Avalanche Awareness Class with NWAC ❄️

Here’s something that surprises a lot of people: you don’t have to be a hardcore backcountry skier to end up in avalanche terrain. Some of the most popular snowshoe routes at Snoqualmie Pass, like Snow Lake and Source Lake, cross slopes that can slide. And according to the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), most avalanches that catch or bury someone are triggered by that person or someone in their group.
The good news is that the most important skills are learnable: reading the forecast, recognizing avalanche terrain and choosing where to go. It starts with one free evening. NWAC is teaching its 90-minute Avalanche Awareness Class at Gearhouse. It’s the first step NWAC recommends for anyone who snowshoes, skis, snowboards, climbs or snowmobiles, and a great way to kick off the season.

What you’ll learn (taught by NWAC instructors)

How to find and read the avalanche and mountain weather forecasts
How to spot the basic signs of avalanche danger
A simple approach to managing risk and choosing where to go

Part of our winter progressions

This class is the avalanche session for our beginner snowshoe progression. It’s also a smart first step if you’re thinking about cross-country or downhill skiing this winter, or just want to feel more confident on snowy trails. You don’t need to be in a progression to come.

Which avalanche class do I need?

Avalanche education builds in steps: this free Awareness Class first, then NWAC’s Level 1 course (about 24 hours in the field over several days) and a one-day Avalanche Rescue course. Here’s roughly where different winter activities fit:

Resort skiing and snowboarding, inside the boundary: Ski patrol manages avalanche hazard within the resort, so you don’t need a course to ride the lifts. Awareness helps you understand closures and why the boundary rope matters. Thinking about heading through a backcountry gate or past the rope? That’s uncontrolled terrain. Take Level 1 and Rescue first, and carry a beacon, shovel and probe with a trained partner.
Groomed cross-country trails: Usually gentle terrain, though some Sno-Park trails pass below steeper slopes. Awareness is a good foundation. Heading off groomed trails or into the backcountry? Level 1 and Rescue.
Snowshoeing: NWAC counts snowshoers as a core audience. Awareness is the minimum before heading into the mountains, and our snowshoe progression sticks to simple, low-angle terrain. Ready to explore routes like Snow Lake? Take Level 1 and Rescue first.
Backcountry skiing, splitboarding and snowmobiling: Awareness, then Level 1 and Rescue before you go, plus a beacon, shovel and probe you know how to use.

The night

6:15 pm Meet at the café
6:30–8:00 pm NWAC Avalanche Awareness Class

Good to know

Hosted by NWAC
Indoors, about 90 minutes. No gear needed. Just bring your questions.