Accommodations near our office make your transitions convenient. It is highly advisable to make reservations as early as possible. Lodging recommendations and many more details can be found in the downloadable document below.
VIEW PDF
Talk To Us
Here you’ll find online tools and information about joining us for a trip of a lifetime! To sign up for a trip, or if you have any questions, please call us. Listed on the left side of these pages are links that you may find useful, including printable forms and policies concerning a trip with TMG. We encourage ALL prospective climbers to read our Preparation advice. Our office can help place you with others who are looking to climb.
