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

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

Course Schedule

Day 1

Whiskey & Words – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Our evening session begins with introductions, followed by an overview of the key topics that form the backbone of your avalanche safety training.

We’ll kick things off with trip planning fundamentals, emphasizing the importance of detailed preparation before heading into the backcountry. From there, we’ll explore the complexities of avalanche terrain—breaking down critical indicators and risk factors you’ll need to recognize in the field.

Next, we’ll dive into:

Terrain travel habits and how to move safely through avalanche-prone zones
Avalanche rescue equipment—what you need, maintaing it, why it matters, and how to use it correctly
Step-by-step guidance on deploying gear in emergency scenarios

If time permits, we’ll also review a real-world case study to examine the dynamics of actual avalanche incidents. These stories offer invaluable insights into how and why things go wrong—and what we can learn from them.

Day 2

Class Instruction – 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

Please arrive on time, coffee in hand, and get comfortable—we’ll begin the course promptly at 8:00 AM.

We’ll start by diving into a critical component of avalanche safety: the avalanche bulletin system. This tool is essential for assessing risk and making informed decisions before entering avalanche terrain.

You’ll learn how to:

Interpret the avalanche bulletin accurately
Apply its insights to real-world terrain choices
Use additional forecasting tools to expand your risk assessment capabilities

We’ll also introduce a range of supporting resources to help you build a well-rounded understanding of snowpack conditions and hazard factors.

By grounding the day in this foundational knowledge, you’ll develop the awareness and confidence needed to make smarter, safer decisions in avalanche terrain.

Field Instruction – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

To make the most of our limited time, please arrive fully prepared. Your sled should be fueled, your gear packed, and your food ready for a full day in the mountains. Once we head out, we won’t be returning to the staging area until the day wraps.

We’ll begin the day with a focused session on avalanche rescue equipment. You’ll receive hands-on instruction on how to properly use your gear, followed by mock rescue drills to put your skills into action.

Expect to:

Practice using your transceiver, probe, and shovel
Run through realistic rescue scenarios
Learn how to respond under pressure

As we move through the terrain, we’ll pause at key locations to identify avalanche features and discuss safe travel techniques. Our instructors will walk you through the habits and decisions that support risk-aware backcountry riding.

This immersive field session combines practical rescue training, real-world terrain assessment, and pro-level insights—giving you the confidence and know-how to make smart choices in avalanche-prone environments.

Beer & Brains – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Please join us promptly at 6:30 PM for an engaging evening of avalanche education. Bring refreshments or a few treats—settle in and get comfortable. We’ve got several hours of valuable learning ahead before we close out the day.

This evening session will focus on building your awareness and understanding of avalanche terrain. You’ll learn to:

Identify terrain prone to avalanches
Assess slope features, triggers, and warning signs
Understand snowpack structure and how it influences stability

We’ll also cover safe travel practices, giving you the tools to navigate avalanche-prone zones with greater confidence and responsibility. You’ll learn how to:

Make informed terrain decisions
Travel as a team using best practices
Interpret and apply the avalanche bulletin system in real-time

To wrap up, we’ll analyze a case study of a past avalanche incident. This exercise offers powerful insights into the consequences of misjudging risk—and reinforces the importance of applying everything you’ve learned.

With comprehensive instruction and meaningful discussion, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, awareness, and decision-making skills needed to travel safely in avalanche terrain.

Day 3

Class Instruction – 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM

During the morning meeting, we’ll focus on how to effectively use the avalanche bulletin as a trip-planning tool in avalanche terrain. This resource provides essential, real-time data about snow conditions, avalanche hazards, and terrain-specific risks.

You’ve built knowledge and skills throughout the course—now it’s time to apply them. We’ll guide you through interpreting the bulletin and identifying:

Key hazard indicators
Forecasted danger levels
Terrain to avoid or approach with caution

This session is designed to boost your confidence in planning routes and making decisions based on live conditions. You’ll learn how to weigh bulletin insights against what you observe in the field—bridging theory and practice.

By the end of this segment, you’ll know how to:

Use the avalanche bulletin effectively
Make informed, safety-focused travel decisions
Minimize risk while navigating avalanche-prone terrain with your group

This skill set is foundational for every rider serious about backcountry safety.

Field Instruction – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

We kindly ask that you arrive with your sleds fueled, gear prepped, and food packed. Being fully ready ensures a smooth transition to the field and allows us to maximize our time where it matters most—in the mountains.

We’ll meet at the designated staging area to regroup before heading out. From there, we’ll put the skills and knowledge built in the classroom into practice, navigating avalanche terrain with a strong emphasis on safety, communication, and smart group travel.

As a team, we will:

Apply terrain management techniques in real-time
Practice safe travel habits under instructor guidance
Identify key features of avalanche-prone zones and terrain

A major focus of the day will be hands-on learning in the snowpack. We’ll select an appropriate site to conduct a detailed snow profile dig. This will give you a firsthand look at how avalanches form and what signs to watch for in the field.

Next, you’ll step into a realistic avalanche rescue scenario. This is your chance to reinforce your training under pressure—working through group dynamics, gear deployment, and rapid response techniques.

By the end of the day, you’ll have:

Gained practical experience applying course concepts
Strengthened your rescue and terrain assessment skills
Built the confidence to make informed, risk-aware decisions in avalanche terrain

This is where the learning gets real—out in the mountains, with your crew, applying it all where it counts.