AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course

The AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course provides a complete introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, avalanche terrain, decision making, and rescue

In a continental snowpack such as the Elk Mountains, AEW’s customized instruction maximizes student learning outcomes as they relate to backcountry travel. Aspen Expeditions has been teaching avalanche courses since 1980 and has an intimate knowledge of the Colorado snowpack. The AIARE instructors, IFMGA/AMGA trained/certified ski guides, have extensive experience guiding, teaching and skiing the backcountry. Aspen Expeditions’ mountain guide service combines experience, knowledge-base, and access to backcountry ski terrain in Colorado’s White River National Forest. 

Subjects covered include:

• Types of avalanches
• Characteristics of avalanches
• How avalanches form and release
• Assessing avalanche terrain
• Trip planning and preparation
• Route Finding Decision making
• Avalanche gear review (beacons, probes, airbags, etc.)
• Rescue protocols and procedures

Students that are a great fit for our Avalanche Courses – Any current or future backcountry skier / rider that knows how to skin uphill and is familiar with their backcountry uphill equipment and how to use it. This person has ideally skied off-piste in untracked snow before and can safely ski single black diamond terrain inbounds. 

Students that may not be a great fit for our Avalanche Courses – Beginner skiers and riders and anyone that has not used uphill skinning equipment before the course and those that are not familiar with how to use their gear. We do offer private avalanche education courses on request for those that may need extra instruction and for non-skiers / riders that may prefer to snowshoe or cross-country ski.