Don't Take An Avalanche Course Yet...

Why You Shouldn’t Take an Avalanche Course Yet (And What To Do Instead)

Most backcountry skiers and splitboarders jump straight into an Avalanche Level 1 course—but that’s not always the smartest first step. In this video, I break down why you might not be ready for an avalanche course yet, what skills you should build before signing up, and how to get more out of your avalanche education when you finally take it.

This video is for new ski tourers, splitboarders, and anyone entering the backcountry for the first time who wants to make better decisions, avoid information overload, and progress efficiently.

In this video, you’ll learn:
• Why many beginners struggle in Avy 1 — information overload, technical terminology, snow science confusion, and lack of foundational touring skills
• The real prerequisites for avalanche courses — gear familiarity, basic ski touring technique, terrain awareness, and understanding the avalanche forecast
• How to prepare on your own first — building touring fitness, learning your gear, practicing transitions, and starting with mentorship or low-risk terrain
• When you are ready for an avalanche course — signs you’re prepared to absorb the curriculum and apply it in real terrain
• How to get more value out of your training — online prep courses, preseason study, and field practice

This episode is packed with insights for people interested in backcountry skiing, splitboarding, ski mountaineering, and avalanche safety. If you're new to touring, curious about avalanche education, or trying to figure out when to take your first avalanche class, this video will save you time, money, and frustration.

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Online avalanche education, Level 1 refreshers, hybrid courses, and beginner backcountry training:
https://www.mountaintrainingcenter.com

0:00 Intro
0:41 My background
1:14 US avy education
1:52 What's in a Level 1 Avalanche Course?
2:15 Gear gear gear
2:53 Build fitness
3:27 Get out!
3:46 Transition
4:22 Get a educational head start
4:55 When are you ready?