Beacon, Probe, Shovel — Digging Into Encampment’s Subsurface Secrets

ENCAMPMENT WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Beacon, Probe, Shovel — Digging Into Encampment’s Subsurface Secrets

A focused, hands-on Basic Avalanche Package that teaches use of beacon, probe and shovel in an 8-hour field session—this guide orients you to what to expect and what to bring.

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Beacon, Probe, Shovel — Digging Into Encampment’s Subsurface Secrets.

Duration
8 hrs
Location
Encampment
Operator
Altitude Sled Works
Category
Winter Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On the snowy slopes around Encampment, Wyoming, the Basic Avalanche Package pares avalanche safety down to the essentials: a beacon, a probe and a shovel. It’s a compact, tactile curriculum that blends curiosity and practical skill—designed to reveal what lies beneath the surface and how to find it.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE GEAR

Beacon, Probe, Shovel

The course centers on the three tools that matter in a burial search: transceiver (beacon), probe and shovel—practical, hands-on training with the basics of searching and recovering.

THE PRACTICE

Hands-on Search Drills

Expect focused drills that emphasize locating targets quickly and efficiently with a beacon, then pinpointing and excavating with probe and shovel technique.

THE SPIRIT

Curiosity Meets Safety

The package frames avalanche skills as an expedition of discovery—digging into what’s buried beneath the snow while building essential proficiency.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Over an eight-hour session, participants move from explanation to practice: handling a beacon, executing search patterns, probing to confirm a burial, and using a shovel to excavate. The tempo is hands-on and iterative—short practice runs, adjustments, and repeated drills that build confidence with the core tools.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this package suits — and why.

1
Thrill-seekersIdeal for those drawn to hands-on winter adventure who want foundational avalanche-search skills.
2
Curiosity-driven explorersA good match for people who want to understand what lies beneath the snow and how to locate it safely.
3
Beginners to avalanche safetyThe 'Basic' format provides core, practical drills suitable for newcomers seeking an introduction to beacon, probe and shovel use.
4
Hands-on learnersLearners who prefer practice over lecture will benefit from repeated field drills and tactile skill-building.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

The Basic Avalanche Package runs approximately 8 hours.

What to Bring

Expect practical work with a beacon, probe and shovel—these are the central tools covered in the session.

Location & Operator

The program takes place in Encampment, Wyoming, and is offered by Altitude Sled Works.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Basic Avalanche Package?

The course lasts approximately 8 hours.

What skills and tools does the course teach?

The package centers on use of a beacon (transceiver), probe and shovel and practical search and excavation drills.

Where does the training take place?

The program is held in Encampment, Wyoming, United States.

Who runs the Basic Avalanche Package?

The operator is Altitude Sled Works.

Who is this course for?

It’s described as perfect for thrill-seekers and explorers alike and provides foundational, hands-on avalanche-search skills.

Will I be doing hands-on drills?

Yes—expect practical, hands-on practice with beacon searches, probing and shoveling.