Get into the thick of it with an Avalanche 1 Hut Course. This course covers all the information in a standard AIARE Level 1 Course, but you'll put knowledge into practice immediately as you do the course from the base of a ski-in hut in either the Maroon Hut located in Gothic, CO (outside of Crested Butte), or the Lost Wonder Hut accessed off of Monarch Pass. Class sizes are smaller and more intimate in a hut course and you can apply what you learn each day to a real backcountry scenario the following day. The Maroon Hut in Gothic Colorado is a mellow 4 mile ski in from the trailhead. The Maroon Hut has raised the bar for backcountry living with a ground source heat pump for heating and hot water, electricity, a full blown kitchen with running water, and four bedrooms with beds and cots. In February we'll be holding a Avy 1 Course at the Lost Wonder Hut located 3 miles in from the eastern side of Monarch Pass. For both of these huts, participants will need either alpine touring, telemark, or split board equipment with skins; nordic skis (waxable or fish scales) or snowshoes are NOT an option for hut trips. If you have any questions about what equipment is appropriate, either shoot us an e mail, or give us a call at the office. Participants will also need to bring an extra set of clothes to wear at the hut, a lightweight sleeping bag, and food for lunch for both days. Breakfast and dinner will be provided by CBMG for your meals at the hut. Be prepared for a wide range of weather as once you're out at the hut, running home is not an option and weather in the rockies can change dramatically with little notice. Better to be prepared and not need it than to wish you had it! We will send you a detailed equipment list once you have registered for the course. Staying at a ski hut is a real experience in and of itself--combine this experience with getting a hands on Level 1 course for an awesome introduction into backcountry skiing and traveling!
Click here for our full schedule of Avalanche Courses.