Avalanche Refresher Course
This course is designed as a review for those with prior avalanche education. We highly recommend that participants have Level 1 training or higher before attending. Focusing on refreshing and enhancing your knowledge. The goal of this avalanche refresher is to update the skills you’ve learned in previous courses.
You'll get the opportunity to refine crucial skills for backcountry travel with your touring partners. This is a fantastic chance to sharpen your avalanche skills and gear up for the upcoming season. We’ll explore hazard assessment and dive into discussions about snowpack, terrain, and group management techniques.
This is a women specific course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
You'll get the opportunity to refine crucial skills for backcountry travel with your touring partners. This is a fantastic chance to sharpen your avalanche skills and gear up for the upcoming season. We’ll explore hazard assessment and dive into discussions about snowpack, terrain, and group management techniques.
This is a women specific course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
Location
Summit County, CO
Date & Time
Saturday, January 3rd
8:30am-4pm
8:30am-4pm
$275
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
This course is designed for participants with prior avalanche education who are looking to refresh and practice their skills. Let us know your specific goals for the day, and we’ll curate the course to meet them. Potential focus areas include:
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be confident on blues and blacks ungroomed terrain on the resort. You must be able to efficiently travel on snow on your backcountry equipment. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
- Group Management – Leading and communicating with a backcountry group
- Snowpack Discussions – Reviewing layers, stability, and decision-making
- Hazard Evaluation – Identifying potential avalanche risks
- Terrain Identification – Recognizing safe vs. hazardous zones
- Terrain Choices – Making confident, informed route decisions
- Rescue Scenario Review – Hands-on practice with beacon, probe, and shovel techniques
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be confident on blues and blacks ungroomed terrain on the resort. You must be able to efficiently travel on snow on your backcountry equipment. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
SCHEDULE
Subject to change due to weather and avalanche forecast.
· 1 day in the field - arrive early morning in town for a morning discussion on weather and mapping before meeting at the trailhead and spend the day outside
· Duration ~7 hours, plan to have lunch in the field.
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay either in Silverthorne, Breckenridge or Frisco that way you have easy access to our field day locations.
· 1 day in the field - arrive early morning in town for a morning discussion on weather and mapping before meeting at the trailhead and spend the day outside
· Duration ~7 hours, plan to have lunch in the field.
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay either in Silverthorne, Breckenridge or Frisco that way you have easy access to our field day locations.
We respectfully acknowledge that this event is located on the traditional lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people. We honor their enduring connection to this land, their history, and their culture. As we enjoy the beauty and resources of this region, we recognize the past and present contributions of the Ute people, and we commit to fostering respect and understanding for Indigenous communities.
Meet your instructor
Professional, certified & experienced VNTRbirds instructors
Grace Fowler
AAI PRO LEVEL 1 · AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATOR · EMT · WFR INSTRUCTOR · SAS Pro AVSAR · AMGA SPI
Grace Fowler spends her winter months immersed in the snow as a ski patroller at Breckenridge Ski Patrol. When not in ski boots, Grace spends her time teaching for Desert Mountain Medicine, worrying about her chickens, and exploring the Rockies with her wife. Grace is passionate about teaching skills that empower people to explore the outdoors safely and confidently.
Why take a course with us?
I highly recommend VNTRbirds if you're looking to gain backcountry knowledge, experience, and confidence with a group of inspiring women. VNTRbirds offers an inclusive, supportive, and enthusiastic environment, making it an exceptional course.
- TRISHA
VNTRbirds has been a great space to gain more confidence, self reliance and skills useful in the outdoor activities I enjoy! They foster a safe and inclusive environment for learning and I have gained priceless skills and knowledge as well as great connections and friendships as a participant in their classes and clinics!
- CAYLA
VNTRbirds set up the most inclusive environment to learn in. I would highly recommend using them for your backcountry training!
- HAYLEY
Need help paying for an AIARE Level 1 course?
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. However, clients may request to transfer to another course or clinic (pending availability) for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. However, clients may request to transfer to another course or clinic (pending availability) for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack