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Nick-April-2018-snow-pit-1148x1148.jpeg

AIARE I Course (Fri-Sun)

$625.00
sold out

This is a 3-day course from Friday (2/9) through Sunday (2/11). 

AIARE 1 is a 3-day introduction to avalanche hazard management. Students can expect to:

  • develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip;

  • understand basic decision-making while in the field; and

  • learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught). 

The AIARE 1 course is for anyone, regardless of method of travel (this is an avalanche education course, not a backcountry ski course), who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Participants may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but none are a prerequisite for this course. Aspiring professionals must take the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course. Upon finishing the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion and be ready to move on to more advanced courses.

An avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe are provided during the course; however, you are encouraged to bring your own if you own it.

The course is expected to:

  • Provide a basic understanding of avalanches

  • Describe a framework for decision-making and risk management in avalanche terrain

  • Focus on identifying the right questions 

  • Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.

A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. 

Instructional sessions (24 hours, including both class and field instruction):

1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

  • Types and characteristics of avalanches

  • Avalanche motion

  • Size classification

  • The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

2. Observations and Information Gathering

  • Field observation techniques

  • Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test

  • Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”

  • Observation checklist

  • Avalanche danger scale

3. Trip Planning and Preparation

  • Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection

  • Route finding and travel techniques

  • Decision-making and Human Factors

4. Companion Rescue and Equipment

  • No previous experience is required. Appropriate physical and mental fitness is necessary. Participants will be required to perform physically strenuous activities.

Includes

  • AIARE 1 (3 days, course materials included).

  • Transceiver, probe, and shovel rental during the course.

  • Access to Backcountry Festival facilities on Saturday and Sunday.

  • Access to a private Facebook group to connect with other participants.

Notes

If you are looking for a one-day introduction to avalanche awareness, check out our other offering, “Avalanche Awareness & Rescue Course”.

If you would like to register multiple people, please complete this registration for each person.

Confirmation emails will be sent out upon receiving your registration with a Google form necessary for completion of registration.

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