AIARE Avalanche Rescue | December 19, 2026

EducationModerate +Public CourseSnow

Course Description: More than just beacon practice!  This one-day (8-hour) course teaches and refreshes essential avalanche rescue skills. It’s designed to be taken regularly to stay current with the latest rescue techniques and gear.

  • New participants: Learn the basics of companion rescue
  • Returning students: Learn and practice advanced skills through realistic rescue scenario
  • On this rescue course learn and use emergency shelters and rescue sleds

 

Why Take Your AIARE With PPAS? 

  • You’ll receive expert feedback from AIARE/AMGA Assistant Ski Guides through rescue scenarios and skill assessments.
  • PPAS is an American Avalanche Association A3 recognized provider of the AIARE curriculum.
  • We keep our courses small with 6 students to 1 instructor.
  • PPAS was founded at the base of Pikes Peak in 1989 but we guide and teach worldwide.  Join us for AIARE training, then consider traveling with us to other ski and climbing destinations.

 

Learn More: Visit AIARE’s website.

Per student  $265

Winter 2026-27 Public Course Dates:

  • December 19 (Saturday)
  • January 15 (Friday, Monarch Mountain Partnership Course)
  • February 6 (Saturday)

 

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.

Want a custom trip? Call Us.
(719) 368-9524
  • Realistic rescue scenarios and drills with rescue gear (transceiver, probe, shovel)
  • Feedback from instructors and peers to improve your response time
  • How to plan ongoing rescue practice
  • Emergency shelter construction
  • Emergency sled use
  • Hoosier Pass
  • Monarch Pass
  • Pikes Peak (late season)
  • Pre-course prep materials and access to mentorship
  • AIARE student resources
  • Use of Ortovox transceiver/probe/shovel
  • AMGA Assistant Ski Guide Course Lead
  • Access to mentorship following the course
  • Students must be comfortable traveling in winter backcountry terrain using skis, a splitboard, or snowshoes and arrive prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment for a full day in winter conditions.
  • Ortovox transceiver/probe/shovel (bring your own if you have them)

 

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.

More Adventures