AIARE 1 Avalanche Course

A 3-day AIARE 1 course with Vertex Mountain Guides.

The AIARE 1 course offers a comprehensive three-day, 24-hour introduction to managing avalanche hazards. Students will learn how to effectively prepare for and execute a backcountry trip, make fundamental field decisions, and master the rescue techniques necessary to locate and excavate a buried individual in the event of an avalanche involving a party member.

AIARE 1 is ideal for individuals seeking to engage in activities in or near avalanche-prone areas. While prior awareness classes, workshops, or the Avalanche Rescue course may be beneficial, none are required to enroll in AIARE 1. Those aiming for professional advancement must complete both AIARE 1 and the Avalanche Rescue course before progressing to the Pro 1 course.

Each of our AIARE courses is personally instructed by IFMGA Mountain Guide Keith Moon. Keith’s extensive personal and professional experience allows him to deliver the curriculum in a deeply impactful manner. He is dedicated to guiding you towards success in the mountains.

Sample Itinerary for planning:

Day 1

• Meet at our indoor facility, spend morning inside

• Afternoon will be outdoors, but not traveling far

• 9:00am to 4:30pm

Day 2

• Meet at field location TBD- 2 hours in parking lot

• Day will be spent traveling on trail, roughly 2,000 feet of gain and loss over 5 total miles

• 8:00am- 4:00pm

Day 3

• Meet at field location TBD- Trailhead meeting

• Full day of touring (skis or hiking) between 2,000 and 4,000 feet of gain and loss over 4-6 miles

• 8:00am- 4:00pm- Please let us know ahead of time if you need to leave by a certain time on the last day.

What you’ll learn

Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena Types and characteristics of avalanches Avalanche motion Size classification The mountain snowpack:  an introduction to metamorphism and layering

Observations and Information Gathering
Field observation techniques
Snowpack tests:  rutschblock, compression test
Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
Observation checklist
Avalanche danger scale

Trip Planning and Preparation
Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
Route finding and travel techniques
Decision making and Human Factors

Companion Rescue and Equipment Participate in a small team rescue

Upon completing the AIARE 1 course, students should be able to: Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche-prone terrain. Identify avalanche terrain. Outline a basic decision-making framework for navigating avalanche terrain. Learn and implement effective companion rescue techniques.