The Outbound Mountain Gear AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Hut course teaches the AIARE 1 curriculum over three days while you live in a backcountry hut. You ski tour from the door and use what you learn in real terrain each day.

What it's for

This course is for people who want to start traveling in avalanche terrain with a plan. You learn how avalanche hazard forms, how to read the forecast, how to spot avalanche terrain, how to rescue a partner, and how to make decisions as a group. Because the class is based at a hut, the evening debriefs and the morning tour plans are part of the teaching.

How it works

Day 1: Ski into the hut, then start with trip planning, avalanche basics, and group goals.

Day 2: A full field day covering terrain management, snowpack observations, and rescue skills.

Day 3: Students plan and lead the tour, with feedback from the instructor.

Hut based format: There are no shuttles and no parking lot sessions. You tour in the same kind of terrain you will ride in later, in a small group.

Features

• Avalanche conditions: how terrain, weather, and snowpack interact to create avalanche hazard
• Avalanche forecast: how to read it and plan your day around changing conditions and risk factors
• Avalanche terrain: how to identify the features, slopes, and aspects where avalanches are most likely
• Companion rescue: beacon, shovel, and probe practice in realistic scenarios right outside the hut
• Decision making: the AIARE framework for planning tours, communicating with your group, and traveling smart

Specs

• Course date: February 13 to 15, 2027
• Length: 3 days
• Curriculum: AIARE 1
• Format: hut based, small group

You will also need

• Travel ability: you must be able to travel uphill in the backcountry on skis, a splitboard, or snowshoes
• Fitness: a moderate level of fitness and readiness for full days in the field
• Rescue gear: avalanche rescue gear (beacon, shovel, and probe)