Avalanche Course FAQs

  1. What is your instructor ratio? 5 : 1, and we have a maximum class size of 10 students with 2 instructors. Many other course providers have 12, 13, 14…20 students. The smaller the class size, the better the experience.

  2. Hut Based course vs. the Standard Course format? We feel that during a hut based course, you learn more, you ski more and you have more fun. We now exclusively offer hut based courses. By waking up in the backcountry we have more time, the information has time to sink in. By eliminating the logistics of traveling back and forth from the classroom to the ski slopes, we are able to offer more time touring and less time in-front of Powerpoint.

  3. What is Tam McArthur Rim like? Tam Rim is a fantastic avalanche classroom. The terrain varies from simple to complex. Its a great place to learn travel techniques. There are multiple ways to travel through the terrain, some safer than others which provides a tremendous learning opportunity. Unlike many of the Cascade Volcanoes that are above treeline and ripped with wind. The protected North facing drainage of Tam Rim provides for a very interesting snowpack. Each season we encounter all types of avalanche problems (storm slabs, wind slabs, persistent slabs, wet slabs, loose wet, loose dry, deep slabs and cornices)You need to be in real avalanche terrain to truly learn about avalanches!

  4. Can I take a Level 2 course if my Level 1 was not an AIARE course? Non-AIARE Level 1 courses vary widely in quality and content, and this is why we hope that you took an AIARE L1. If not, we will supply you some reading material prior to the course so you can get up to speed with the lingo. If you are still not sure if you are ready for the L2, just let us know you personal experience and we’ll give you our recommendation.

  5. Is there a test to pass the course? No tests.

  6. Do you provide private courses? Yes we do, but you need to schedule early.

  7. Do you rent gear? We rent beacons, shovels and probes. We have a variety of brands so, if you are still deciding what to buy, you can rent from us and see what you like. Other backcountry equipment: skis, skins, boots etc can be rented at Crows Feet Commons and Pine Mountain Sports in Bend.

  8. Why take a course with us? We have the best instructor/student ratio, smallest class size, real avalanche terrain to work with, experienced instructors, we focus on field time and the location is beautiful.

  9. What time do avalanche courses meet? 9:00 AM on the first day

  10. What time do avalanche courses finish? Usually 4:00pm on the final day.

  11. Can I snowshoe on the courses? No, sorry. Our courses are very ski tour based and we cover avalanche education from the perspective of a backcountry skier ascending and descending slopes.