Traveling in the backcountry requires a solid understanding of avalanche risk and the knowledge to mitigate these risks through appropriate terrain assessment and decision-making. Our AIARE certified leaders and instructors will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and reduce risks. For 2021/2022 the standard AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course 3-Day course offers the option for Day 1 in either a virtual learning (Zoom) format or a physical classroom, along with two days of field instruction to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain.
 
This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort.
 
What you’ll learn:
 
•    Trip planning and preparation
•    Reading and understanding the avalanche forecast
•    Classifications and characteristics of different types of avalanches
•    Recognizing hazardous conditions
•    Understanding a mountain snowpack
•    Basics of route selection and terrain management
•    Managing risk and decision making
•    Human factors and influence
•    Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe
•    Companion rescue techniques
•    Group management