This paper discusses course structure, teaching techniques, and field exercises for enhancing winter travelers' avalanche knowledge and skills. In two class sessions, the course typically consists of a historical perspective; a section on snow physics (clouds, types of snow crystals, effects of riming, identification of precipitated snow crystals, types of nonprecipitated snow, temperature gradient metamorphism, identification of metamorphosed crystals); use of visual aids; use of anecdotal material; and the causes of avalanches (new snow, old snow, terrain, wind, temperature). The class also addresses route finding, safety procedures, safety equipment, and rescue. In the first field session, students rotate among three stations covering transceiver searching, probing, and analyzing a snow pit. The second field session reinforces the first and gives students greater freedom to practice skills. The use of videos and Internet avalanche forecasts is encouraged to reinforce skills. (SAS)