Beacon? Check. Shovel? Check. Probe? Check. Backcountry Partners? Check.
![20210209-CP-AltaBC-SnowSafety-EOSr5-236A8489jpg](https://www.skiutah.com/blog/authors/abby-stanislaw/2023-utah-avalanche-awareness/pictures/20210209-CP-AltaBC-SnowSafety-EOSr5-236A8489.jpg/inline-display)
- Utah Avalanche Center(UAC), a collaborative endeavor with the US Forest Service since 1980, prioritizes avalanche safety in Utah. Their statewide presence guarantees consistent avalanche forecasts, top-notch educational programs, and outreach initiatives like the "Know Before You Go" program. Their educational suite encompasses:
- Awareness Training with Know Before You Go (KBYG) courses and eLearning.
- A progression path for recreational skiers, starting with the Intro to Avalanches course, followed by the Recreation Level 1 or Avalanche Rescue, and culminating in the Recreation Level 2.
- Numerous resources on their Resources and tutorials page and Avalanche eLearning platform.
- In-person courses can be found here.
- American Avalanche Institute (AAI) has been at the forefront since the winter of 1973–1974, combining theoretical snow science with hands-on training. Their courses cater to all, from novices to professionals like ski guides. Start your journey with their Avalanche Level 1 course.
- The University of Utah integrates theory with practical on-field exercises in their avalanche courses, aligning with the American Avalanche Association's standards. Grab your spot early as they're quite sought after. Details here.
- BRASS, founded in memory of US Ski Team athletes Ronnie Berlack and Bryce Astle, is a treasure trove of free resources and global avalanche forecasts. Dive into their offerings here.
- Need mobile tools for real-time insights? UAC has curated an array of app resources.
![20230207-CP-DawnPatrol-WillowForkBCC-737A8299-5000x3335-4a146e45-cc2a-4448-87ff-37b15c03f9a8jpg](https://www.skiutah.com/blog/authors/abby-stanislaw/2023-utah-avalanche-awareness/pictures/20230207-CP-DawnPatrol-WillowForkBCC-737A8299-5000x3335-4a146e45-cc2a-4448-87ff-37b15c03f9a8.jpg/inline-display)
If you need more convincing to take an avy course, check out my fellow blogger's article about buying her husband an avy course for Valentine's Day.