M.A.S.T 1 In-Person Course Instruction

Course Schedule

Day 1

Class Instruction – 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Bring your coffee and get settled—we dive into the course promptly at 8:00 AM.

We’ll kick things off with group introductions and an overview of key topics to set the stage for the day. Morning instruction covers:

• Trip planning and terrain selection
• Recognizing avalanche terrain
• Terrain travel habits and team movement
• Avalanche rescue gear and techniques

By 11:30 AM, we’ll regroup to finalize our plan. We’ll meet at the staging area, discuss the day’s goals, and select the most suitable terrain for practical training.

This collaborative planning session ensures our hands-on fieldwork is relevant, safe, and customized to the group’s experience and objectives.

Field Instruction – 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM

To make the most of our time together, please arrive with your sleds fueled and your gear and food packed. Be ready to roll directly into the mountains for the afternoon session.

We’ll begin by reviewing avalanche rescue equipment and confirming proper maintenance and use. From there, we’ll shift into hands-on training that includes:

• Rescue techniques and team planning
• Simulated rescue scenarios in real terrain

As we ride through the backcountry, we’ll make key stops to identify avalanche terrain features and break down safe travel habits in high-risk zones. These short pauses are designed to help you absorb critical decision-making skills right where they matter most.

This field session is built for action and awareness. You’ll gain practical, real-world experience that sharpens your understanding of avalanche safety—while riding the terrain you live to explore.

Day 2

Class Instruction – 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM

We begin promptly at 8:00 AM, so please arrive on time. Feel free to bring coffee or snacks to keep you sharp and energized through the morning.

The first portion of the day is dedicated to in-depth learning and group discussion before heading into the field.

Morning topics include:

• Identifying and navigating avalanche terrain
• Understanding snowpack structure and instability
• Guidelines for safe travel in avalanche-prone zones
• How to interpret and apply the avalanche bulletin
• A case study review of real avalanche incidents and fatalities

These focused discussions lay the groundwork for safer decision-making in the mountains—and set the stage for what’s to come in the afternoon field session.

Field Instruction – 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Please arrive at the course with your sleds fueled, and ensure your gear and food are ready. We move quickly into the afternoon portion, so being prepared helps maximize our limited time together.

We’ll meet at the designated staging area, where we’ll begin by reviewing the avalanche bulletin. From there, we’ll discuss how to interpret and apply this information to the day’s terrain and objectives.

Once the planning is complete, we’ll head into the mountains. The afternoon is all about applying your classroom knowledge in real conditions. You’ll:

• Practice safe travel as a team in avalanche terrain
• Apply snowpack observations to terrain decisions
• Work together to identify a suitable site for snowpack analysis

By digging in and reading the snow, you’ll gain valuable insights into avalanche formation and improve your ability to make sound decisions in the field.

We blend theory and practice to give you the tools and confidence to assess terrain, understand snowpack, and build real-world avalanche safety skills that stick.

---