AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course in Vail
SeasonNovember through April |
Nearest cityEagle, CO, is half an hour away; Denver and Aspen are 2 hours away |
Duration3 days |
Skill levelBeginner to advanced |
Travel safely and explore the best of the backcountry
Eager to head to the backcountry to escape the crowds this winter? We get it! Although backcountry travelling is nothing short of fun, paying special attention to avalanche safety is fundamental to your good time. Gain the decision-making skills necessary to evaluate and travel in avalanche terrain with this AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course! There is no better way to brush upon your backcountry education than the amazing powder-filled scenery of Vail, Colorado. The Level 1 course includes a one-day remote classroom session, followed by two full days in the field. Learn from the very best and become skilled in exploring the most impressive backcountry terrain in the area!
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Itinerary
Online classes: Given the current situation, the format of this course looks a little different this winter. Instead of classroom-based learning, the Friday classroom session will be conducted remotely via Zoom. Classroom days will start around 9:00 am and end around 5:00 pm. Students participating virtually will still be able to engage in group discussion and view instructors via the online platform. Completion of prerequisite e-learning modules is required by AIARE prior to the start of all courses. Participants should be prepared for the AIARE Level 1 modules to take about four hours. You will learn about:
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- How behavior can affect interaction with the backcountry
- Trip planning and preparation
- Risk management and decision-making
- Human influence in:
- Group dynamics
- Decision-making
- Accidents
The topics listed above will first be discussed in the classroom then applied in person during the weekend field days.
Field days: Field days will start around 8:00 am, end around 5:00-5:30 pm, and take place in Vail Valley, Vail Pass or Fremont Pass. Get acquainted with the group and familiarize yourself with avy gear (beacon, probe, shovel and airbag), then head out with your guide and group and learn about:
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- Trip planning and preparation
- Beacon, shovel and probe use
- Avalanche rescue, beacon search and strategic shoveling
- Identifying and evaluating avalanche terrain
- Route-finding, terrain management and travel techniques
- Group management
- Snow pit and snow layer analysis and tests
- Questions to ask in risk evaluation
- Identifying “red flags”