Avalanche Level 1 for Rescue Personnel @ Mt. Washington NH 2022

AVALANCHE LEVEL ONE — Module 1, 2 & 3 is a long and demanding course. This course will be conducted in two venues:

Venue 1) Online Learning and Zoom sessions. Module 1 will be conducted as an online learning course with lectures, videos, and online exercises, and 3 live ZOOM conferences the month prior to field dates. Attendance is required and completion exercises online will be graded prior to attending fieldwork and classes that cover Modules 2 and 3.

Venue 2) Modules 2&3 id fieldwork with hands-on skill development.  It will be conducted in the White Mountain National Forest, on Mt. Washington, and surrounding areas. The terrain is extremely challenging with 2.5 miles of uphill travel with an average elevation gain of 1,500-2,500 ft. daily, on backcountry equipment. Weather conditions on Mt. Washington are extremely challenging. Please consider your level of physical fitness before registering for this course.

If you are looking for a Senior elective, please look at Avalanche Level One-Module 1.  It is a one-day course and is typically found at the regional level.

During the online-video classroom, you will be introduced to the Avalanche Triangle, the how’s and mean’s of avalanche formation, important snow and avalanche terminology, decision making, trip planning, as well as companion and organized rescue operations.

The field venue begins with a meeting in Gorham, NH at the Town & Country Inn. On all three days, the entire class will ski tour into the Tuckerman Ravine and Huntington Ravine area of the Cutler River Drainage of the White Mountain National Forest or other surrounding areas to work hands-on developing skills with the new-found knowledge, experiencing avalanche terrain in an educated experience.

Prerequisites for the course include:

1. reading the assignments and preparing for the online test;
2. getting a passing grade on the online open-book test;
3. attending the mandatory Zoom sessions;
4. you must be in physically fit condition and be proficient in the right equipment to travel and spend a full day in the outdoor winter environment.

Expect to ski/ride very challenging terrain, the class must be able to “skin” and ski Black Diamond terrain.  Anyone who shows up wearing cotton will be sent home.  Remember, it can get dangerously cold on Mount Washington.  Students will need to use every skill learned in their MTR ONE course (MTR teaches mountain travel, staying warm and winter survival — to increase your chances for success, it is recommended that students take MTR One prior to attending this course).

Both the AAA (American Avalanche Association) and AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) recognize NSP’s Avalanche Level 1 course for rescue professionals.

Students will be directed to the NSP Store for textbook purchases.  Non-NSP Members will need to make arrangements with the Instructor to obtain all the books.  Required reading:

“Avalanche Essentials,” by Bruce Tremper
“Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals” 2nd Edition, by Linda Ballard and Dale Atkins

Full Avalanche Level 1 course fee (include Modules 1, 2, and 3):

1. $450.00 General Public Admission
2. $250.00 National Ski Patrol Members.

Must attend the online student self-directed lessons for Module 1

Must attend the following two Zoom sessions:

1. Tuesday, February 8, 2022, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM EST
2. Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM EST

Must qualify for and attend Module 2-3 Fieldwork Sessions on Mt. Washington from March 11 through 13, 2022, 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

This course requires additional costs for lodging and accommodations during the classroom portion.  Please register below because there is a limit of 18 students.  Additional information will arrive by email; you are required to pay upfront to ensure your classroom slot.

If you do not need Module 1 because you attended a classroom session in your local Region, please contact the Instructor of Record for additional information or Email the Avalanche Program Supervisor.  Accommodations are available. However, this course is for rescuers, so you will be expected to attend all three days.  It will help prepare you for the anticipated difficulties encountered in the field exercises.  The Eastern Division Avalanche program often schedules one course that teaches  Module 2 & 3.  Return to the Avalanche page to see the course offerings for the season.