More than just beacon practice!

Course Description:
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: Practice advanced skills through realistic rescue scenarios

Who Should Take It:
Perfect for anyone traveling in the backcountry—whether you’re new to avalanche safety or have years of experience.

• AIARE recommends retaking this course at least every two years
• Required before taking AIARE 2 or Pro 1 courses

What You’ll Learn:
Hands-on field training covers:

• What to do if someone in your group is caught in an avalanche
• How to use rescue gear (transceiver, probe, shovel)
• Realistic rescue scenarios and time-based drills
• Feedback from instructors and peers to improve your response time
• How to plan ongoing rescue practice

Professional Coaching:
You’ll receive expert feedback from an IFMGA/AMGA Ski Guide through timed rescue scenarios and skill assessments.

Even if you’ve already taken AIARE 1 or an Avalanche Rescue course, you’ll benefit from professional guidance, realistic practice, and updates on current best practices.

Learn More: Visit AIARE’s website.

$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.

Need To Rent Gear?
Mountain Chalet (downtown Colorado Springs) is offering a 25% discount on AT/splitboard rentals to our AIARE course participants! Stop by the shop to get outfitted with the latest gear and to lock in your discount.

Prerequisites: Students must be able to travel on snow (skis, split, snowshoes) and bring appropriate equipment for winter travel. 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 2025-2026 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.