AIARE 1 Avalanche Course-$425. Dec 11-13

 Registration is closed for this event
The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is a 3 day introduction to avalanche hazard management and prepares you for travel in backcountry terrain. AIARE Field Book, AIARE Student Manual, use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel, and pack), and online curriculum all included in course price. Backcountry ski and splitboard package rentals available from Tahoe Mountain Sports for $99 for the 3-day course.

The AIARE 1 is a 3 day/24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management.  Instructional sessions are (3 days-8 hours/day = 24 hours total including both class and field instruction).

Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the AIARE 1 course the student should be able to:

  • Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
  • Effectively use the Decision Making Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting
  • Demonstrate effective companion rescue.

Instructional sessions (24 hours including both class and field instruction) :

1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

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

2. Observations and Information Gathering

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

3. Trip Planning and Preparation

  • Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
  • Route finding and travel techniques
  • Decision making and Human Factors

4. Companion Rescue and Equipment

Course Details

Classroom located within the Tahoe Mountain Sports store in Truckee with field work conducted on Donner Summit.  65% of course time spent in the field, 35% of course time in classroom.  We run small courses with a maximum course participant size of 12 people.  Ski and splitboard package rentals available from Tahoe Mountain Sports for $99 for the 3-day course.  Further course details will be sent to you after registration is completed.

Student Prerequisites:

Students must be in at least moderate physical condition and be able to travel in mountainous terrain on skis or splitboard.  Snowshoes are not allowed on this course.  Students must be able to ski or ride on advanced terrain at a ski resort and be able to link turns in a variety of snow conditions.  An Intro to Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding course before your avalanche course is recommended if you have ski/snowboard experience but no backcountry experience.  The Into to Backcounty course will provide you with some of the basic skills and techniques needed for backcountry travel and familiarize you with the backcountry gear.  We offer Intro to Backcountry courses most Saturdays throughout the winter season. 

Recommended Equipment List

Cancelation and Refund Policy

When
December 11th, 2020 8:00 AM to December 13th, 2020 4:00 PM
Cost
Course Cost $425.00