AIARE 1 Avalanche Course

Small-group avalanche instruction in Mount Washington terrain led by an IFMGA Mountain Guide

Quick Info

Duration 2 field days + remote work (24 hours)

Group Size 6 people per course

Season December to March

Location Mount Washington, NH

Cost $675

Check Availability

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course — White Mountains, New Hampshire

IFMGA Mountain Guide-led small-group instruction in Mount Washington terrain

This 3-day AIARE 1 Avalanche Course takes place in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and focuses on real-world decision-making, avalanche terrain assessment, and companion rescue in consequential winter environments.

Max 6 students per course
Instruction by IFMGA Mountain Guide Keith Moon

The White Mountains offer one of the most complex avalanche environments in the Northeast, providing an ideal setting to develop practical decision-making skills under professional instruction.

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Overview

This AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is a three-day introduction to traveling in avalanche terrain in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and field-based learning, students develop skills in avalanche terrain recognition, snowpack and weather interpretation, trip planning, and companion rescue.

The focus is on building practical decision-making skills for backcountry skiing, splitboarding, and winter mountain travel.

Why Choose Vertex Mountain Guides

Vertex Mountain Guides provides small-group AIARE 1 avalanche education in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, led exclusively by IFMGA Mountain Guide Keith Moon.

This course is designed for students who want focused instruction, real field experience, and practical decision-making skills in avalanche terrain.

Small-Group Instruction (Max 6 Students)

All courses are limited to 6 students to ensure direct instruction and meaningful time in the field.

  • More individual feedback from your guide

  • More time practicing avalanche rescue skills

  • More terrain-based decision-making practice

  • More discussion and scenario-based learning

  • More time actually moving in avalanche terrain

This structure prioritizes learning quality over group size.

What You Will Learn

This AIARE 1 course follows the national AIARE curriculum and covers:

  • Avalanche terrain recognition and hazard identification

  • Snowpack, weather, and avalanche problem interpretation

  • Backcountry trip planning and terrain selection

  • Companion rescue (beacon, shovel, probe)

  • Group communication and human factors

Emphasis is placed on applying these skills in real mountain environments.

Why Train in the White Mountains

Field sessions take place in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, including terrain influenced by Mount Washington.

This environment provides exposure to:

  • Rapidly changing weather patterns

  • Wind-loaded alpine terrain

  • Variable snowpack conditions

  • Real avalanche terrain decision-making

Training here builds judgment for Northeast backcountry skiing and splitboarding.

AIARE 1 in New Hampshire

This course is based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and includes field training in terrain influenced by Mount Washington’s complex winter conditions.

Instruction by IFMGA Mountain Guide

Every course is led by IFMGA Mountain Guide Keith Moon.

IFMGA certification represents the highest international standard in professional mountain guiding.

Instruction focuses on practical decision-making, terrain awareness, and real-world application of avalanche safety principles.

Additional Mountain Skills

In addition to avalanche education, Vertex Mountain Guides offers guided ascents of Mount Washington and rock climbing instruction. This allows students to continue developing mountain skills year-round with a consistent instructional approach.

Booking & Availability

AIARE 1 courses in the White Mountains typically fill quickly due to small group sizes.

We recommend booking early, especially for mid-winter dates.

Wooden signboard in snowy landscape displaying avalanche information for White Mountain National Forest. The sign includes today's advisory, marking avalanche danger as moderate, with posted notices and a map.
Two men wearing sunglasses and winter clothing examining a snow profile with an avalanche probe and shovel on a snowy mountain.
Person digging a snow pit with an orange shovel, wearing a colorful winter jacket and a beanie, standing in deep snow.

Booking Details

  • Instruction with from AIARE course leader and IFMGA Guide.

    We can provide beacon, shovel and probe if needed.

    We have a small selection of ski touring kit. We will be in touch about borrowing our gear or pointing you in the direction for rentals.

    Pre course check in and post course follow ups

  • CLICK HERE for a detailed list of what you are responsible for bringing for a day of backcountry skiing.

    In addition to the gear list for Backcountry skiing, you will need comfortable clothes for day 1 as well as note taking materials.

    More details will come in a course welcome emails.

  • This is a 3-day, 24-hour program.

    You can expect each day to be roughly 8 hours.

  • Day 1 we will meet at an indoor location.

    Days 2 and 3 will be in the field, likely around Mount Washington.

  • CLICK HERE to view our cancelation and weather polices.

  • CLICK HERE to view answers to frequently asked questions.