The first day of the course is reserved for classroom education. This will serve as a theoretical foundation for field education in the two following days. The classroom education will take place in the hut—once you and fellow participants settle in. You can expect 8 hours of classes which will consist of regular classroom presentations and trip planning lessons, as well as companion rescue.
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This hut-based AIARE 1 program at Sisters Cabin offers a comprehensive program with +24h of lessons and total immersion in the backcountry environment over 3 days. You will not only have a chance to learn about safety in avalanche terrain in the field (and in front of crackling fire), but you also get meals, as well as some useful insights on how to organize a backcountry hut trip. Needless to say, with this option the superb off-piste areas utilized during the field days are within arm’s reach!
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The AIARE 1 course in Summit County encompasses a comprehensive set of learning outcomes, divided into four key categories. The first category focuses on equipment proficiency, teaching efficient utilization of beacons, shovels, and probes, conducting thorough pre-trip equipment checks, and understanding essential survival gear. The next category delves into weather understanding, including comprehending mountain snowpack dynamics, interpreting avalanche forecasts, recognizing different avalanche classifications, and familiarizing oneself with various avalanche types. Trip preparation is another crucial aspect, covering route selection, rescue and emergency planning, and effective group management strategies. The final section emphasizes hazards and rescue, encompassing hazard recognition, risk management, decision-making skills, and companion risk assessment. These comprehensive learning outcomes will be covered through a minimum of 24 hours of instruction spread across three days, ensuring a thorough and immersive educational experience.
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One month before the trip, you will receive various e-materials from your guide that will serve as a preparation for the upcoming AIARE 1 course. You can study the materials at your own pace and get a head start by learning useful information before the course itself.
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Day 2 will resume with some more classroom education in the morning, followed by a field session where you’ll be learning how to make relevant observations in the field.
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Day 3 is arguably the most exciting one as it involves skill application in the field! The day will mostly consist of a student-led tour. Celebrate your achievements with fellow skiers and return to the guide’s basecamp in the afternoon.
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What you get in this adventure:
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- An experienced, AIARE-certified guide(s) with extensive knowledge of the area
- A day of classroom education and 2 days in the field
- E-Learning materials and Student Manual for AIARE Level 1 (sent one month prior to course)
- Student manual and weather-proof AIARE field book
- Use of beacon, shovel and probe (if needed)
- Accommodation in the hut (2 nights)
- Meals (breakfast and dinner)
- Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership
- Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead
What’s not included:
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- Technical backcountry ski touring equipment (can be rented directly from your guide) and clothing
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunches
- Transportation to and from the designated meeting place
- Travel Insurance
- Guide gratuities—optional
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In order to get the most of this AIARE Level 1 course at Sisters Cabin and given that it is physically demanding, you need to have a very good level of fitness. For your safety and the safety of other participants, you will need to disclose any relevant information about your health. While the information provided remains confidential, it is crucial for the guide’s use and may be shared with medical and/or rescue personnel in case of emergencies.
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No prior backcountry experience is required to take this course. However, it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup beforehand and feel comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at a ski resort. This familiarity will contribute to a smoother learning experience and help ensure a level of competence when venturing into the backcountry. The course is designed to introduce and educate participants on backcountry skiing or splitboarding, providing the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the terrain safely.
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For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:
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- Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
- Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
- Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
- Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
- Lightweight snow shovel
- Avalanche probe
For personal items, we recommend bringing:
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- Helmet — optional
- Sunglasses or ski goggles
- Gloves and brimmed hat/visor
- Light gloves for uphill travel
- Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
- Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
- Down jacket or vest
- Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
- 1L water bottle
- Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
- Sunscreen
- Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (a 40L backpack)
- Pillow case, sleeping bag, and head lamp (only for the Hut-Based Course)
- Camera — optional
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All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:
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- Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at their Silverthorne, CO Basecamp (no additional fee)
- Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at their Silverthorne, CO Basecamp
- Splitboards can be rented directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at their Silverthorne, CO Basecamp
Ski rental locations are in Silverthorne, CO and equipment 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. You can rent your gear package upon booking at a discounted rate.
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Although this tour is primarily designed as an AIARE Level 1 course, it offers flexibility to be adapted into different types of adventures. For instance, during the same dates, Sisters Cabin can be utilized to facilitate a traditional weekend hut-based backcountry trip or an introduction to hut trips. The latter option allows you to learn the intricacies of planning and organizing your own hut-based backcountry trip. If you are interested in embarking on this type of adventure with a group of fellow participants, please contact us to make the necessary arrangements. We are here to cater to your specific interests and preferences.
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Nestled amidst the captivating backcountry terrain near Silverthorne and Breckenridge, Sisters Cabin offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience in a remote setting. The cabin features three upstairs rooms with a total of 14 beds. It is reserved exclusively for one group, ensuring privacy and an intimate atmosphere. The cabin is well-equipped with amenities including propane cooktops, a propane oven, a wood-burning heat stove, firewood, cooking and eating utensils, mattresses, solar-powered lighting, indoor composting toilets, and a wood-burning sauna.
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Group sizes and pricing:
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- For this group course, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1.
- Cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
AIARE 1 courses in Summit County, CO can be arranged for larger/private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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To get to Summit County, most people fly into Denver International Airport just under 2 hours away from Summit County. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, they will suggest the best time and place to meet. The meeting place may be your guiding service’s basecamp in Silverthorne, CO, but you will receive more details in the weeks prior to the course dates that will include the exact meeting time and location.
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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, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Summit County, Colorado, please refer to Colorado’s COVID-19 travel guidelines.
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!
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