COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS SKI FIELD GUIDE
A Season of Real Snow: Intensive Avalanche Mentorship in the Cottonwoods
A winter mentorship that combines Rescue, Rec Level 1 and Rec Level 2 into one field-driven program (Dec–Mar), teaching ski and splitboard backcountry travel in small, instructor-led groups.
A Season of Real Snow: Intensive Avalanche Mentorship in the Cottonwoods.
In the cold, woody folds of the Wasatch near Cottonwood Heights, this mentorship recasts avalanche education as an integrated, field-first progression. Instructors move learners out of the classroom and into recurring winter days on skis or a splitboard to build rescue skills, terrain management, snowpack interpretation, and small-team leadership through repeated, real-world practice.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
One course that covers the full spectrum
The mentorship blends the essential curriculum of Rescue, Rec Level 1 and Rec Level 2 into a single, progressive program so participants receive a comprehensive avalanche education over repeated field days.
Learn in real winter conditions
Training runs December through March so instruction and decision-making happen in a range of snow and weather conditions rather than a single simulated day.
Small groups for hands-on learning
The course limits attendance so instruction is personal and practical — you get close coaching on rescue technique, terrain selection, and leadership within a tight team environment.
What the day feels like
What the mentorship feels like
This is less a single clinic and more a season of deliberate practice: a mandatory kickoff followed by five field days you select from scheduled dates. Each outing layers new skills and observations—beacon work and rescue drills, snowpack tests and SWAG-based weather interpretation, then on-slope decision making and small-group leadership—so you graduate with repeated exposure to varied terrain and conditions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this mentorship suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This winter the program runs December through March with two 6-day session tracks available—one on weekends and one on weekdays; specific field dates are scheduled and a mandatory kickoff applies.
A complete gear list is provided at sign-up. Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) is provided at no charge; skis, splitboards, skins and poles are available; participants are recommended to bring their own boots though a limited supply may be available.
Training comprises full days in Utah’s Wasatch venues (Big and Little Cottonwood, Millcreek, Lambs Canyon) with AAA-approved avalanche instructors and capped group sizes to ensure hands-on coaching.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How is this course different from Rec 1 or Rec 2?
This program combines Rescue, Rec Level 1 and Rec Level 2 into a single comprehensive course, providing the full spectrum of avalanche education in one experience.
When is the course offered?
Sessions run December through March so participants train across a variety of real winter snow and terrain conditions.
What’s the group size?
Courses are capped at six participants per instructor to ensure personal attention and hands-on learning.
Who should take this course?
Skiers and splitboarders with strong downhill ability who are ready to start or advance their backcountry travel and avalanche education.
What will I learn?
Participants learn rescue technique, terrain recognition, snowpack and weather analysis, leadership, and risk-management strategies for safe backcountry travel.
Where is the course held?
Training takes place in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, including Big and Little Cottonwood, Millcreek, and Lambs Canyon.
Do I need my own gear?
Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) is provided at no charge; skis, splitboards, skins and poles are also available. Bringing your own boots is recommended, though a limited supply is offered if needed.
What’s included?
Professional instruction from AAA-approved guides, avalanche safety gear, and full days of field training in real backcountry terrain are included as part of the mentorship.