Replying to Getting into Backcountry

Hey guys I need some advice, help, tips on the backcountry. I live in Tucson AZ so don't ski to far from home. Mostly Sunrise, Snowbowl and some Telluride. Believe it or not Arizona has some backcountry to ski! I bought a pack with airbag but still need my beacon, shovel, and probe. Is there anything else I should get besides what I listed and what size of probe should I get? And yes I know the airbag is not a superman cape or a reason to otherwise make a stupid decision. It creates a false sense of security as I've read and I really want to avoid that. I've kinda compared to car with airbags and one without. Would that change my driving? Probably not. Anyways most importantly I want to take some avy courses but damn they're expensive like $300 each. I know skiing isn't cheap but is that how much they're everywhere else? I don't want to travel out of state to take courses if I can help it. Im pretty limited to my choices in Arizona but I think they're some in Flagstaff and it's like a class at NAU I think. Is there any online Avy courses and should I even consider it an option? Anything I'm missing? Good advice and responses much appreciated. Thanks guys