Quick Details
Traveling in a winter environment has inherent risk. Snow conditions dramatically change throughout the winter, affecting snow stability. The ability to recognize avalanche terrain and assess the snow around you is critical to your safety. This AIARE Level 1 avalanche course is designed to give students a basic understanding of why avalanches occur and to develop a framework for making decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain. Additionally, the course provides instruction in beacon use and companion rescue should an avalanche occur.
AIARE 1 follows a hybrid model, with approximately 8 hours of self-paced, online coursework followed by 2 days in the field. This course is best suited for those who have some experience in a winter backcountry environment and are familiar with their gear.
**All of our AIARE Level 1 courses require attendance at an online pre-trip meeting 2 evenings before your course start date. Your instructor will reach out before the course with more information.**
NEW for the 2024-2025 Season:
January 11-12 – Snoqualmie Pass – Snowshoers’ Course
January 18-19 – Snoqualmie Pass – Womxn’s Course
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AIARE 1 Course Itinerary:
This course will be one self-paced, online learning day followed by 2 field days.
Online learning: Please allow 8 hours for the online curriculum. The curriculum will provide an overview of avalanche types and characteristics. We will introduce case studies to analyze avalanche incidents. Course progression includes:
Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena:
- Types and characteristics of avalanches
- Avalanche motion
- Size classification
- The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
Trip Planning and Preparation:
- Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
- Route finding and travel techniques
- Decision making and Human Factors
Field Day 1: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- This day will involve a combination of indoor and outdoor training. The day will start with a discussion of weather observations and how to use a daily avalanche bulletin to assess risk. After the initial discussion, we will travel to an outdoor location to introduce beacons and companion rescue. The day ends with a route planning session as we prepare for our final day, a full day in the mountains.
Field Day 2: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- The day will again start with a discussion of weather observations and use a daily avalanche bulletin to assess risk. We will then move to an outdoor location to travel into the backcountry. During the day we focus on appropriate travel techniques, features of the snowpack, and terrain identification. We end the day with a mock rescue scenario and debrief.
Location Notes:
Washington 2-day courses happen at Snoqualmie Pass, Mt Baker, or Mt Rainier. Each course has its location and duration listed on our calendar. Please click the date to see the location.
All Oregon courses happen on Mt Hood, on the south side of the mountain near Timberline. (Government Camp is a great place to find convenient lodging for this course.) Please click the date to see the location.
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- 18+ for adult courses or 16+ with consent from a guardian and Kaf approval
- 12-18 for youth courses
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The Level 1 Avalanche Course is a stand-alone course. Some backcountry snow travel is highly recommended. At the minimum you need to know how to use your gear and transition efficiently.
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- Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
- Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
- Identify avalanche terrain.
- Learn and apply effective companion rescue.
- Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
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- 16 hours of professional field instruction
- 8 hours of online curriculum (delivered in email, 2 weeks before your course start date)
- AIARE Level 1 curriculum handouts to add to your home library
- An AIARE field book
- A group snow study kit
- AIARE 1 Certificate
- 16 hours of professional field instruction
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- Winter travel equipment
- Transportation
- Lunch
- Personal layers
- Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel
- Winter travel equipment
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You will need to provide one of the following snow travel tools:
- Snowshoes with waterproof boots (we recommend insulated boots)
- Skis, boots, and bindings (Metal edge skis, plastic boots, and Randonee/alpine touring/downhill Telemark bindings). Please note: Cross-country skis will not work for backcountry tours.
- Splitboard with adjustable bindings that move into “tour” mode efficiently (Soft boots are okay, and hard boots are preferred)
- Additional equipment needed:
- Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Helmet
- Personal layers
- Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Snowshoes with waterproof boots (we recommend insulated boots)
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Transportation and times will be coordinated by email when the pre-trip announcement is sent to all registrants.
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Consider joining a Skiing/Splitboarding: Intermediate course to spend more time with a professional instructor in the field.