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 skier, snowboarder, climber or snowshoer that travels in avalanche terrain? Avalanche Institute of Research and Education (AIARE) Recreational I is an introductory class with lectures and two field days that covers the phenomenon of avalanche, avalanche terrain, decision making, travel techniques, human factors, and companion rescue. These courses are designed for recreationalists looking to get out and have the necessary tools to make informed decisions about risk factors, and to be able to ask the right questions before heading out. And for those looking to up their game, it meets the requirement for our more advanced backcountry ski tours.
At the end of this course you should be able to:
- plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain
- recognize avalanche terrain
- describe a framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain
- apply effective companion rescue.
For professionals, such as entry level guides and ski-patrollers looking for essential skills to keep themselves, and others safe in avalanche terrain, this is the place to start before jumping into professional level courses such as the Level 2 course.
Climbers of Color has partnered with Mountain Madness and AIARE to offer AIARE I Courses! These courses are for BIPOC participants only and will be taught by two BIPOC instructors. For information please contact climbersofcolor@gmail.com. Dates can be found in the dates and prices section.
Hut-based course option:
If you are looking for a hut-based course, look no further. Mountain Madness has partnered with Alpine Lakes High Camp for a two-night, three-day course in the winter wilds of the Cascades- see dates and prices section. Check out the video below and you may just want to add a few days of cat skiing to the adventure!
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Course Perks
Our highly experienced instructors have been trained by the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). They are the best, mostly highly trained instructors! Who else would you want to learn from?
In addition to this, we have the most course venues available, which allow us to adapt to the ever-changing conditions winter throws our way:
- Mount Rainier
- Steven’s Pass
- Snoqualmie Pass
- Leavenworth and Blewett Pass
- Mount Baker Ski area BC
- White Pass
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Description
The AIARE 1 is a 24-hour course that provides an introduction to using decision making tools to help a group manage risk while traveling in avalanche terrain. Avalanche education and getting the “know-how” to travel wisely is a lifelong pursuit, and this is the best place to start. Here’s what you’ll learn about:
- Weather
- Snowpack
- Avalanche phenomenon
- Terrain Selection
- Human factors
- Decision making
- Avalanche danger ratings
- Self-rescue/Companion rescue
- Trip planning and preparation
- Travel techniques
- Bonding tests/test profiles
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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Mount Rainier w/Online Lectures
$550 – 2 evening lectures + 2 full field days
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Intro to Backcountry Touring Extension (call for details) – $350
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Stevens Pass w/Online Lectures
$550 – 2 evening lectures + 2 full field days
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Intro to Backcountry Touring Extension (call for details) – $350
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Snoqualmie Pass w/Online Letures
$550 – 2 evening lectures + 2 full field days
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Alpine Lakes High Camp Hut Based Course (Must Have Hut Reservations)
$550 – 24 hours of Instruction
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Intro to Backcountry Touring Extension (call for details) – $350
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Women’s Snoqualmie Pass w/Online Lectures
$550 – 2 evening lectures + 2 full field days
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Price Includes
- Student handbook
- AIARE field book
- All lectures and field days
- Professional instruction
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Price Does Not Include
- Transportation to lecture venues and field days
- Lodging
- Personal equipment (beacon, shovel, probes, ski gear, etc.)
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Payment Schedule
- Full payment at time of registration by credit card, which includes $200 non-refundable registration fee
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Alpine Lakes High Camp Hut Reservations
Participants will book their stay directly on the High Camp. Per night pricing can be viewed on our High Camp ski page. Call for details.
Dates
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Mount Rainier w/ Online Lectures 2023
- Dec 8, 2022 — Dec 11, 2022 Sold Out
- Dec 29, 2022 — Jan 1, 2023 Sold Out
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Stevens Pass w/ Online Lectures 2023
- Feb 16, 2023 — Feb 19, 2023 - 2 Spots Remaining
- Mar 2, 2023 — Mar 5, 2023 - 1 Spots Remaining
- Mar 9, 2023 — Mar 12, 2023 Sold Out
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Snoqualmie Pass w/ Online Lectures 2023
- Feb 16, 2023 — Feb 19, 2023 - 1 Spots Remaining
- Mar 2, 2023 — Mar 5, 2023 Sold Out
- Mar 9, 2023 — Mar 12, 2023 Sold Out
- 3 Day immersion course
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Alpine Lakes High Camp Hut Based Course 2023 (Must Have Hut Reservations)
- Jan 13, 2023 — Jan 15, 2023
- Feb 10, 2023 — Feb 12, 2023
- Mar 3, 2023 — Mar 5, 2023
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Women's Snoqualmie Pass w/ Online Lectures 2023
- Feb 23, 2023 — Feb 26, 2023 - 1 Spots Remaining
Course Schedule
- Thursday & Friday lectures online (details to come), 6 pm — 9:30 pm
- Saturday & Sunday field sessions, 8:30 am — 5 pm
Intro to Backcountry Touring Extension
- Add a day to your AIARE Rec 1 course to hone your trip planning and work on travel techniques and terrain selection — then grab your skis or board and get out on your own.
- 2 student minimum
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include anytype of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, terrorism and so forth.
Domestic Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 91 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 90 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
AIARE 1 Course Day by Day
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Day 1
Thursday Evening Lecture
6 – 8 pm via Zoom
- Welcome and Introductions
- What is AIARE?
- Course objectives, goals, and progression
- Introduction to the AIARE Decision Making Framework (DMF)
- Case study – small group and class discussion
- Avalanche Types and Characteristics
- Formation of Layers in the Mountain Snowpack
- Avalanche Terrain Intro
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Day 2
Friday Evening Lecture
6 – 8 pm via Zoom
- Avalanche Danger Scale
- Observations and Clue Gathering
- Observation Checklist
- The Human Factor
- Planning and Preparation
- Avalanche hazard forecast
- Information gathering
- Trip Plans
- Terrain Selection and Travel Techniques
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Day 3
First Field Day, Saturday
8:30 – 5
- Equipment – beacon, shovel, probe
- Companion Rescue – single burial
- Shoveling and Probing techniques
- Multiple burials
Break
- Group rescue scenario
- Snowpack – layering, basic structure
- Compression Test and Rutschblock Test
- Observation checklist and obvious clues
- Quick Tour
- In Lodge: Trip Plans and using the DMF
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Day 4
Second Field Day, Sunday
Sunday, 8:30 – 5 pm
- Full Day Tour
- Travel techniques and group management
- Terrain selection
- Active tests and information gathering
- Observation checklist
- Using the DMF
- Avalanche Course debrief
- Question and answer time
- Course evaluations
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control 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 recommended and ideal
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Sun hoody (optional)
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 ¾ 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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Book Course
Mount Rainier w/Online Lectures
$550
2 evening lectures + 2 full field days
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Book Course
Stevens Pass w/Online Lectures
$550
2 evening lectures + 2 full field days
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Book Course
Snoqualmie Pass w/Online Letures
$550
2 evening lectures + 2 full field days
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Book Course
Alpine Lakes High Camp Hut Based Course (Must Have Hut Reservations)
$550
24 hours of Instruction
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Book Course
Women’s Snoqualmie Pass w/Online Lectures
$550
2 evening lectures + 2 full field days
Student to Instructor Ratio
10:2
Difficulty
Advanced Beginner
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