The NSP Avalanche Program
Avalanches can occur anywhere there’s snow and steep slopes. To address this challenge, the National
Ski Patrol (NSP) offers a range of avalanche safety and rescue courses that fulfill Level I and II
training adopted by the American Avalanche Association. In fact, since 1957 the NSP has educated more
people about avalanche safety and rescue than any other organization. Unique among avalanche education,
NSP courses target organized rescue. And, in 2009, the program expanded to address the growing number of
backcountry users, adding two new elements designed specifically for the recreational user: preventative
education and rescue training for members of recreational groups. Certified avalanche instructors teach
all NSP courses, which take place nationwide. For more information on a course, whether a simple awareness
presentation or a Level I avalanche program with extensive field training, contact the NSP today. See a
brief description of the courses offered listed below.
Avalanche Fundamentals and Rescue
This course is a substitute for Level I Avalanche and is to be taught when available terrain and snowpack
prevent completion of all Level I curriculum requirements. Students learn how terrain, weather, and snowpack
contribute to avalanche hazards. This knowledge is used during decision-making exercises in the classroom and
in the field session. Students also become acquainted with human factors, which skew effective decision-making.
The course focuses heavily on the fundamentals of self, group, and organized rescue. Field sessions are limited
to those activities fully achievable in the local environment and normally do not include route selection,
backcountry travel, and snow stability evaluation. Students complete a written exam and practical evaluation
during field exercises. Upon completion, students are qualified to participate in organized rescue operations.
Prerequisite:None.
Time Commitment:8 hours of classroom and 4 to 6 hours of field work
Fees: National—none; Division—varies; Local—varies
Credential: NSP Certificate of Achievement
Continuing education/refresher requirement:None
Instructor of Record:NSP Avalanche instructor
Required Text:
Recommended References:Avalanche Rescue: Not a Second to Waste video
(available through NSP lending library)
Level I Avalanche
This course teaches students how terrain, weather, and snowpack contribute to avalanche hazards.
This knowledge is used during decision-making exercises in the classroom and in the field session.
Students also become acquainted with human factors, which skew effective decision making. The course
covers movement through avalanche terrain, route selection/hazard identification, and stability assessments
in the field environment. Also focuses heavily on the fundamentals of self, group, and organized rescue.
Students complete a written exam and practical evaluation during field exercises. Upon course completion,
students are qualified to participate in organized rescue operations.
Prerequisite:Excellent physical condition, since the course requires strenuous physical exertion.
Students are generally expected to perform in a variety of snow conditions (including deep snow), hike moderate distances,
climb moderate to steep slopes, and traverse steep slopes.
Time commitment:8 hours classroom and 8 hours of field work. Classroom time may vary
depending on the amount of preparatory work required.
Fees: National—none; Division—varies; Local—varies
Credentials: NSP Certificate of Achievement
Continuing education/refresher requirement: None
Instructor of record: NSP Level I or Level II Avalanche instructor
Required texts: None
Recommended references:Avalanche Rescue: Not a Second to Waste video
(available through NSP lending library)
Level II Avalanche
An intensified version of the Level I Course, with a focus on how to recognize and evaluate the
contributing factors to avalanches and to lead a group through avalanche terrain safely. Students
learn the knowledge and skills necessary to assume leadership roles in avalanche rescue, the ability
to support avalanche rescue operations, and the competence to make ancillary rescue decisions. Includes
rescue exercises in the classroom and during the field session. Students must also pass a written exam
and prepare a comprehensive report that examines rescue activities. The course emphasizes that experience
and recurring training are the only ways to hone the knowledge and skills required of true avalanche rescue
expertise.
Prerequisites:
- Level I Avalanche or Avalanche Fundamentals and Rescue Course (course knowledge must be current, i.e.,
taken within the last three years or refreshed before the Level II Avalanche Course starting date). Non-NSP
avalanche training that equals or exceeds the course content for the NSP Level I Avalanche Course may be
substituted upon approval by the division Avalanche supervisor
- Two years active patrol duty (unless waived by division Avalanche supervisor).
- Excellent physical condition, since course requires strenuous physical exertion. Students are generally
expected to perform in a variety of snow conditions (including deep snow), hike moderate distances, climb moderate
to steep slopes, and traverse steep slopes.
Time Commitment:Average of 13 hours of classroom instruction and three days
of practical field work, plus homework assignments and report preparation. Total classroom time
may vary depending on class size and the amount of preparatory work required.
Fees:National—none; Division—varies; Local—varies
Credentials:NSP Certificate of Achievement
Continuing Education/Refresher Requirements:None
Instructor of Record:NSP Level II Avalanche Instructor
Required Text:
Optional Text: