Avalanche Institute of Research and Education AIARE 1 Course
Don’t second guess yourself in the backcountry — get the tools to make good decisions
Are you a skiÂer, snowÂboardÂer, climber or snowÂshoer that travÂels in avalanche terÂrain? Avalanche InstiÂtute of Research and EduÂcaÂtion (AIARE) RecreÂationÂal I is an introÂducÂtoÂry class with lecÂtures and two field days that covÂers the pheÂnomÂeÂnon of avalanche, avalanche terÂrain, deciÂsion makÂing, travÂel techÂniques, human facÂtors, and comÂpanÂion resÂcue. These coursÂes are designed for recreÂationÂalÂists lookÂing to get out and have the necÂesÂsary tools to make informed deciÂsions about risk facÂtors, and to be able to ask the right quesÂtions before headÂing out. Round out your backÂcounÂtry eduÂcaÂtion by joinÂing us for a BackÂcounÂtry SkiÂing FunÂdaÂmenÂtal Course. And for those lookÂing to up their game, it meets the requireÂment for our more advanced BackÂcounÂtry Ski Tours.
At the end of this course you should be able to:
- plan and preÂpare for travÂel in avalanche terrain
- recÂogÂnize avalanche terrain
- describe a frameÂwork for makÂing deciÂsions in avalanche terrain
- apply effecÂtive comÂpanÂion rescue.
For proÂfesÂsionÂals, such as entry levÂel guides and ski-patrollers lookÂing for essenÂtial skills to keep themÂselves, and othÂers safe in avalanche terÂrain, this is the place to start before jumpÂing into proÂfesÂsionÂal levÂel coursÂes such as the LevÂel 2 course.
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Course Perks
Our highÂly expeÂriÂenced instrucÂtors have been trained by the CanaÂdiÂan Avalanche AssoÂciÂaÂtion (CAA), the AmerÂiÂcan MounÂtain Guides AssoÂciÂaÂtion (AMGA), and the AmerÂiÂcan InstiÂtute for Avalanche Research and EduÂcaÂtion (AIARE). They are the best, mostÂly highÂly trained instrucÂtors! Who else would you want to learn from?
In addiÂtion to this, we have the most course venues availÂable, which allow us to adapt to the ever-changÂing conÂdiÂtions winÂter throws our way:
- Mount Rainier
- Steven’s Pass
- SnoÂqualmie Pass
- LeavÂenÂworth and Blewett Pass
- Mount BakÂer Ski area BC
- White Pass
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Description
The AIARE 1 is a 24-hour course that proÂvides an introÂducÂtion to using deciÂsion makÂing tools to help a group manÂage risk while travÂelÂing in avalanche terÂrain. Avalanche eduÂcaÂtion and getÂting the ​“know-how” to travÂel wiseÂly is a lifeÂlong purÂsuit, and this is the best place to start. Here’s what you’ll learn about:
- WeathÂer
- SnowÂpack
- Avalanche pheÂnomÂeÂnon
- TerÂrain Selection
- Human facÂtors
- DeciÂsion making
- Avalanche danÂger ratings
- Self-resÂcue/ÂComÂpanÂion rescue
- Trip planÂning and preparation
- TravÂel techniques
- BondÂing tests/​test profiles
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Mount Rainier w/​Online Lectures
$575 – 1 evening lecture + 2 full field days
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Intro to BackÂcounÂtry TourÂing ExtenÂsion (call for details) – $350
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Stevens Pass w/​Online Lectures
$575 – 1 evening lecture + 2 full field days
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Intro to BackÂcounÂtry TourÂing ExtenÂsion (call for details) – $350
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SnoÂqualmie Pass w/​Online Letures
$575 – 1 evening lecture + 2 full field days
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Intro to BackÂcounÂtry TourÂing ExtenÂsion (call for details) – $350
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Price Includes
- AIARE online pre-course learning
- StuÂdent handbook
- AIARE field book
- All lecÂtures and field days
- ProÂfesÂsionÂal instruction
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Price Does Not Include
- TransÂportaÂtion to lecÂture venues and field days
- LodgÂing
- PerÂsonÂal equipÂment (beaÂcon, shovÂel, probes, ski gear, etc.)
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Payment Schedule
- Full payÂment at time of regÂisÂtraÂtion by credÂit card, which includes $200 non-refundÂable regÂisÂtraÂtion fee
Dates
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Mount Rainier w/ Online Lectures 2024
- Dec 5, 2024 — Dec 8, 2024 - 3 Spots Remaining
- Dec 19, 2024 — Dec 22, 2024
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Stevens Pass w/ Online Lectures 2024
- Dec 26, 2024 — Dec 29, 2024
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Snoqualmie Pass w/ Online Lectures 2025
- Jan 2, 2025 — Jan 5, 2025
- Jan 16, 2025 — Jan 19, 2025
- Jan 30, 2025 — Feb 2, 2025
- Feb 13, 2025 — Feb 16, 2025
- Feb 27, 2025 — Mar 2, 2025
- Mar 13, 2025 — Mar 16, 2025
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Stevens Pass w/ Online Lectures 2025
- Jan 9, 2025 — Jan 12, 2025
- Jan 23, 2025 — Jan 26, 2025
- Feb 6, 2025 — Feb 9, 2025
- Feb 20, 2025 — Feb 23, 2025
- Mar 6, 2025 — Mar 9, 2025
- Mar 20, 2025 — Mar 23, 2025
Course Schedule
- AIARE Pre-course learnÂing. This can be comÂpletÂed anyÂtime priÂor to lecÂture (plan for it to take around 5 hours)
- ThursÂday Zoom LecÂture (details to come), 6 pm — 9 pm
- SatÂurÂday & SunÂday field sesÂsions, 8:30 am — 5 pm
Intro to Backcountry Touring Extension
- Add a day to your AIARE Rec 1 course to hone your trip planÂning and work on travÂel techÂniques and terÂrain selecÂtion — then grab your skis or board and get out on your own.
- 2 stuÂdent minimum
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongÂly recÂomÂmends trip cancellation/​interruption and evacÂuÂaÂtion insurÂance for all trips. Our insurÂance partÂner, RipÂcord, offers comÂpreÂhenÂsive travÂel insurÂance includÂing trip canÂcelÂlaÂtion, as well as rescue/​evacuation poliÂcies and can assist in answerÂing any quesÂtions. In addiÂtion, ParÂticÂiÂpant is expectÂed to have sufÂfiÂcient medÂical insurÂance as preÂscribed by their counÂtry of oriÂgin. ParÂticÂiÂpant underÂstands that MMI does not include any type of insurÂance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to canÂcel your trip or change your itinÂerÂary, MMI must be notiÂfied in writÂing. Your trip will be canÂcelled from the date writÂten notice is received. If propÂer writÂten canÂcelÂlaÂtion notice is not received, amounts paid and reserÂvaÂtions made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundÂable fees may apply for cerÂtain trips in order to secure perÂmits and othÂer serÂvices. MMI must strictÂly adhere to canÂcelÂlaÂtion poliÂcies outÂside MMI’s control.
- Due to the perÂsonÂalÂized serÂvice we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accomÂmoÂdate changes and canÂcelÂlaÂtions, waivÂing cerÂtain fees when feasible.
- CirÂcumÂstances outÂside the conÂtrol of MMI and its partÂners, may require amendÂed cancellation/​refund poliÂcies. Such cirÂcumÂstances may include, but are not limÂitÂed to COVID-19, natÂurÂal disÂasÂters, wildÂfires, terÂrorÂism and so forth.
DomesÂtic Trips/​Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundÂable regÂisÂtraÂtion fee, will be proÂvidÂed 91 days or more before the deparÂture date
- No refunds will be proÂvidÂed 90 days or less before the deparÂture date
Trip Insurance
We strongÂly recÂomÂmend the purÂchase of travÂel canÂcelÂlaÂtion insurÂance to proÂtect you from the unexÂpectÂed. You aren’t likeÂly to think of it now, but peoÂple do get ill, break a bone, have a famÂiÂly emerÂgency or get assigned to a last-minute busiÂness trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emerÂgency resÂcue & evacÂuÂaÂtion can be very expenÂsive.
We also strongÂly urge you to conÂsidÂer resÂcue and evacÂuÂaÂtion insurÂance if your own polÂiÂcy does not proÂvide the covÂerÂage needÂed. SerÂvices availÂable may include, but are not limÂitÂed to, heliÂcopter evacÂuÂaÂtion, medÂical care, etc.
If you choose not to purÂchase insurÂance, you assume full responÂsiÂbilÂiÂty for any expensÂes incurred in the event of a medÂical emerÂgency and/​or evacÂuÂaÂtion, as well as for trip canÂcelÂlaÂtion, interÂrupÂtion, lost lugÂgage, etc. We are not the experts and thereÂfore ask that you please conÂsult our travÂel insurÂance partÂner directÂly with any speÂcifÂic questions.
To proÂtect against lossÂes due to illÂness, acciÂdent, or othÂer unforeÂseen cirÂcumÂstances, MounÂtain MadÂness strongÂly recÂomÂmends the purÂchase of travÂel insurÂance as soon as posÂsiÂble after makÂing a deposit. MounÂtain MadÂness has partÂnered with RedÂpoint ResÂoÂluÂtions as our preÂferred travÂel insurÂance provider. Redpoint’s RipÂcord ResÂcue TravÂel InsurÂance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purÂchase travÂel insurÂance, please click this link RipÂcord ResÂcue TravÂel InsurÂance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. PricÂing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and levÂel of coverage.
CritÂiÂcal benÂeÂfits of RipÂcord ResÂcue TravÂel InsurÂance include:
- A comÂpleteÂly inteÂgratÂed proÂgram with a sinÂgle point of conÂtact for emerÂgency serÂvices, travÂel assisÂtance, and insurÂance claims
- EvacÂuÂaÂtion and resÂcue serÂvices from your point of injury or illÂness to your hosÂpiÂtal of choice
- ComÂpreÂhenÂsive travÂel insurÂance for trip cancellation/​interruption, priÂmaÂry medÂical expense covÂerÂage, bagÂgage loss or delay, emerÂgency acciÂdent and emerÂgency sickÂness medÂical expense, emerÂgency denÂtal, acciÂdenÂtal death and disÂmemÂberÂment, and more
- OptionÂal secuÂriÂty evacÂuÂaÂtion covÂerÂage in case of an unplanned natÂurÂal disÂasÂter or othÂer secuÂriÂty events
- WaivÂer for pre-existÂing conÂdiÂtions (must be purÂchased withÂin 14 days of tour deposit)
- OptionÂal ​“CanÂcel for Any ReaÂson” covÂerÂage (must be purÂchased withÂin 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
AIARE 1 Course Day by Day
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Course Prep
AIARE Online Pre-Course Learning
- This will introÂduce stuÂdents to avalanchÂes and the terÂmiÂnolÂoÂgy assoÂciÂatÂed so they are familÂiarÂized and ready to dive into the zoom sesÂsion with the instructors
- To be comÂpletÂed priÂor to zoom lecÂture day
- GenÂerÂalÂly takes about 5hrs to comÂplete and can be done at your own pace
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Day 1
ThursÂday Evening Lecture
6 – 9 pm via Zoom
- WelÂcome and Introductions
- What is AIARE?
- Course objecÂtives, goals, and progression
- IntroÂducÂtion to the AIARE DeciÂsion MakÂing FrameÂwork (DMF)
- Case study – small group and class discussion
- Avalanche Types and Characteristics
- ForÂmaÂtion of LayÂers in the MounÂtain Snowpack
- Avalanche TerÂrain Intro
- Avalanche DanÂger Scale
- ObserÂvaÂtions and Clue Gathering
- ObserÂvaÂtion Checklist
- The Human Factor
- PlanÂning and Preparation
- Avalanche hazÂard forecast
- InforÂmaÂtion gathering
- Trip Plans
- TerÂrain SelecÂtion and TravÂel Techniques
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Day 2
First Field Day, Saturday
8:30 – 5 PM
- EquipÂment – beaÂcon, shovÂel, probe
- ComÂpanÂion ResÂcue – sinÂgle burial
- ShovÂelÂing and ProbÂing techniques
- MulÂtiÂple burials
Break
- Group resÂcue scenario
- SnowÂpack – layÂerÂing, basic structure
- ComÂpresÂsion Test and Rutschblock Test
- ObserÂvaÂtion checkÂlist and obviÂous clues
- Quick Tour
- In Lodge: Trip Plans and using the DMF
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Day 3
SecÂond Field Day, Sunday
SunÂday, 8:30 – 5 pm
- Full Day Tour
- TravÂel techÂniques and group management
- TerÂrain selection
- Active tests and inforÂmaÂtion gathering
- ObserÂvaÂtion checklist
- Using the DMF
- Avalanche Course debrief
- QuesÂtion and answer time
- Course evalÂuÂaÂtions
Note on ItinÂerÂary: Although we do our very best to folÂlow the schedÂule listÂed, this itinÂerÂary is subÂject to change due to inclement weathÂer, unsafe route conÂdiÂtions, or othÂer reaÂsons beyond our conÂtrol and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Avalanche Institute of Research and Education AIARE 1 Course
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Carrying Gear
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Ski Pack (35-45L)
35 to 45 liter capacity, avoid unnecessary options that add weight. Ideally a ski specific pack with avalanche tool pocket
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Climbing Gear
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Skis
with alpine touring or telemark bindings
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Split snowboard
backcountry touring specific snowboard
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Collapsible Ski Poles
adjustable ski poles with powder (big) baskets
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Climbing skins
with Glop Stopper skin wax
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Splitboard/Ski specific crampons
for all ski mountaineering trips
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Avalanche Beacon
beacon needs to be on 457 frequency
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Avalance Probe
no ski pole probes!
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Shovel
small collapsible style
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Snow study kit (optional)
optional except the Level 2 course
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Snow saw (optional)
optional but recommended
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Snowshoes
22-28in (55-70cm) with waterproof boots
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Sunglasses
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics or by the water. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection. Consider bringing a spare pair
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Ski goggles
To fit over glacier glasses in high wind. Rose or amber lenses
Examples:
Smith, Oakley
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Ski Helmet (optional)
lightweight
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Hands
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Light weight work gloves
lightweight gloves with leather palm for rope work
Examples:
Black Diamond Transition Glove
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Mid-weight gloves
1-2 pairs
Examples:
Black Diamond Punisher Glove
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Heavyweight shell glove
Gore-tex or equivalent (trips before July)
Examples:
Black Diamond Enforcer Glove
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Feet
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Alpine touring ski or snowboard boots
lightweight
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirt (NW)
Light in color is nice for travel on snow
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene, Smartwool, or equivalent
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Long-sleeved Base Layer (single)
lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Softshell Jacket w/ hood
This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while kicking around camps at lower altitude. This jacket should be full-zip
Examples:
Outdoor Research Ferrosi
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of Âľ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Miscellaneous
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Personal first aid kit (NW)
moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect
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Pencil and small notebook
for taking notes and writing observations
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Voile Ski Straps (2)
multi functional for repair or emergency
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Hand sanitizer
enough to last trip length
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
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Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Toiletry kit (NW)
toilet paper stored in double zip lock bags
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Bandana (optional)
lightweight
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Mount Rainier w/​Online Lectures
$575
1 evening lecture + 2 full field days
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Stevens Pass w/​Online Lectures
$575
1 evening lecture + 2 full field days
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SnoÂqualmie Pass w/​Online Letures
$575
1 evening lecture + 2 full field days
Student to Instructor Ratio
10:2
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
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