AIARE Avalanche Level 1 in Jackson Hole

Skill level

Intermediate

Group size

1 – 4 people

Get ready for the backcountry with AIARE Level 1

This course is operated by The Mountain Guides

Learn backcountry safety fundamentals or brush up on existing knowledge with AIARE avalanche classes. This Level 1 course offers an amazing chance to learn all best practices against a stunning backdrop: the Tetons in Jackson, Wyoming.

Going into the backcountry is exciting and fun. Making correct and safe decisions aren’t always straightforward when you’re in the field. A fundamental part of any backcountry adventurer’s toolkit is avalanche awareness. This AIARE Avalanche Level 1 class will give you the foundations for safe backcountry travel. The comprehensive three-day course focuses on:

Hazardous conditions and how to recognize and evaluate them
Educated decision making on risky terrain
Companion rescue in avalanche terrain
Navigating winter mountain route selection
Evaluating and understanding snowpack

The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) is the standard that informs your curriculum. All of our guides are certified and will use their extensive experience when guiding each participant.

Prerequisites for avalanche education

You don’t need to be an advanced skier or boarder, but you do need to be able to ascend moderate slopes using skins. All participants need to be comfortable making descents in a variety of snow conditions.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with all of your gear
Make sure it’s all in good working order prior to the class
You must have appropriate alpine touring (AT), telemark or split-board equipment
Other gear (pack, transceiver, probe, shovel) is available to rent

Book This Adventure

This AIARE Level 1 Course is designed for people looking to build a foundation for safe backcountry travel. This comprehensive 3-day course focuses on hazard evaluation, decision-making, and companion rescue in avalanche terrain. One full field day is devoted to slope evaluation, route finding, and risk management. These courses include proper instruction for basic safety and protocols for safe backcountry travel. Over the course of three days, you will learn the skills and tools needed to navigate the winter mountains and evaluate the snowpack when traveling through avalanche terrain.

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Things you need to know

Grand Teton National Park is located roughly 30 minutes from the Jackson Hole Mountain Guides’ office in Jackson, WY. The office is located at 1325 S. Highway 89, Suite 104, and shares a parking area with Smith’s. Most trips and classes will meet at this office for gear checks, preparation, and classes
It is helpful to arrive a couple of days prior to your trip/class in order to acclimatize. Otherwise, arrive the day before and stop by the office for an equipment check. Do not plan on traveling the day after a significant climb — you will be tired and there are no guaranteed times when you’ll return to the trailhead
Plan on having accommodations for the night prior to and the night you return from a significant climb. There are ample hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Jackson and the surrounding area. It is highly advisable to make reservations as early as possible
The Jackson Hole airport is the closest, but Idaho Falls (2–2.5-hour drive) and Salt Lake City (4–5-hour drive) are worth considering as well.

UPPER LAYERS

Top Long Sleeve Synthetic: medium to expedition weight long underwear Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman 1/2 zip
Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Aosta Jacket
Shell Jacket with hood. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cloudseeker Jacket
Puffy Jacket: Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Dynotherm Jacket

BOTTOM LAYERS

Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman Tight
Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Highball Pant
Socks: Synthetic or wool. Sized for your boots and blister protection. Liners recommended.

HEAD AND HANDS

Gloves 3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cyclone Alpine Glove
Hat: medium weight ski hat
Hat: baseball or visor for sun
Buff/neck gaiter

ACCESSORIES

Backpack: 30 to 40 Liter ski pack, Guide Pick: Mammut Pro Short Removable Airbag System Backpack
Water & Food: Thermos or insulated water bottles are best. Lot’s of snacks.
Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
Ski Goggles
Extra Prescription Glasses/Contact Lens

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