Name: Avalanche Rescue Course
Brand: Kaf Adventures
Price: 245.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$245.00

2026 SCHEDULE COMING THIS FALL

Location

Mt. Hood

Snoqualmie Pass

AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day stand-alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to stay current with best practices in avalanche rescue techniques and equipment. It includes 1 hour of self-paced online learning beforehand in order to familiarize yourself with the equipment and terminology used in the course.

The course is suitable for both new and returning participants as each course will cover both the current practices for basic companion rescue as well as more advanced scenarios. All students will be shown systems for additional practice on their own in between courses.

Each participant will receive a rescue card at the end of the course and will be given individual professional coaching.

AIARE recommends that all backcountry users take this course at least every other year in order to maintain a current skillset and continuously learn and review the latest techniques in avalanche rescue.

It is important to note that the avalanche rescue components previously taught on an AIARE Level 1 course have been deemphasized in order to provide more field time for developing the decision-making skills that prevent backcountry users from being caught in avalanches.

Duration

1 day
8 hours

Season

Winter

Client:Guide Ratio

6:1

Minimum Participants

3

Meet your instructor at your designated meeting location at 7am. The day will start with an introduction to avalanche beacons and how they function. You will progress into learning techniques for locating your target quickly and efficiently, then get a chance to practice searching and digging in a single-burial scenario.

Lunch will be done on-the-go, allowing you to maximize your learning opportunities on this one-day course. In the afternoon, you will expand your knowledge and practice searching and digging in a multi-burial scenario. Before wrapping up, participate in a complex group rescue and debrief the day. You can expect to be back to the parking lot around 4pm.

Attendance of a free NWAC Avalanche Awareness Course is recommended.
If Skiing/Riding: Intermediate skiing or snowboarding skills (ability to ski or ride blue square runs in variable snow conditions).
If Skiing/Riding: Some touring experience is highly recommended. At minimum, knowledge of your gear and the ability to transition efficiently.
If Snowshoeing: Some previous snowshoeing experience.
Ability to be moderately active and shovel snow throughout the day.

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
3-5 days before your course 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.
Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. To get the most of our day, we'd like to begin right at the designated start time.
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:

What to do if you or a member of your party is caught in an avalanche.
Using necessary avalanche rescue gear.
How to continue improving your skills and response time, through feedback from instructors and peers.
Setting up a realistic scenario in order to practice avalanche rescue response and developing a plan for consistent practice.

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

Insulating/puffy layer
Ski or splitboard setup *or snowshoes
-boots
-skis/splitboard
-appropriate bindings
-climbing skins
-poles
Water and your favorite snacks (maybe a thermos of hot soup!)
Waterproof layers *hooded jacket and pants/bibs
Moisture wicking, non-cotton base layer top and bottom
Head/face protection
-warm hat
-sun hat *baseball cap is fine
-neck gaiter *buff or balaclava
-sunglasses with good side coverage
Avalanche safety gear
-transceiver
-shovel
-probe *longer is better for the maritime snowpack
Hemet and googles for downhill riding
2 pairs of gloves
-insulating gloves
-waterproof gloves *These are very important! We’ll be doing lots of digging
AIARE Rescue Card. Kaf provides these, but you should keep it with you as a resource in the backcountry!
Personal kit
-sunscreen *SPF 40 or higher
-lip balm
-headlamp and extra batteries
-toiletries *please bring a plastic baggie for waste
-personal medications and first aid
30-50L backpack *must fit avalanche safety gear inside

Not Pictured/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