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Photo of a slab avalanche in Alaska.

CUSTOM AIARE COURSES

Taught by professional ski guides.

Custom Avalanche Rescue, AIARE 1 and AIARE 2 avalanche courses in custom locations.

AIARE 1 COURSE

3 day course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of avalanches, terrain, decision making, and rescue.

Learn more

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AIARE 2 COURSE

4 day course, provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. This course is offered on a custom basis. Contact us for more info.

AIARE 1 COURSE

Level 1
Decision-making in avalanche terrain.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Our AIARE Avalanche Course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of avalanches, decision-making in avalanche terrain, and avalanche rescue.

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Concepts emphasized on this course:

  • A systematic approach to gathering and interpreting information, and deciphering variables in the process of decision-making in avalanche terrain.

  • Identifying the right questions, instead of memorizing rules.

  • Lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.

  • Trip planning techniques

  • Understanding and mitigating human factors

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This course is 3 days in length and includes 24 hours of instruction: Two-thirds field based, one-third classroom based.

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This is an AIARE standard Level 1 avalanche course. Upon successful completion, students will receive the AIARE Level 1 certificate of completion.  This course will lay the groundwork for students interested in taking a a future AIARE Level 2.

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TOPICS COVERED

  • Avalanche types, characteristics, and terrain

  • Formation of layers in the mountain snowpack

  • Human factors

  • Trip planning

  • Equipment considerations including airbag backpacks, Avalungs, and modern transceiver technology

  • Companion rescue

  • Field observations, including snowpack tests

  • Travel techniques

ITINERARY

DAY 1 — Classroom session
DAY 2 — Field skills session
DAY 3 — Terrain day/backcountry tour

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REQUIREMENTS

  • No previous experience is necessary for this course, although good fitness is required.

  • Skiers/snowboarders should be intermediate or above.

  • Snowshoers should be physically fit and ready for two full days of walking in deep snow.

  • Familiarity with your backcountry gear is recommended.

  • You should be prepared to spend two full days in adverse winter weather conditions.

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COST INCLUDES

  • Instruction with a professional ski guide/AIARE Instructor

  • AIARE Field Book and course materials

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NOT INCLUDED

  • Personal equipment, food, lodging, and transporation

  • Park entrance fees

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WHERE TO MEET

  • TBD. Registered students will receive an email prior to the course.

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PRE-TRIP INFO

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DATES

We offer custom, lodge-based avalanche training for private groups of 6-12. Custom courses generally require advanced notice of at least 6 months. Inquire for cost.

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CHECK AVAILABILITY

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