Course Duration: 24 hours in-person

Course Description: This course introduces you to the fundamentals of managing avalanche hazards in the backcountry. You’ll learn a clear, repeatable process for assessing and managing risk, planning and executing backcountry trips, communicating effectively in avalanche terrain, and performing companion rescues if an avalanche occurs.

Why Take Your AIARE 1 With Us? Our in-person AIARE 1 courses are led by IFMGA/AMGA Ski Guide Course Leaders, ensuring the highest level of professional instruction. We keep our classes small at a maximum of 12 students with 2 instructors which creates a more personal learning environment that encourages discussion, participation, and hands-on experience.

Who Should Take This Course:  AIARE 1 is designed for anyone who travels in or near avalanche terrain, regardless of their mode of travel, whether skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or climbing.

Prerequisites:

• Advanced 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 here.