Empower Yourself This March with Women's Avalanche Education Classes and Discounts on Rescue Training

Lee
Jan 20
5 min read

Updated: Jan 22

Every winter, countless women venture into snowy mountain landscapes for skiing, snowboarding, or backcountry adventures. While the thrill of fresh powder and untouched slopes is unmatched, the risk of avalanches remains a serious concern. Understanding how to stay safe and respond effectively in avalanche situations can save lives. This March, a unique opportunity awaits women looking to build or refresh their avalanche safety skills through specialized education classes. These sessions include Level 1, Rescue, Level 1 Refresher, and Level 2 courses, with a special offer on Rescue classes available at half price when added to Level 1 or Level 2 training.

Registration and Optional 50% Rescue Class add on for L1 or L2

To register for a Women's Level 1, Rescue, Level 2 or Refresher Class click here to see the events in our Eventbrite Women's Avalanche Collection

March 24th - Women's Rescue and Refresher Avalanche Classes
March 25th-26th Women's Avalanche Level 1 + Optional 50% off 3/24 Rescue Class
March 25th-26th Women's Avalanche Level 2 + Optional 50% off 3/24 Rescue Class

This blog post explores why avalanche education matters, what each course covers, and how you can take advantage of this March’s classes to boost your confidence and safety in the backcountry.

Why Avalanche Education Is Essential for Women Adventurers

Avalanches cause hundreds of deaths worldwide every year, and many victims are experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The difference between a safe trip and tragedy often comes down to knowledge and preparation. Avalanche education teaches you to:

Recognize avalanche terrain and conditions
Use safety equipment like beacons, probes, and shovels effectively
Perform companion rescue quickly and efficiently
Make informed decisions to reduce risk

Women who take avalanche courses often report feeling more confident in their abilities to assess hazards and react calmly under pressure. This confidence can transform your outdoor experience, making it safer and more enjoyable.

Overview of Available Classes

Level 1 Avalanche Course

The Level 1 course is designed for beginners or those with limited avalanche knowledge. It covers:

Basic avalanche science and terminology
How to read avalanche forecasts and terrain
Proper use of avalanche safety gear
Group decision-making strategies

This course combines classroom learning with practical field exercises. By the end, participants can identify avalanche risks and apply safety techniques during backcountry travel.

Rescue Course

The Rescue course focuses on companion rescue skills, which are critical when someone is caught in an avalanche. Key topics include:

Beacon search techniques
Probing and shoveling strategies
Efficient team rescue coordination
Managing stress and time during rescue

This course is ideal as an add-on to Level 1 or Level 2 training. This March, the Rescue course is offered at 50% off when taken alongside either Level 1 or Level 2, making it an affordable way to deepen your skills.

Level 1 Refresher

For those who completed Level 1 in previous seasons, the refresher course revisits core concepts and updates participants on new safety practices. It’s a great way to stay sharp and confident before heading back into the mountains.

Level 2 Avalanche Course

Level 2 is for experienced backcountry travelers who want to advance their knowledge. It covers:

Advanced avalanche hazard evaluation
Snowpack analysis and stability testing
Trip planning and risk management
Leadership and group dynamics in avalanche terrain

This course involves more in-depth fieldwork and decision-making exercises, preparing participants to lead safe trips in complex environments.

Registration

To register for a Women's Level 1, Rescue, Level 2 or Refresher Class click here to see the events in our Eventbrite Women's Avalanche Collection

How to Choose the Right Course for You

Selecting the right avalanche education depends on your experience and goals:

If you are new to avalanche safety, start with Level 1.
If you want to refresh your skills, the Level 1 Refresher is a good fit.
If you already have Level 1 and want to improve rescue skills, add the Rescue course at the discounted rate.
If you have solid experience and want to lead trips, Level 2 plus Rescue is the best option.

Taking the Rescue course alongside Level 1 or Level 2 not only saves money but also ensures you have the critical skills to help others in emergencies.

What to Expect During the Classes

These courses blend classroom instruction with hands-on practice. Expect to:

Learn from certified avalanche instructors
Use real avalanche safety gear in field exercises
Participate in group discussions and scenario planning
Practice rescue drills under realistic conditions

The March classes are scheduled over three days, allowing enough time to absorb material and practice skills thoroughly.

Practical Tips for Preparing for Your Avalanche Course

To get the most out of your training:

Dress in layers suitable for cold, snowy conditions
Bring your own avalanche gear if you have it (beacon, probe, shovel)
Prepare physically for moderate hiking and snow travel
Review basic avalanche terminology beforehand
Come with an open mind and readiness to learn

These steps help you stay comfortable and focused during the course.

Benefits Beyond Safety

Avalanche education offers more than just safety knowledge. It builds community among women who share a passion for the outdoors. Many participants find lasting friendships and support networks through these classes. The skills you gain also boost your independence and enjoyment in winter adventures.

Our Women's Instructors

Jill Yarger

Although Jill was raised in a small Indiana town, she always has had a yearning for the rugged outdoors. As a kid, she savored the freedom that came from cross country skiing through the rolling forested hills and along the shaded creeks of the hard woods of the Midwest. She put that calling on hold as she went on to get her degree and moved to Colorado to help design satellites.

While engineering filled the week days, the weekends were for exploring the mountains of the Colorado Rockies. She trained with the mountaineering club and joined the national ski patrol. She gave back to the outdoor community by becoming an outdoor emergency care instructor, avalanche safety instructor, and an active member in the local mountain search and rescue group.

She also has been leading mountaineering trips for the Colorado Mountain Club for over 15 years. In 2015 she moved out of the engineering office cubical and converted to professional guiding and outdoor instructing.

Amanda Loughlin

Amanda has been employed in the outdoor industry since 2011 as a guide, technician, instructor and educator. She has worked for organizations including Eldora Mountain Resort, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), Avalanche Savvy and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). Amanda is deeply passionate about sharing her love of snow with others and maintaining her 130+ month ski streak (as of November 2025). She is based in Durango, Colorado and is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma.