AIARE Avalanche 1: Know Before You Go—And Know How to Go Smart

Whether you're a backcountry skier, splitboarder, snowmobiler, or snowshoer, the AIARE Avalanche 1 course is your essential first step into the world of avalanche education and safe mountain travel. This 3-day, field-based course blends practical skills, real-time decision-making, and classroom foundations to give you the tools you need to make smart decisions in avalanche terrain.

What You'll Learn

By the end of the course, you'll be able to:

• Understand the Avalanche Triangle: Learn how weather, snowpack, and terrain interact to create avalanche conditions.

• Recognize Avalanche Terrain: Identify where avalanches are most likely to occur and how to avoid them.

• Plan and Execute Backcountry Trips: Use the AIARE Framework to plan tours, evaluate conditions, and make group decisions.

• Use Avalanche Rescue Gear: Practice using your beacon, shovel, and probe in a scenario-based rescue.

• Make Better Decisions: Develop a decision-making mindset and habits that help you and your partners stay safe in complex, changing environments.

Course Format

• Day 1: Classroom/Online Session
  Dig into avalanche science, trip planning, and avalanche bulletins.

• Days 2–3: Field Days
  Out in the snow! Apply what you’ve learned with terrain analysis, group travel strategies, and rescue drills.

Who This Course Is For

• Newer backcountry travelers looking to get educated before venturing deeper.

• Experienced skiers or riders who want to formalize their knowledge and build a stronger decision-making foundation.

• Anyone ready to move beyond “just following the group” and take an active role in backcountry safety.

Prerequisites

• Ability to travel uphill on snow (skis, splitboard).

• Basic familiarity with your gear.

• A sense of adventure and willingness to learn!

AIARE Avalanche 1 isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about building confidence, community, and the skills to travel in the mountains with awareness and intention. Snow safety is serious, but learning it should be inspiring, hands-on, and a little bit fun. We’ll make sure it is.

Bring your stoke—and we’ll bring the knowledge. See you in the snow!