Avalanche Operations

Overview

Baker Mountain Guides avalanche operations course is designed for military units wanting to prepare their teams for basic decision-making in avalanche terrain. Our curriculum is a combination of both the AIARE avalanche rescue course and the AIARE Level 1 avalanche course. Our instructors have customized the curriculum to accommodate the needs of larger teams operating within the context of mountain warfare.

Baker Mountain Guides has extensive experience working with members of the armed forces, specifically combat controllers, pararescue jumpers, and rangers. Our experience ensures the success of your training, from funding through completion.

Questions? Speak with an Instructor

Itinerary

Baker Mountain Guides offers custom, 4-day Avalanche
Operations programs to military units.

Day 1: Companion Rescue

Instructors will cover beacon wear and care, search organization and phases, probing, strategic shoveling, and evac in the context of both single and multiple burials. Students will have the opportunity to practice and apply these avalanche rescue skills in numerous mock scenarios.

Day 2: Fundamentals

The course will begin with 8 hours of lecture. Curriculum includes case studies, avalanche and snowpack fundamentals, hazard assessment, and the AIARE framework.

Day 3: Field Observations

Instructors will introduce field observations with an emphasis on standardized snowpack observations. Students will dig snow pits with mentorship in craftsmanship and relevancy. Basic snowpack tests and interpretation will be introduced.

Day 4: Tour Planning and Decision Making

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