Included: AAI trained/qualified Instructor/s 2 virtual meetings and two field days in Estes Park or Fisco, CO Digital AAI Course Manual AAI Backcountry Checklist AAI Certificate of Completion provided by AAI Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value) Use of Backcountry Access Avalanche Equipment during course BCA Beacon BCA Shovel BCA Probe Snowshoes Not included: Food Transportation Lodging Clothing, backpack and non-technical personal items Skiing / splitboarding equipment Trip Insurance Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Colorado Mountain School Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be and do I need any experience?

This avalanche level 1 course in Colorado is for anyone, regardless of method of travel—this course can be taken on AT skis, splitboard, or snowboard with snowshoes. If you’re taking the course on snowshoes, no experience is necessary. If you’re joining the course on a ski or splitboard touring setup, your guides ask that you have prior experience touring, comfortable in steep blue to black terrain. This course is ideal for those who may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but none are a prerequisite for this course!

At the end of this avalanche level 1 course, you should be able to… Interpret the avalanche forecast bulletin and choose appropriate avalanche terrain for the day Use the Backcountry Avalanche Checklist in the field to provide a system for prioritizing information, working as a team, and minimizing possible human factor traps Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain Demonstrate effective companion rescue Understand avalanche terminology Recognize and identify avalanche terrain Understand safe travel best practices in avalanche terrain Be able to identify major layers mountain snowpack Understand how weather changes the snowpack Understand human factors and how they can influence decision-making Know how to make and communicate field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather Be familiar with the basic use and interpretation of stability tests.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel — included in the price of the tour, but feel free to bring your own Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 20-40L bag) Ski helmet Ski or snowboard boots Skis or splitboard Ski or trekking poles Ski straps Climbing skins Baselayer bottoms & lightweight baselayer top Midweight baselayer top Softshell and fleece jacket Synthetic or down puffy jacket Waterproof shell jacket Hardshell pants Synthetic or merino wool socks Headlamp Lightweight gloves Midweight softshell gloves Heavyweight waterproof gloves Beanie of fleece hat Neck gaiter Compass Goggles Toe warmers and hand heaters First aid kit — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder Hot drinks (thermos) Food — proper prepped lunches (sandwich, burrito, pizza, etc.), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes Spare clothes for layering Toiletries (sunscreen 30 or higher, SPF lip balm, hand wipes, wag bags, toilet paper, etc.) Sunhat and sunglasses Mechanical pencil — optional Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this avalanche course level 1 in Colorado, the usual instructor-to-student ratio is 1:6. Avalanche courses in Colorado can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the course on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

Avalanche course level 1 is being held at 2 locations in Colorado: either Estes Park or Frisco. To get there, most people fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) . Depending on whether you’re going to Estes Park or Frisco, it will take you anywhere between an hour and two to get there. Your first field day starts at 8am, so make sure to get there at least a day prior to that.

ESTES PARK | COLORADO

Avalanche Course Level 1, Colorado

5.00

Backcountry skiers acquiring skills in Estes Park

Backcountry skiers touring in Estes Park

From $730 ()

Duration

2 days

Season

December through March

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

If you’re serious about backcountry skiing, an avalanche safety course like AAI isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Here’s the deal: the backcountry doesn’t come with ropes or ski patrol. It’s just you, your crew, and the mountains, which means your safety depends on your knowledge and decision-making. This course in Colorado—either Estes Park or Frisco—combines 2 virtual sessions with 2 field days, and dives deep into understanding terrain, weather, snowpack, and how they all interact. You’ll learn to read the conditions, assess risk, and make smart calls that keep you and your crew safe. Plus, there’s hands-on practice with real-world scenarios, so when things get serious, you’ll know how to respond!

Adventure highlights

From screen to field

Online lessons coupled with practical application in the field provide an ideal learning experience
Essential backcountry training

Build your skills and get out there with the confidence that you’re prepared for whatever the mountains throw at you
Avalanche level 1 by AAI

Let expert and experienced instructors teach you the curriculum established by the American Avalanche Institute

Available itineraries

Download itineraries

Avalanche Course Level 1 in Estes Park, Colorado

Regardless of the location you choose, the program stays the same. Choose this itinerary if you prefer Estes Park, CO, for your two field days.

Build up your fundamental avalanche safety skills with this guided avalanche AAI Level 1 Course in Estes Park! Learn all you need to know about hazard management in two virtual meetings followed by two days in Estes Park’s true backcountry. Gain insight into what constitutes a safe backcountry trip and acquire a basic understanding of decision making in the field, as well as avalanche rescue techniques to locate and dig up a buried person.

The first portion of our hybrid course includes the AAI Avalanche Level 1 virtual workshop. This virtual workshop consists of two 3-hour long hosted sessions, during which you will watch presentations of core material followed by small group learning exercises, Q&A, and review/feedback. These sessions will be scheduled weekly and can be taken well in advance of your course for maximum convenience and engagement. Students must attend both session 1 & 2 PRIOR to the first day of your field session. We will also review the itinerary, forecast, and logistics for field days.
We’ll meet at a predetermined location at around 8am. We’ll go through the following during today—expect the course to last until 4:30pm, so make sure to bring some food along!
- Morning avalanche, weather and safety briefing
  
  Introduction to trailhead rescue gear checks
  
  Introduction to AAI Backcountry Checklist
  
  Companion rescue practice — demonstrations, practice and observation/coaching
  
  Transition to instructor led tour and snowpack observations — introduction to snow pack tests
  
  Terrain tour (ATES) — how to identify avalanche terrain and safely navigate it
  
  Debrief observations in the field and return to trailhead
  
  Assign parameters for day 2 tour plan
After meeting at the trailhead once again, we’ll check the avalanches, snowpack, and the weather, as well as transceiver function check. Today, you can expect a student/instructor-led tour. Terrain identification, recording observations in field books, snowpack tests/observations, weather observations, companion rescue—these are all on our itinerary.

Around 4:30pm, we’ll return to the trailhead, debrief in small groups, and have a large group discussion. This wraps up our course, likely around 4:30pm!

Avalanche Course Level 1 in Frisco, Colorado

Regardless of the location you choose, the program stays the same. Choose this itinerary if you prefer Frisco, CO, for your two field days.

Build up your fundamental avalanche safety skills with this guided avalanche AAI Level 1 Course in Frisco! Learn all you need to know about hazard management in virtual meetings followed by two days in Estes Park’s true backcountry. Gain insight into what constitutes a safe backcountry trip and acquire a basic understanding of decision making in the field, as well as avalanche rescue techniques to locate and dig up a buried person.

The first portion of our hybrid course includes the AAI Avalanche Level 1 virtual workshop. This virtual workshop consists of two 3-hour long hosted sessions, during which you will watch presentations of core material followed by small group learning exercises, Q&A, and review/feedback. These sessions will be scheduled weekly and can be taken well in advance of your course for maximum convenience and engagement. Students must attend both session 1 & 2 PRIOR to the first day of your field session. We will also review the itinerary, forecast, and logistics for field days.
We’ll meet at a predetermined location at around 8am. We’ll go through the following during today—expect the course to last until 4:30pm, so make sure to bring some food along!
- Morning avalanche, weather and safety briefing
  
  Introduction to trailhead rescue gear checks
  
  Introduction to AAI Backcountry Checklist
  
  Companion rescue practice — demonstrations, practice and observation/coaching
  
  Transition to instructor led tour and snowpack observations — introduction to snow pack tests
  
  Terrain tour (ATES) — how to identify avalanche terrain and safely navigate it
  
  Debrief observations in the field and return to trailhead
  
  Assign parameters for day 2 tour plan
After meeting at the trailhead once again, we’ll check the avalanches, snowpack, and the weather, as well as transceiver function check. Today, you can expect a student/instructor-led tour. Terrain identification, recording observations in field books, snowpack tests/observations, weather observations, companion rescue—these are all on our itinerary.

Around 4:30pm, we’ll return to the trailhead, debrief in small groups, and have a large group discussion. This wraps up our course, likely around 4:30pm!

Avalanche Course Level 1, Colorado

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Jason Antin

Jason’s love for teaching mountain craft and sharing the outdoors with others inspired him to move to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado where he has been working as a guide for over a decade. He is highly trained in risk management and wilderness emergency medicine and is an incredibly competent guide in all areas of mountain exploration.

5.00

Founded in Estes Park in 1981, the Colorado Mountain School has built a solid and respected reputation in the mountain guiding community. Their team is highly trained and internationally certified — you can count on safety, fun, and adventure.

5.00(3 reviews)

Megan Reuss

Steve provided outstanding instruction for our small group of 6. We were able to apply what we learned in the online portion of the course in the backcountry in a safe way. Steven was able to answer any and all questions we brought up in a clear and concise way.

chandlek70

Course was well managed by Ben and he prompted the students to become immersed in the course by actively thinking about the course objectives. Well done!

William Wiese

Ian was an incredible instructor. He made things easy to understand and showed us how to apply our knowledge in the field.

Show all reviews

Megan Reuss

chandlek70

Course was well managed by Ben and he prompted the students to become immersed in the course by actively thinking about the course objectives. Well done!

William Wiese

Ian was an incredible instructor. He made things easy to understand and showed us how to apply our knowledge in the field.

Things to know

Included:
- - AAI trained/qualified Instructor/s
  - 2 virtual meetings and two field days in Estes Park or Fisco, CO
  - Digital AAI Course Manual
  - AAI Backcountry Checklist
  - AAI Certificate of Completion provided by AAI
  - Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
  - Use of Backcountry Access Avalanche Equipment during course
    
    BCA Beacon
    
    BCA Shovel
    
    BCA Probe
    
    Snowshoes
Not included:
- - Food
  - Transportation
  - Lodging
  - Clothing, backpack and non-technical personal items
  - Skiing / splitboarding equipment
  - Trip Insurance
  - Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of
  - Colorado Mountain School
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
This avalanche level 1 course in Colorado is for anyone, regardless of method of travel—this course can be taken on AT skis, splitboard, or snowboard with snowshoes.

If you’re taking the course on snowshoes, no experience is necessary. If you’re joining the course on a ski or splitboard touring setup, your guides ask that you have prior experience touring, comfortable in steep blue to black terrain.

This course is ideal for those who may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but none are a prerequisite for this course!
At the end of this avalanche level 1 course, you should be able to…
- - Interpret the avalanche forecast bulletin and choose appropriate avalanche terrain for the day
  - Use the Backcountry Avalanche Checklist in the field to provide a system for prioritizing information, working as a team, and minimizing possible human factor traps
  - Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain
  - Demonstrate effective companion rescue
  - Understand avalanche terminology
  - Recognize and identify avalanche terrain
  - Understand safe travel best practices in avalanche terrain
  - Be able to identify major layers mountain snowpack
  - Understand how weather changes the snowpack
  - Understand human factors and how they can influence decision-making
  - Know how to make and communicate field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather
  - Be familiar with the basic use and interpretation of stability tests.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel — included in the price of the tour, but feel free to bring your own
  - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 20-40L bag)
  - Ski helmet
  - Ski or snowboard boots
  - Skis or splitboard
  - Ski or trekking poles
  - Ski straps
  - Climbing skins
  - Baselayer bottoms & lightweight baselayer top
  - Midweight baselayer top
  - Softshell and fleece jacket
  - Synthetic or down puffy jacket
  - Waterproof shell jacket
  - Hardshell pants
  - Synthetic or merino wool socks
  - Headlamp
  - Lightweight gloves
  - Midweight softshell gloves
  - Heavyweight waterproof gloves
  - Beanie of fleece hat
  - Neck gaiter
  - Compass
  - Goggles
  - Toe warmers and hand heaters
  - First aid kit — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder
  - Hot drinks (thermos)
  - Food — proper prepped lunches (sandwich, burrito, pizza, etc.), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Toiletries (sunscreen 30 or higher, SPF lip balm, hand wipes, wag bags, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunhat and sunglasses
  - Mechanical pencil — optional
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this avalanche course level 1 in Colorado, the usual instructor-to-student ratio is 1:6.
  - Avalanche courses in Colorado can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the course on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Avalanche course level 1 is being held at 2 locations in Colorado: either Estes Park or Frisco. To get there, most people fly into Denver International Airport (DEN). Depending on whether you’re going to Estes Park or Frisco, it will take you anywhere between an hour and two to get there.

Your first field day starts at 8am, so make sure to get there at least a day prior to that.
Full payment is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…
- - More than 30 days before the departure date, you can reschedule your course to another available date, receive a full credit for a future course/trip by the guide, or a 90% refund.
  - 7-29 days before the departure date, you can either reschedule to another available date or receive a credit for a future course/trip by the guide, minus a 10% administrative fee.
  - Within 7 days of the departure date, no refund will be issued.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.