The March issue of 5280 details the ins and outs of surviving the Colorado wilderness, but if you’re eager to learn more or want practice before venturing into the high country, check out these interactive courses.

The Denver-based Cottonwood Institute survival school offers adult courses in winter survival skills, building shelters (May 9), and survival fire skills (May 23), all for $100. The organization also offers free classes at REI (April 2, Boulder).

Boulder Outdoor Survival School classes focus on primitive survival skills in the Utah desert. The arduous field courses run up to 28 days long, or check out the weeklong skills classes. Courses start at $1,350.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has an extensive list of certified avalanche courses in the state, where you’ll learn to prevent, avoid, and survive avalanches. Level 1 courses start at $295.

Boulder’s Downstream Edge kayaking school offers safety courses for paddlers, ranging from the beginner level to instructors seeking certification.