Rec 1 Refresher Avalanche Course

Update Your Skills

This one-day (8-hour) course offers a quick review of the Rec 1 + Rescue Course. Like other AGC courses, this course is geared toward advanced skiers and riders who are able to climb and ride mountains while learning. Get ready for a big day of moving, learning, and having fun! Taught by Joe and Merrick.

We Will Cover

Planning: using the avalanche forecast, route planning, trailhead checks
Rescue refresher: beacon use, shoveling, probing, scenarios
Terrain: identifying avalanche terrain, measuring terrain
Observing: snow, avalanche types, avalanche conditions
Travel: identifying good routes, adding margins for safety
Making good decisions: communication, decision making techniques, debriefing, where to go from here

Itinerary

Note: If the weather forecast predicts poor learning conditions at the planned venue we may shift to Turnagain Pass, Summit Lake, Hatcher Pass, Western Chugach, or the Chugach Front Range.

8am meet inside Kaladi Brothers Coffee on Brayton in Anchorage.

9:30am - 4pm field session at Glenn Alps.

4pm - 4:30pm parking lot debrief and course wrap up.

Prerequisites

Advanced downhill ability. You must be able to ski or splitboard black diamond runs at the resort without falling. Being in control is fundamental to reducing risk, group compatibility, group learning, and your learning.
Proficiency with your backcountry gear including your bindings and skins. Practice with your backcountry gear away from avalanche terrain before the course. This is not a backcountry riding course. Sorry, no snowshoes on this course.
Fitness for a full day in the mountains, skinning up to 1,000 vertical feet.
Be prepared to remain outside all day in cold and foul weather.
Age 16 or older and able to drive.
Wilderness First Aid course recommended.

Date

Dec 5, 2026

Cost

$200 per person

Includes

One day (8 hours) of instruction.
Professional instructors: certified ski guides and American Avalanche Association Professional Members.
5:1 max student to instructor ratio.
Avalanche field book.

Does Not Include

Lodging, food, and drink.
Transportation to and from the trailhead.
The Avalanche Factor by Joe Stock.
Personal gear and avalanche rescue gear. See Course Gear List.
Reservation and trip insurance (recommended). See Reservation and Insurance Policy for details.