HOLLADAY ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
One Day to Know: A Compact Avalanche Rescue Course in the Wasatch
An eight-hour, instructor-led AIARE/AAA curriculum that teaches companion rescue, multiple-burial procedures and evacuation considerations — essential winter skills for anyone traveling in the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.
One Day to Know: A Compact Avalanche Rescue Course in the Wasatch.
Adventure brief
One Day to Know: A Compact Avalanche Rescue Course in the Wasatch
Set beneath the steep, snow-loaded slopes of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons outside Holladay, this one-day avalanche rescue course compresses the best current practices into an intense, hands-on eight-hour session led by experienced instructors.
Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, nestled within the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah, stand as prime winter playgrounds renowned for their deep powder and rugged terrain. Red River Adventures offers a transformative eight-hour AIARE Avalanche Rescue course, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to sharpen critical safety skills. Whether you're an experienced backcountry skier or a winter hiker, this program provides essential knowledge for navigating snow-covered landscapes laden with hidden dangers. Led by seasoned instructors, participants learn foundational rescue techniques, including companion rescues, probing, shoveling, and managing multiple burials, all set against a breathtaking alpine backdrop. The course’s capacity to combine practical skill-building with stunning mountain scenery makes it a top choice among locals and visitors alike, transforming the way adventurers think about snow safety.
Offered from December through March, the training aligns with prime ski season, ensuring participants are prepared for every snowy scenario. Red River Adventures is a trusted name in Utah’s winter recreation scene, standing out for its expert instructors and commitment to safety education. This course not only equips you with lifesaving skills but also deepens your understanding of avalanche terrain and snowpack stability, fostering responsible backcountry travel. The area’s dramatic peaks and expansive powder fields make it a natural classroom for learning vital rescue techniques. Whether you're new to winter backcountry exploration or looking to refresh your knowledge, this avalanche rescue course elevates your winter adventure game while emphasizing environmental responsibility.
For thrill-seekers and safety-minded travelers seeking to conquer Utah’s winter wilderness confidently, Red River Adventures offers a comprehensive, engaging, and vital training experience—crucial for making every snowy outing safe and enjoyable.
Route Schematic
Itinerary & Key Training Stops
A compact, instructor‑led day with a defined meeting point, field sessions in the Wasatch canyons, and scenario-based practice.
Meet at Holladay base
Participants assemble at the operator meeting point before heading into the canyons for fieldwork.
Field exercises in Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons
Short instructional segments alternate with practical drills on beacon searches, probing and shoveling techniques in canyon snowfields.
Multiple‑burial scenarios & evacuation considerations
The day culminates with coordinated multiple‑burial drills and discussion of moving an injured person or executing an evacuation.
Participants must meet the program's minimum age and ability guidelines; the course is open to ages 10 and up and is described as 'Easy' in difficulty, though terrain and vertical exposure will vary.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
AIARE or AAA‑Accredited Training
The course follows either the AIARE Avalanche Rescue curriculum or an AAA‑approved syllabus depending on instructor availability, ensuring instruction aligns with recognized best practices.
Companion Rescue to Multiple‑Burial Scenarios
Instructors guide participants through companion rescue techniques, practice for multiple burials, and evacuation considerations — all the practical drills you need to respond confidently in a backcountry incident.
Winter Fieldwork in the Wasatch Canyons
Delivered in the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons during the winter months, the course places learning directly into the mountain environments where these skills are used.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Over an eight-hour day, instructors move between short classroom talks and field exercises: scanning terrain, deploying beacons, probing for buried subjects, rehearsing organized multiple‑burial searches and discussing evacuation options — a focused curriculum that prioritizes hands-on repetition and real-world decision-making.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is an eight-hour, one‑day program offered during the winter season (December through March).
The curriculum addresses rescue techniques and the use of rescue gear; check with the operator for specific personal‑gear requirements and any equipment that may be provided.
The official meeting location is 6200 Wasatch Blvd E, Holladay, UT 84117; plan travel and parking accordingly with the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The Avalanche Rescue Course is an eight‑hour, one‑day program.
When is the course offered?
The program is available during the winter season, from December through March.
Where do we meet before the field session?
Participants meet at 6200 Wasatch Blvd E, Holladay, UT 84117.
What ages can participate?
The course is open to participants aged 10 and older.
Is the curriculum accredited?
Instruction follows either the AIARE Avalanche Rescue curriculum or an AAA‑approved curriculum, depending on instructor availability.
Should I tip the guides?
Tipping is optional but appreciated; customary U.S. guidelines are similar to restaurant gratuities (15–20%), and guests are encouraged to tip if guides exceed expectations.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-26T20:24:07.406Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.