Bozeman Area Level 1 Avalanche Courses

Get a Level 1 avalanche course and a fully guided, catered yurt trip with Big Sky Backcountry Guides! Bell Lake Yurt's immersive, high-country environment takes avalanche education where it belongs: into the backcountry. Spend three days and two nights learning, traveling, and skiing/riding in the mountains--not a classroom. Guiding and instruction, yurt accommodations, and delicious meals are all included.

Level 1 Avalanche Course

3 Days/ 2 Nights

$820/person all inclusive

(No hidden fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout)

NEW for 2025!!—Avalanche Level 1+Plus adds a fourth day of skiing, tour planning, snow study, and backcountry fun! Guiding and instruction, yurt accommodations, and delicious meals are all still included. We have limited Level 1+Plus sessions available—register today!

Level 1 Avalanche+PLUS

4 days/3 nights

$1,100 All Inclusive

(No hidden fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout)

  • Pricing includes professional instruction, three/four full days and two/three nights at beautiful Bell Lake Yurt, delicious meals, a certificate of completion, and plenty of turns! Compare at $600+ for online/town-based courses, and BSBG provides amazing value and an unparalleled real backcountry experience.

  • With a maximum class size of eight (vs. up to 24 in other courses), experienced instructors, and a maximum instructor ratio of 4:1 (vs. 6:1 in other courses) students receive personalized attention and the best quality experience possible.

  • Guests will need touring bindings and skins or a splitboard (no snowshoes, please), and an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. Avalanche gear rentals are available through Big Sky Backcountry Guides. Please call for details.

  • The approach to our yurt is 2.6 miles and 1,600 feet, which usually takes around three hours of skinning. You will need to carry personal gear and a sleeping bag—BSBG carries group food and supplies. Please be physically prepared.

Private Avalanche Education at Bell Lake Yurt

Learning in a private course with your friends, family, and regular ski partners is an excellent way to form a solid baseline of context and communication for rewarding and safe backcountry exploration. Private avalanche courses include everything public courses do, with your private group of eight people at $820/person for a standard Level 1, or $1,100/person for Level 1+Plus. Eight people (or equivilant cost) is required. Private courses based in Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park are also available for smaller groups. Email us for more info, to reserve your private course, or inquire about alternative dates at info@bigskybackcountry.com.

2024/25 Avalanche Course Schedule:

(Click Dates Below to Register)

2024/25 Season Avalanche Course Registration Begins May 1st, 2024!

1.) December 13-15, 2024 (3 Spots Left!)

2.) December 16-18, 2024 (4 Spots Left!)

3.) December 20-22, 2024 (3 Spots Left!)

4.) December 27-29, 2024 (5 Spots Left!)

5.) December 30-Jan. 1, 2024 (8 Spots Left!—New Years at BLY!)

6.) January 3-5, 2025 (1 Spot Left!)

7.) January 6-8, 2025 (1 Spot Left!)

8.) January 10-12, 2025 (1 Spot Left!)

9.) January 13-15, 2025 (Reserved for Private Groups—Email Today!)

10.) January 17-19, 2025 (3 Spots Left!)

11.) January 20-23, 2025 (5 Spots Left!) Level 1+Plus!

12.) January 24-26, 2025 (5 Spots Left!)

13.) January 27-29, 2025 (8 Spots Left!) Level 1+Plus!

14.) January 31-Feb. 2, 2025 (Reserved for Private Groups—Email Today!)

If you don’t see a course opening that might work for you, please email info@bigskybackcountry.com to be placed on our waitlist!

Level 1 Avalanche Course Learning Outcomes:

  • Learn to understand & apply local avalanche forecasts.

  • Describe where and why avalanches occur—key components for avy formation.

  • Study Human Factors. Identify & apply simple decision-making tools to prepare for traveling in avalanche terrain.

  • Apply risk management tools: safety equipment, trailhead checks, and communication.

  • Learn procedures for Basic Companion Rescue.

  • Make key observations for snowpack and weather

  • Practice snowpack tests appropriate for the current avalanche problems.

  • Identify avalanche terrain in the field.

  • Choose terrain appropriate for the current avalanche forecast & conditions. Link skier objectives to terrain and avoiding the day’s avalanche problems.

Here's what people are saying:

“Being in the real backcountry rather than lift-served terrain made it far more real, and I learned a LOT. Highly recommend.”
“The Bell Lake Yurt courses are an incredible value. WAY better than the town-based course I took before. A great experience!”
“The small group size and super personable instructors really made me comfortable asking questions.”
“Very well-organized and professional—and the setting can’t be beat!”

Important Payment and Booking Info

  • The advertised price is what you pay—no fees, tax, or upcharges at checkout.

  • Courses and camps require full payment at time of booking.

  • Courses are non refundable, unless your position in the class can be filled. An $80 administrative fee will be assessed to all refunds.

  • Payments may be made via credit card. Rates do not include guide gratuity.

  • Complete payment and cancellation info HERE.

  • Booking any BSBG experience is an explicit acknowledgement and acceptance of all BSBG policies and procedures.