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Enthusiasts know that the very best skiing can be found in the backcountry, but experts understand that crowd-free pleasures on untracked snow come with a risk. In the dazzling but deceptive wilderness, gear can only take you so far. That’s why it’s important to equip yourself with knowledge. This AIARE Level 1 course is a two-part introduction to avalanche hazard management—carried out in the comfort of a beautiful backcountry ski hut and in Crested Butte’s winter wonderland, where hands-on learning under a professional guide will fast-track your skills in no time. Learn more about avalanche awareness from AMGA Mountain Guide Rob Coppolillo.
Recognizing hazards is an indispensable tool in the backcountry
The usual classroom setting is replaced by a cozy ski hut
Develop your skills while enjoying Crested Butte’s stellar slopes
Learn the fundamentals of avalanche safety in this hut-based AIARE Level 1 course that will help you make the most of your time on the snow. Enjoy a unique classroom setting in the picturesque Gothic Hut System, then head out with your guide for first-hand study in the field. At the end of this three-day course, you’ll know how to prepare, handle difficulties, and employ rescue techniques in the volatile backcountry.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Crested Butte, CO please refer to the Official Colorado COVID-19 Update Website.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
What’s not included:
In order to get the most of this adventure, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be on your feet for a full day. You will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blue or black level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.
Prerequisites:
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 should be comfortable traveling in snow while carrying touring gear. There are no other prerequisites.
For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
Gear rental locations are in Crested Butte and should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.
Group size:
AIARE Level 1 Courses in Crested Butte can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
The simplest way to reach Crested Butte is by taking a flight to Denver International Airport. From there, it’s a 4-5 hour drive to Crested Butte, depending on the weather conditions. Renting a car is recommended.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or at a backcountry trailhead within 20 min of Crested Butte. You will be informed about the location via email in advance. Be aware that the location may be subject to change based on the weather or snow coverage conditions.