AIARE Level 1 Refresher
AIARE Level 1 Refresher
AIARE Level 1 Refresher
AIARE Level 1 Refresher
AIARE Level 1 Refresher
AIARE Level 1 Refresher
AIARE Level 1 Refresher
AIARE Level 1 Refresher

AIARE Level 1 Refresher

$269.00
/
Location
Book Now Button

Any skill that is not practiced regularly is perishable. Whether it be trip planning, identifying avalanche terrain, or real-time decision making, brushing up on your avalanche knowledge is best practice to stay out of harm's way in the backcountry. New for winter 2026-2027, the Refresher Course was designed to reinforce concepts learned in your AIARE L1 course. In this one-day, field-based course structured around the AIARE Decision-Making Framework, you'll plan and lead a backcountry tour under the guidance of a certified AIARE Instructor, applying each element of the framework in real terrain and conditions.

This is a great course for you if:
-It's been a while since you've been backcountry touring
-You'd like some reassurance from an avalanche professional to gain confidence
-You've relocated to a place with a different snowpack than you're used to 
-You've got some new backcountry partners, and you take this course together

AIARE L1 Refresher follows a hybrid model with an online pre-course component. This is required to be completed before the field day. Your instructor will reach out before the course with more information.

An AIARE L1 is a prerequisite to this course. If you have not taken an avalanche safety course, start with a free Avalanche Awareness course, and move on to an AIARE L1. 

This course is currently only offered to backcountry skiers and splitboarders. We will schedule private refresher courses for snowshoers by request only; you must have your own group of 4-6 participants. Call us at (206) 414-5418 or email register@kafadventures.com to start this process.

Duration

  • 1 day
  • 8 hrs/day
  • Online Coursework

Season

  • Winter

Client:Guide Ratio

6:1

Minimum Participants

3

Online learning - Please allow 4 hours for the online curriculum. It will review terrain management principles, communication strategies, and rescue fundamentals prior to field day.

In the Field - Meet your instructor at 7am ready to begin. You can expect to be back to the parking lot around 4pm. You are responsible for your own food.

The day will cover a full tour plan, execution, and debrief. You'll touch on the following topics of the AIARE Framework: avalanche terrain assessment, forecast interpretation, group decision making, communication under pressure, rescue techniques, and in-field risk management.

  • Completion of an AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Safety Course is required.
  • Intermediate-advanced skiing or snowboarding skills (ability to confidently ski or ride off-piste in variable snow conditions).
  • 2 years of backcountry touring experience and familiarity with your gear.
  • Ability to tour/snowshoe for 3-4 hours and ascend 1000' with a 30 lb pack.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 7-10 days before your trip you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
  • Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
  • All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Describing a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
  • Planning and preparing for travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Identifying avalanche terrain.
  • Effective companion rescue.

PLUS:

  • A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
  • A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
  • Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
  • Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs

Equipment Lists

Required Gear

  1. Backcountry ski or splitboard setup *or snowshoes for snowshoe specific course : boots, skis/splitboard, touring bindings, climbing skins, poles
  2. Hemet and googles for downhill riding
  3. 30-50L backpack : must fit avalanche safety gear inside
  4. Insulating/puffy layer
  5. Waterproof layer : hooded jacket and pants/bibs
  6. Two pairs of gloves : insulating gloves and waterproof gloves
  7. Head/face protection : warm hat, sun hat *baseball cap is fine, neck gaiter *buff or balaclava
  8. Personal kit : sunscreen SPF 40 or higher, lip balm, headlamp and extra batteries, toiletries, plastic baggie for waste, personal medications
  9. AIARE Bluebook : Kaf provides these, but you will need to make sure to have it with you on day 2!
  10. Moisture wicking, non-cotton base layer top and bottom
  11. Avalanche safety gear : transceiver, shovel, probe *longer is better for the maritime snowpack
  12. Water and your favorite snacks (maybe a thermos of hot soup!)

OTHER / OPTIONAL GEAR

  • Pre-made lunch items, easy to eat with gloves on
  • Handy pocket items; gel, chews, bars, etc.
  • Whistle
  • Area maps and compass
  • Heavy duty plastic trash bags (for water-proofing)
  • Camera
  • Watch
  • Half foam pad to stand/sit in snow
  • Bandana

Car Equipment (items to keep in your car) *All of these items are optional but recommended when traveling in the mountains in winter.

  • Water bottle or thermos
  • Non-perishable food (salty snacks!)
  • Comfortable and warm cloths, socks, and shoes
  • First aid kit
  • Folding saw
  • Shovel
  • Warm blanket or sleeping bag
  • Tire Chains
AIARE Level 1 Refresher

You may also like