AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course
Assessment & Avoidance Skills

So you figure it's steep and all white. "Looks good..you go first..." How to plan, evaluate & execute a successful ski/snowboard tour above treeline in the Rockies! Not an easy task, but we've got the tools & knowledge to pass on to you!

For the backcountry skier, snowboarder, heli-skier, snowmobiler, snow shoe hiker, or hut trip skier, awareness of snow pack stability is critical to the choice of route and successful/safe completion of the day's tour. Avalanche assessment and avoidance skills are of primary importance to those traveling through the winter backcountry.

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

Students will come away from the course with the following information:
  • How to prepare and plan for a tour
  • How to analyze an avalanche forecast
  • How to identify avalanche terrain, avalanche type
  • How to recognize hazardous conditions
  • Basic snow pack understanding
  • Basics of route selection/terrain features
  • Basic tests techniques and interpretation
  • Educated decision making
  • Basic rescue techniques
  • Group management

Why choose AE?
    1. AIARE and/or AMGA trained or certified ski guide/instructor
    2. 15 minutes from our Classroom to treeline on Aspen Mountain
    3. Alpine touring gear for rent at our shop
    4. Includes all necessary avalanche rescue equipment
    5. 28 years mountain/ski guiding experience

Aspen Expeditions' professional AMGA certified or trained guides follow both AIARE* and AAA* international snow education standards. Our expertise combined with years of experience in mountain ranges throughout the world assure you the highest quality instruction available.

BOOK THIS TRIP!

Private Guiding:

Available daily. Please contact us directly to make your reservation.

Group Departures:



OR

Email us or call us at (877) 790-2777 TODAY to reserve a spot or for more information.

SNAPSHOT

Trip length: (2) evening sessions, (2) field days Friday: 5-9 pm, Saturday: 8:30- 4 pm & 5-9 pm, Sunday: 8:30 - 4:30 pm
Dates: Dec. 9-11, 2011 | Dec 16-18, 2011 | Jan 6-8, 2012 | Jan 13-15, 2012 | Feb 3-5, 2012 | Feb 24-26, 2012 | Mar 2-4, 2012 | Mar 16-18, 2012 | Apr 20-22, 2012 *(custom date available)
Cost: $315.00 per person Ratio 6:1
Includes: AIARE and/or AMGA trained or certified ski guide, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, 3% USFS land use surcharge, Level 1 avalanche course manual.
Not included: Trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing, skiing, or camping equipment (AT ski, or snowboard equipment is available for rent.) AIARE Field Book, Snow Weather & Avalanche Observations Guidelines (SWAG; $20 per book - recommended), one ride lift tickets, guide gratuities.



What you should Know:

Typical Itinerary

Itinerary

1 - Meet at Aspen Expeditions' shop at Aspen Highlands Village at 5:00 pm on the first day of the course. The classroom session will be completed by 9:00 pm.

2 - Meet at Aspen Expeditions' shop at Aspen Highlands Village at 8:30 am. The day will consist of both classroom and field work. Dress for going outdoors. The day will wrap up with a classroom session from 5 - 9 pm.

3 - On the last day you will complete a tour in the Elk Mountain Range. The guide will establish a meeting place and time. Upon completion you'll head back to Aspen Expeditions' shop to wrap up the course by 5:30 pm.


Go To: previous page > aiare level 1 avalanche course

Additional Info:

Equipment List - Avalanche Education
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Travel Guard Marmot Aspen Expeditions IFMGA AMGA UAS