Avalanche Education at Bell Lake Yurt

There is no skill more important for backcountry skiers and riders than recognizing and assessing avalanche hazard, and using well-gathered information to make safe decisions. Let our team of friendly, experienced avalanche educators help you master the strategies to make the backcountry a rewarding place to play--for an entire lifetime of powder turns. BSBG is an approved American Avalanche Association (A3)avalanche course provider, and all BSBG courses adhere to current A3 guidelines. Learn more about A3 HERE.

Level 1 Avalanche

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.

2024-25 Course Registration is Open!

3 Days/ 2 Nights

$820/person all inclusive

  • Price includes professional instruction, three full days and two 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.

  • 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.

  • Bell Lake Yurt Level 1 avalanche courses take place in the backcountry. 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. 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.

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

  • 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 MasterCard or Visa--sorry, checks are no longer accepted. Rates do not include 4% CC processing fee or guide gratuity.

  • Complete payment and cancellation info HERE.

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