AIARE 1 AVALANCHE COURSE

This 24-hour course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. There will be 8 hours of self-paced pre-course on-line curriculum that students must complete prior to their course along with 2 full 8-hour days of outdoor field instruction. 

Included in Course Price

AIARE On-line Curriculum, AIARE Field Book, AIARE Student Manual, and SnowPark parking passes included in course price.  Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear Rentals (transceiver, probe, shovel, and pack) are available here.  Backcountry ski and splitboard package rentals are available from Tahoe Mountain Sports shop where we are based, at a discounted student price.

What You’ll Learn

During an AIARE 1 course, you’ll spend time learning these skills: 

• A repeatable process for managing risk in the winter backcountry
• Identifying avalanche hazard
• Developing a plan for travel in avalanche terrain
• Identifying avalanche terrain
• Build habits to maintain awareness, communicate with your group, and make decisions 
• Learn and practice avalanche rescue skills

Student Prerequisites:

Students must be in at least moderate physical condition and be able to travel in mountainous terrain on skis or splitboard, we travel up to 1500-2500' per day on a typical course.  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 Course is required before your avalanche course if you do not have at least 5 backcountry days of experience.  The Intro to Backcountry Course will provide you with some of the basic skills and techniques needed for backcountry travel and familiarize you with backcountry specific gear.  We offer Intro to Backcountry Courses on most Fridays and Saturdays throughout the winter season.  Skiers or riders 12-16 years old with the required experience can join us with a parent. 16 years and over are able to join without accompaniment.