Ski Crevasse Rescue Class in Colorado
Backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering open up incredible terrain, but traveling on glaciers brings hidden dangers. Snow-covered crevasses and weak bridges can collapse under skis, and falls can happen suddenly at speed. Knowing how to respond is critical.
Our Ski Crevasse Rescue Class in Colorado is designed for ski mountaineers and backcountry skiers who plan to venture onto glaciated terrain in North America, Europe, or worldwide. Unlike a standard mountaineering course, this class focuses on the unique challenges of skiing on glaciers: moving as a rope team on skis, building anchors with skis and poles, and executing fast and efficient rescue systems.
Led by AMS certified guides with experience in Alaska, the Alps, the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and the Caucasus, this class emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. By the end of the day, you will have the skills and confidence to ski more safely on glaciers and to act decisively if a partner falls into a crevasse.
What You Will Learn
Rope team travel on skis – spacing, transitions, and hazard recognition
Building anchors with skis, poles, and snow tools
Self-rescue techniques – ascending the rope with minimal gear
Partner rescue systems – fast setups (drop loop, 3:1, 5:1 hauling)
Efficient use of ski touring gear in rescue scenarios
Team communication and emergency response
Who This Course Is For
BEGINER
INTERMEDIATE
Ski mountaineers preparing for glacier trips around the world
Backcountry skiers planning hut-to-hut or expedition-style ski tours
Ski guides and outdoor leaders refreshing glacier safety skills
Why Choose American Mountain School for Crevasse Rescue Class?
Ski-Specific Training – Focus on rescue techniques adapted for skiers, not just climbers.
Certified Expertise – Learn from IFMGA/AMGA-certified guides with ski mountaineering expedition experience.
Hands-On Practice – Maximum time spent building anchors, hauling, and running real rescue scenarios.
RMNP Location – Train in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, with terrain ideal for ski rescue practice.
Expedition Focused – Prepare for glacier ski tours and expeditions around the world.
Class Overview
Gear list
Meeting location
Pricing
Class Overview
Our Ski Crevasse Rescue Class in Rocky Mountain National Park is designed specifically for backcountry skiers and ski mountaineers. The focus is on practical, hands-on training using your ski touring gear in realistic rescue scenarios.
We begin with a short approach on skis and a review of rope team travel on skis and anchor basics. Unlike mountaineering courses, here you’ll learn how to adapt your ski equipment — skis, poles, and snow tools — into reliable anchors and rescue setups.
The first major block is dedicated to self-rescue techniques. You’ll practice ascending the rope with prusiks or lightweight devices, escaping the system, and transferring loads, all while wearing ski boots and using ski gear.
After a short break, we move into the core of the class: partner rescue systems. You’ll build and run fast hauling systems such as drop loop, 3:1, and 5:1 setups, using ski-specific anchors and techniques. Multiple repetitions ensure you gain confidence and efficiency.
The course finishes with a full ski-specific rescue scenario, where each participant responds to a simulated crevasse fall on skis. The day concludes with feedback, coaching, and guidance on how to integrate these skills into real glacier ski tours.
Gear list
INCLUDED: GROUP GEAR (provided by AMS)
Ropes and slings for ski rope teams
Rescue kits (pulleys, carabiners, cordelettes)
Anchoring gear for snow setups
PERSONAL GEAR (must bring your own)
Ski touring setup – skis, skins, bindings, and poles
Ski boots – compatible with crampons, suitable for touring
Climbing harness – adjustable, with belay loop
Helmet – ski or climbing certified
PERSONAL GEAR (can be provided by AMS if you don’t have it)
- Ice Axe (Classic Mountaineering Tool) – For security and basic anchor building.
Locking carabiners (2 pcs)
Prusiks & cordelettes (for self-rescue and hauling)
Mechanical ascender (optional, for rope ascent)
EXCLUDED: PERSONAL ITEMS (bring your own)
Avalanche safety gear – beacon, shovel, probe
Backpack (30–40 L, with ski carry system)
Layered clothing system – base, insulation, shell
Gloves – dexterity gloves for rope work + warm gloves/mitts
Sunglasses & goggles (UV-protected)
Sunscreen & lip balm
Water (1–2 L) + snacks/lunch
Personal first aid kit
Meeting location
The meeting location for Intro To Mountaineering Course is Eastes Park Safeway parking lot
Pricing
Price Includes
Professional guide fees
Detailed course itinerary & instruction
Group equipment (ropes, rescue kits, pulleys, anchors, etc.)
Use of group safety gear as listed in the gear list
Price Does Not Include
Food and drinks during the trip
Park entrance or access fees
Transportation to/from trailhead
Personal gear (see gear list)
Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe)
Trip cancellation insurance
Rescue insurance
Guide gratuity
Additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of American Mountain School
Book your Private Class
Start Our Public Class Today
Open to participants of all skill levels.
No prior ice climbing experience is required.
If our public class days are not convenient for you and you want to take it privately, please use the following button:
FAQ
No. You should be a strong intermediate skier comfortable on variable snow in backcountry conditions. The focus is on rescue skills, not skiing technique.
Yes, we recommend at least an AIARE Level 1 (or equivalent) before taking this course, since glacier ski tours often overlap with avalanche terrain.
Yes. While the fundamentals are similar, this course focuses on rescue techniques adapted for skiers — using skis and poles for anchors, fast hauling setups, and rope travel on skis.
In Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). While we don’t train on active glaciers, the snow conditions allow for realistic simulations of ski crevasse rescues.
This class is ideal preparation for ski mountaineering objectives around the world
