OVERVIEW:

AIARE 1 (LEVEL 1 REC)

19 (Saturday) 8:00 am – 21 (Monday) 5:00 pm PST

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

 

Know the snow and prepare for the unexpected.  The AIARE 1 is a three-day / 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management.  Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).

STUDENT OUTCOMES:

At the end of the AIARE 1 course the student should be able to:

  • Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
  • Effectively use the AIARE Decision Making Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting
  • Demonstrate effective companion rescue.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE:

The AIARE 1 is for anyone, regardless of method of travel, who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Participants may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but none are a prerequisite for this course.

Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course.

AIARE 1 COURSE OUTLINE (24 HOURS INCLUDING BOTH CLASS AND FIELD INSTRUCTION)

Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

  • Types and characteristics of avalanches
  • Avalanche motion
  • Size classification
  • The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

Observations and Information Gathering

  • Field observation techniques
  • Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
  • Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
  • Observation checklist
  • Avalanche danger scale

Trip Planning and Preparation

  • Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
  • Route finding and travel techniques
  • Decision making and Human Factors

Companion Rescue and Equipment

PREREQUISITES:

  • 16 – 25 years of age
  • Able to travel in avalanche terrain
  • Required equipment for all avalanche courses: Equipment List# Pricing includes certified AIARE Field Instructors, AIARE Field Notebook, AIARE Student Manual, AIARE 1 completion card, and other benefits.  Additional discounts/incentives given for private groups 8 and above (except backcountry-based courses).  Lodging discounts available possible for these courses through our partner businesses. Participants responsible for transportation to and from course venue and meals.

    Please note:  Youth (between the ages of 16 – 25) and women are strongly encouraged to apply for a scholarship through SOLE’s Kip Rand Scholarship Fund.

  • Contact us at: [email protected] to learn more.