This course is so much more than beacon practice!

Course Description: This one-day (8-hour) course is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn companion rescue, and returning students will expand their skills with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice.  

Who Should Take This Course: This course is appropriate for both new and experienced recreational backcountry travelers, as well as aspiring avalanche professionals. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking an Avalanche Rescue course and receiving a rescue card at least every other year.

You should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow, but there are no other prerequisites for this course. AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses. 

What You’ll Learn: During an Avalanche Rescue course, you’ll spend time in the field learning skills like: 

• Knowing what to do if you or a member of your party is caught in an avalanche
• Identifying and using the gear necessary for avalanche rescue
• Participating in realistic scenarios to practice an avalanche rescue response
• Improving your response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers
• Developing a plan for continuing practice

Use of Ortovox transceiver, probe, and shovel are included. Skis or splitboard are required.

Professional coaching and feedback: All students will have the opportunity to get feedback from an IFMGA/AMGA Ski Guide on their rescue skills through timed practices with different and realistic rescue scenarios.

Students who have previously taken an AIARE 1 or an Avalanche Rescue Course will find value in having a professional help them set up rescue scenarios, practice skills in a realistic setting, receive feedback from an instructor, keep up with current best practices, and have an opportunity to practice advanced rescue skills.

Visit AIARE’s website here.

$259 per student

Included:  IFMGA/AMGA Ski Guide Course Leader, Student resources, use of Ortovox transceiver, probe, and shovel.

Not Included: Transportation, accommodations, food, and guide gratuity.

Required gear: Alpine Touring Ski/Splitboard setup or snowshoes. Full winter backcountry gear. See our gear list on this page.

Prerequisites: Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow.  AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue have other no prerequisites and either can be taken first or without the other.

Due to high interest in this course, full payment is required at time of registration. AIARE Rescue courses are refundable 30 days from course start less a 10% administrative fee, after which refunds will be issued only if we fill your spot from the waitlist.

Winter 2024-25 Course Dates: 

Itinerary: 

• Field Courses will meet on Hoosier Pass (see map below) or Monarch Pass
• 8 hours in field

Locations:

• Hoosier Pass
• Monarch Pass
• Pikes Peak (late season)

Want more education?

• Recreational backcountry travelers will need to take the AIARE 1 Rec and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 Rec course.
• Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 Rec and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course. For those without the mentorship of working for ski patrol or at a guide service or similar, we recommend students take AIARE 2 Rec prior to Pro 1.
• AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue have no prerequisites and either can be taken first or without the other.