AIARE 1 Lift Accessed Backcountry | Colorado Avalanche Course

AIARE 1+ (Lift Accessed Backcountry)

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Monarch Mountain Ski Area Partnership AIARE 1

Join us for this special AIARE 1 course based out of Monarch Mountain Ski Area! All touring and skiing will take place in the backcountry. Monarch Mountain will host us for our classroom, parking and lift access. Each day we can speedily access backcountry terrain on Monarch Pass through Monarch Mountain’s backcountry gates. Expect to spend three days in the field immediately applying the lessons and skills we are learning in the classroom!

Why Take Your AIARE 1 With PPAS?

Our in-person AIARE 1 courses are led by IFMGA/AMGA Ski Guides, ensuring the highest level of professional instruction.
PPAS is an American Avalanche Association A3 recognized provider of the AIARE curriculum.
We keep our courses small with 6 students to 1 instructor in the field and a maximum of 12 students with 2 instructors in the classroom setting. This creates a more personal learning environment that encourages discussion, participation, and hands-on experience.
PPAS was founded at the base of Pikes Peak but we guide and teach worldwide. Join us for AIARE training, then consider traveling with us to other ski and climbing destinations.

Prerequisites:

Skiing/Riding Skills: Students should confidently ski or ride blue/black runs in all conditions (powder, ice, wind, crust, etc.). Off-piste (off-groomer) experience is highly recommended to prepare for variable backcountry snow and obstacles
Uphill Travel Experience: Students must be familiar with skinning and transitions. Practicing touring at resorts or with experienced partners is encouraged. Beginners to backcountry ski gear should consider our Intro to Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding courses first, so you can better focus on snowpack evaluation and terrain recognition during your AIARE course
Beginners to backcountry ski gear and touring should consider our 1-day Intro to Backcoutry Skiing or Splitboarding courses first

Being comfortable with both uphill and downhill skills allows you to focus on snowpack evaluation, and terrain recognition during your AIARE course.

Either AIARE I and AIARE Avalanche Rescue can be taken first or without the other.

Visit AIARE’s website h ere.

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CALL US (719) 368-9524

Per student $675

January 11-13, 2027 (Monday to Wednesday)

Maximum Group Size: 6 students to 1 instructor (12 students, 2 instructors maximum course size).

Important Note: Due to high interest in this course, payment in full is required at the time of registration. AIARE I courses are refundable 30 days from the course start less a 10% administrative fee.

Want a custom trip? Call Us.
(719) 368-9524

What You’ll Learn: Through a mix of classroom sessions and field instruction, you will gain practical skills in:

Applying a repeatable process for backcountry risk management
Identifying avalanche terrain and other hazards
Planning safe and efficient travel routes
Building awareness, communication, and decision-making habits
Avalanche rescue and response

Monarch Pass backcountry for field sessions
Classroom sessions at Monarch Mountain Ski Area
We recommend lodging near Salida

Pre-course prep materials and access to mentorship
Monarch Mountain lift tickets for this course
AIARE Field Book, student resources, use of Ortovox transceiver/probe/shovel
IFMGA/AMGA Certified Ski Guide Course Leader
Access to mentorship following the course

Prerequisites:

Skiing/Riding Skills: Students should confidently ski or ride blue/black runs in all conditions (powder, ice, wind, crust, etc.). Off-piste (off-groomer) experience is highly recommended to prepare for variable backcountry snow and obstacles
Uphill Travel Experience: Students must be familiar with skinning and transitions. Practicing touring at resorts or with experienced partners is encouraged. Beginners to backcountry ski gear should consider our Intro to Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding courses first, so you can better focus on snowpack evaluation and terrain recognition during your AIARE course
Beginners to backcountry ski gear and touring should consider our 1-day Intro to Backcoutry Skiing or Splitboarding courses first
AIARE I and AIARE Rescue can be taken first.

Being comfortable with both uphill and downhill skills allows you to focus on snowpack evaluation, and terrain recognition during your AIARE course.

Required Gear:

Full alpine touring/splitboard setup. Full winter backcountry gear. For more details, see our Gear List on this page.

Ortovox transceiver/probe/shovel
Maps and student materials

Need To Rent Gear?
Mountain Chalet (downtown Colorado Springs) is offering a 25% discount on AT/splitboard rentals to our AIARE course participants!

Salida Mountain Sports (downtown Salida) has AT rentals.

Transportation, accommodations, food and guide gratuity.

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 ski patrol or at a guide service, 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.

GET THE GEAR LIST

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