This 24-hour course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip.  The importance of record keeping, communicating, and making continuous decisions about hazards while in the backcountry will be demonstrated while in the field and you will learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.

Who Should Take this Course?

This AIARE 1 is specifically for splitboarders who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. You should be familiar with your touring equipment and be proficient in uphill travel prior to the start of the course. You should also be comfortable in ungroomed conditions in all types of snow (heavy, wet snow, powder, ice, breakable crust, etc). You should be able to make controlled turns in difficult, steep and tight terrain with any of the above mentioned snow conditions. It doesn't have to be pretty, but it should not cause stress.  We are working on getting more split-board guides, but be aware your instructor may be on skis. All of our guides, regardless of mode of transportation, will have knowledge of finding the best routes for splitboarders and some knowledge of your gear. This course is offered at Crystal Mountain only.

AIARE 1 is a prerequisite for AIARE 2, as well as the Pro 1 course for aspiring avalanche professionals. 

Our AIARE 1 avalanche course and our 3-Day Ski Touring course will teach you equally important yet very different skill sets. Our avalanche courses are designed to teach you to identify avalanche hazards and manage risk in the backcountry.  Our ski touring course is a movement-based course designed to introduce you to the gear, skills, and knowledge necessary to move proficiently through the backcountry. In order to become a well-rounded backcountry traveler, we encourage you to take the ski touring course prior to taking an AIARE 1 course if you do not already have uphill experience.  If you take the 3-Day Ski Touring Course and an AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in the same season, you will receive a 10% discount on each.

Why Take Your AIARE 1 with Us? 

Our guides have some of the highest quality training and certification in the industry, and you can be sure that we have the permits, licenses and insurance in every location we operate. Our instructors have completed an AIARE Instructor Training Course and are members of the American Avalanche Association, and many of them are AMGA-certified guides, Wilderness First Responders, EMTs, and/or Leave No Trace educators.  You always get a safe, high-quality trip or learning environment with us. You will travel and learn from experts. We've pioneered several alpine climbing routes, ski descents, and traverses and we've written books on backcountry skills and routes.

What You’ll Learn

During an AIARE 1 course, you’ll spend time learning these skills, both in a classroom setting and in the field: 

• A repeatable process for managing risk in the winter backcountry
• Identifying avalanche hazard
• Developing a plan for travel in avalanche terrain
• Identifying avalanche terrain
• Build habits to maintain awareness, communicate with your group, and make decisions 
• Learn and practice avalanche rescue skills

Please note that you will only see the START date for the course when you are booking. If the date shows 0 open spots, the course is sold out and you may opt to join the waitlist for that course.  You may join as many waitlists as you like.

Overall Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Skills Required: Solid intermediate snowboarding skills; uphill travel proficiency (kick turns, etc.)

Fitness Level: Moderate