AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course

Overview

Baker Mountain Guides AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course is designed to provide our students with a foundational understanding of avalanches, observational and decision-making techniques, avalanche terrain assessment, and companion rescue. Along with learning the science and theory behind the avalanche phenomenon, students will be challenged to apply their new skills in the backcountry.

Baker Mountain Guides has customized the AIARE curriculum to provide practical field skills for the Pacific Northwest. Our instructors are passionate backcountry skiers and snowboarders who believe that avalanche education saves lives. These values are reflected in the quality of our AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course.

Questions? Speak with an Instructor

Itinerary

Baker Mountain Guides offers scheduled AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Courses with both online and in-person classroom sessions. Field sessions are in the Mount Baker Backcountry.

Optional: Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course

Students new to AT skiing and splitboarding are highly encouraged to participate in an Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course the day before their AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course. The Intro to Backcountry Course sets you up for success via experience with the fundamentals of backcountry travel.

Day 1: Fundamentals

The course will begin with 8 hours of lecture. Classroom sessions may be online or in-person. Our engaging online lectures are split into two sessions, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Curriculum includes case studies, avalanche and snowpack fundamentals, hazard assessment, and decision making.

Day 2: Companion Rescue and Field Observations

Plan on a full day in the field. In the morning, we’ll cover avalanche beacons and companion rescue. Students will have the opportunity to run several practice drills. In the afternoon, we’ll dig snow pits, and introduce standardized weather and snowpack observations.

Day 3: Backcountry Tour and Decision Making

Students will complete a pre-trip hazard assessment and plan a tour. Our final day will be spent skiing and snowboarding the backcountry. Students will work together to choose appropriate terrain for the current avalanche conditions under the mentorship of an instructor.

Interested in this course?

Program Information

Season
December - March

Duration
3 Days / 24 Hours

Locations
Mount Baker Backcountry

Max Ratio
6 Students to 1 Instructor

Equipment
Download Equipment List

Rental Equipment

Schedule
2022 - 2023 Winter Season

Online Classroom Courses

*Please select 1st field day when booking online
- Evening Class: Nov 30 & Dec 1 - Field: Dec 3 – 4
- Evening Class: Dec 5 & 6 - Field: Dec 8 – 9
- Evening Class: Dec 7 & 8 - Field: Dec 10 – 11
- Evening Class: Dec 12 & 13 - Field: Dec 15 – 16
- Evening Class: Dec 19 & 20 - Field: Dec 22 – 23
- Evening Class: Dec 28 & 29 - Field: Dec 31 – Jan 1
- Evening Class: Jan 2 & 3 - Field: Jan 5 – 6
- Evening Class: Jan 4 & 5 - Field: Jan 7 – 8
- Evening Class: Jan 9 & 10 - Field: Jan 12 – 13
- Evening Class: Jan 25 & 26 - Field: Jan 28 – 29
- Evening Class: Feb 1 & 2 - Field: Feb 4 – 5
- Evening Class: Feb 8 & 9 - Field: Feb 11 – 12
- Evening Class: Feb 22 & 23 - Field: Feb 25 – 26
- Evening Class: March 1 & 2 - Field: March 4 – 5
In-Person Classroom Courses

*Please select 1st day when booking online
- Jan 14 - 16 (MLK)
- Feb 18 – 20 (Presidents Day)
New to the Backcountry?

Prepare for your AIARE Level 1 with an:

Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course

Cost
$550 / Person

Cost Includes
- AIARE Level 1 Student Manual
- AIARE Field Book
- Backcountry Ski Map

Overview

Itinerary

Program Information

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