Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid
- Price: $759.00
- Duration: Online Learning Module, Evening Virtual Meeting, + 2 Field Days
This Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid Course is delivered via online curriculum, a pre-course virtual meeting, and two full days of avalanche training in the field.
Colorado Mountain School teaches the American Avalanche Institute (AAI) recreational curriculum (in place of the AIARE curriculum). The AAI curriculum is approved by the American Avalanche Association (A3) and sets a new standard for avalanche training in the United States.
All field days are consecutive, course dates below indicate the first day in the field.
Looking for an avalanche training course in Utah, Wyoming or Montana? Sign up with our friends at American Avalanche Institute.
Overview:
Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid Course curriculum brought to you by:
We teach a complete program of curriculum established and developed by the American Avalanche Institute (AAI).
You can expect to develop a solid foundation of how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, understanding basic decision making while in the field, and avalanche rescue techniques required to locate and dig up a buried person. Â
This course provides essential training for anyone traveling in or near avalanche terrain. Participants need to travel on AT skis, splitboard, or snowshoes with snowboard. For aspiring professionals, this course fulfills a prerequisite for the AAI Pro 1 course down the line.
By completing this course with Colorado Mountain School, you will receive a certification from AAI and join a network of tens of thousands of Level 1 avalanche training graduates.
Colorado Mountain School Adopts American Avalanche Institute Curriculum in Place of AIARE Course Curriculum
For 50 years, the American Avalanche Institute has provided one the most successful professional and recreational avalanche training programs. At the recreational and professional levels, their courses and curricula are fully approved by the American Avalanche Association (A3). AAI’s guides, avalanche professionals, and educators create the best recreational and professional avalanche courses in the world. Read more information about the switch from AIARE to AAI curriculum.
Details:
This course can be taken on snowshoes, skis, splitboard, or snowboard. Participants on alpine touring rigs must have experience on their setup prior to taking this course. Snowshoes are available for rent upon request. Students on skis or boards must be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the areas.
Sample Itinerary:
We believe that avalanche training is best taught by combining theoretical concepts and experiential learning. Some topics are best learned in a safe classroom setting and others in the mountains, moving through terrain and digging into the snow. Here at CMS you’ll have both.
Online Learning – Completing the self-paced online learning module is required. You can expect an introduction to a variety of topics that your instructors will expand upon in the field.
Logistics Virtual Meeting – Your instructor will hold an online meeting, two days before your course starts, to coordinate on logistics of location and parking.
Field Day 1 – 8:00am – 4:00pmÂ
- Course meets at predetermined location
- 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
Field Day 2 – 8:00am – 4:00pmÂ
- Meet at trailhead
- AM Meeting – Backcountry Checklist (avalanches, snowpack, weather)
- Trailhead transceiver function check
- Student/Instructor-led tour: Terrain Identification, recording observations in field books, snowpack tests / observations, weather observations, review companion rescue
- Return to trailhead – Checklist debrief in small groups followed by large group discussion
- Course wrap up & next steps
Meeting location:
Video call: Held two nights prior to your field days. Links are sent out by the Course Instructors Â
Field locations:
- Frisco, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Lodging:
Estes Park: Estes Park Adventure Hostel
I-70 Courses, Frisco: There are a variety of accommodations off the I-70 corridor. The towns of Silverthorne, Dillon, and Leadville are all situated near the field venues we use and work well for lodging.
Notes:
All of our courses can be run as custom outings. If your group is interested in a custom avalanche training course, please call us at 720-387-8944.
Why Take an AAI Course from CMS?
- The AAI curriculum was developed, refined and honed by working Professionals in some of the most avalanche prone mountain ranges of North America.
- Our Instructors are educators, not just minimally qualified instructors
- We spend the majority of the course in the mountains, not inside
- We provide valuable pre-course material to help you prepare
- We provide bonus education opportunities to help you keep learning
- Our Instructors are career guides, with decades of personal backcountry experience
- Our Instructors are AMGA Ski Guide-trained or certified
- We have a full-time office staff of GUIDES to answer all of your questions
- Dozens of course dates to meet our guests scheduling needs
- Get avalanche training in the ski venue you ski in locally
- Fully sponsored by industry leaders Dynafit, SCARPA, Backcountry Access
- Full avalanche rescue kit rentals at no charge – try before you buy
All Upcoming Dates and Locations:
- January 10, 2026 - January 11, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Frisco, Colorado
- January 17, 2026 - January 18, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 17, 2026 - January 18, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Frisco, Colorado
- January 24, 2026 - January 25, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Frisco, Colorado
- January 31, 2026 - February 1, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 5, 2026 - February 6, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Frisco, Colorado
- February 7, 2026 - February 8, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 14, 2026 - February 15, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 21, 2026 - February 22, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Frisco, Colorado
- February 28, 2026 - March 1, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Frisco, Colorado
- February 28, 2026 - March 1, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Estes Park, Colorado
- March 19, 2026 - March 20, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Frisco, Colorado
- March 21, 2026 - March 22, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Estes Park, Colorado
- April 11, 2026 - April 12, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Estes Park, Colorado
- April 11, 2026 - April 12, 2026 - Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid - Frisco, Colorado
At the end of the Hybrid Avalanche Level 1 course the student should be able to:
- Interpret the avalanche forecast bulletin and choose appropriate avalanche terrain for the day
- Use of 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
- Human factors and how they can influence decision-making
- How to make and communicate field observations of terrain, snowpack, and weather
- Basic use and interpretation of stability tests
Prerequisites:
This course can be taken on AT skis or splitboard. Participants must have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the areas.
Preparation:
The Avalanche Level 1 course is for backcountry skiers and riders that want 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 Avalanche Level 1 course and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisites for the Pro 1 course.
Time:
Duration:
Maximum Ratio:
Minimum Age:
| Experience Level | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Category | Avalanche Training |
| Duration | Multi-Day |
Price Includes:
- AAI trained/qualified Instructor/s
- Digital AAI Course Manual
- AAI Backcountry Checklist
- AAI Certificate of Completion provided by the American Avalanche Institute
- Use of Backcountry Access Avalanche Equipment during course
- BCA Beacon
- BCA Shovel
- BCA Probe
- Snowshoes
- This avalanche course is eligible for College Credit.
Price Excludes:
- Food
- Transportation
- Lodging
- Clothing, backpack and non-technical personal items
- Skiing / Splitboarding Equipment (Recommend Neptune Mountaineering)
- Park Entrance Fees (where applicable)
- Rescue Insurance / Fees
- Trip Insurance
- Gratuity
- Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Colorado Mountain School
| Item | Description | Quantity | Example | Purchase At | Rent At | Equipment Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche Beacon |
Modern, digital, three-antennae beacon with fresh batteries. |
1 |
Included on CMS courses |
Equipment | ||
| Avalanche Probe |
Collapsable metal or carbon rod used to probe avalanche debris while attempting to strike a buried target. |
1 |
Included on CMS courses |
Equipment | ||
| Avalanche Rescue Shovel |
Ski specific shovel used to dig pits and avalanche rescue. A metal blade is mandatory. |
1 |
Included on CMS courses |
Equipment | ||
| Backpack: 20-40 liter – Ski/Avy |
Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing. |
1 |
Colorado Mountain School |
Equipment | ||
| Baselayer Bottoms |
Synthetic or Merino Wool, Lightweight or mid-weight are recommended. |
1 |
Men: Rab Men’s Syncrino Leggings |
Clothing | ||
| Beanie or Fleece Hat |
Should cover the ears and fit under a helmet. Hats with fluff balls on top do not fit under helmets. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Climbing Skins |
Nylon or mohair. Trimmed and adjusted to fit your skis or splitboard ahead of time. |
1 |
|
Equipment | ||
| Compass |
Used for navigation and orientation. A compass with adjustable declination is preferrable. |
1 |
Included on CMS courses |
Optional | ||
| First Aid Kit |
Your guide will have an emergency First Aid Kit. You should bring a small kit including blister prevention and care products such as a role of athletic tape and Moleskin. Your kit should also contain a few Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Food |
Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. Feeze-dried meals are acceptable on overnight trips, but not day trips. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Goggles |
Protect your eyes and face from wind and sun burn. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Hardshell Pants |
These should be non-insulated pants with ankle cuffs wide enough to fit over your ski or ride boots. |
1 |
Men: Rab Men’s Khroma Kinetic Pants |
Clothing | ||
| Headlamp |
Load with fresh batteries. Critical for hiking before sunrise and great to have in the pack in case you are caught out after dark. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Heavyweight Waterproof Glove |
This glove comes out when the winter going gets cold and wet or at higher altitudes. |
1 |
Men: Pivot GTX Glove |
Clothing | ||
| Hot Drinks |
Coffee, tea, hot cocoa are great for warming up when it’s cold outside. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Laptop |
Useful for navigation courses, including hiking and ski tour planning. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Lightweight Baselayer Top |
Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a “wicking” layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded base layers add extra versatility. |
2 |
Men: Rab Syncrino Base LS Tee |
Clothing | ||
| Lightweight Gloves |
Synthetic; Thin gloves used when hiking the early morning approach. Belay gloves can suffice if full-fingered. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Lip ScreenSPF 15 or higher. |
Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Mechanical Pencil |
Great for taking notes in the field. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Midweight Baselayer Top |
Synthetic or Merino Wool; Adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one base layer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds. |
1 |
Men: Rab Ascendor Light Hoodie |
Clothing | ||
| Midweight Softshell Glove |
This is the workhorse glove and is most often worn on warmer days when mountaineering. Softshell gloves are water-resistant and durable. They often have leather palms and fingers. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Neck Gaiter |
“Buffs” are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind or sun. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Personal Toilet Kit |
At minimum, bring a small Ziploc with toilet paper. Consider bringing a travel sized package of hand-wipes. Idealy, purchase, or for free from the RMNP Backcountry office, bring a “Rest Stop.” The Rest Stop, known as “Blue Bags” in the Pacific Northwest, or the “Wag Bag” in other areas, are poop-in-a-bag systems that include toilet paper and a sanitizing hand wipe. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Ski Helmet |
This item is recommended but not required. We will be skiing in the trees, and in snow conditions where rocks, stumps, and downded logs are present. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Ski or Snowboard Boots |
Footwear should be appropriate to mode of travel i.e. ski, snowboard, or insulated winter boots for snowshoes. For snowshoers, a boot such as the Scarpa Mont Blanc is the minimum level of boot required. Ski Boots should have a walk mode. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Ski or Trekking Poles |
Two poles, with powder baskets, are required for all skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers. It is ideal if poles are ski-specific and collapse small enough to fit onto a pack when climbing. |
1 |
Included on CMS courses |
Equipment | ||
| Ski Straps |
18″ Rubber or velcro straps to connect skis when attaching them to a pack. Also useful for a variety of in-the-field equipment repairs. |
2 | Optional | |||
| Smart Phone App |
There are a plethora of apps that assist in navigation. These apps use your phone’s GPS functions and can work in the mountains offline. |
1 |
Avanet; Gaia Maps; Topo Maps |
Optional | ||
| Smartphone |
Great for taking photos and videos. Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in freezing temps – keep your phone in a warm inner layer. A tether is ideal in the mountains to protet against dropping your phone. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Softshell and Fleece Jacket |
Water-resistant, windproof, yet it “breaths,” which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable. |
1 |
Men:Â Rab VR Summit Jacket |
Clothing | ||
| Sports Bra |
Provides support and allows for full range of motion |
1 |
North Face Beyond the Wall |
Clothing | ||
| Sun Hat |
A billed hat to keep the bright mountain sun at bay. |
1 | Clothing | |||
| Sunglasses |
“Wrap-Around” style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| SunscreenSPF 30 or higher. |
Travel size. |
1 | Equipment | |||
| Synthetic or Down Puffy Jacket |
Fits over all other layers and is worn at breaks and on really cold days. Synthetic puffies are more durable, are easily laundered, and dry out quickly if wet. Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet. |
1 |
Men:Â Rab Mythic Alpine Light Jacket |
Clothing | ||
| Synthetic or Merino Wool Socks |
Wool and synthetic blends are great for long days on the trail. “Ski” and “Snowboard” socks are especially useful when warmth is desired. |
2 | Clothing | |||
| Thermos |
Many ice climbers prefer to bring a thermos of hot water or soup instead of one of their water bottles. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Toe Warmers and Hand Heaters |
Help keep you warm on particularly cold days. |
1 | Optional | |||
| Water Bottles |
1 liter bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Bladders are not acceptable during sub freezing temps. Sports drinks are also acceptable. |
2 |
Nalgene, Hydro Flask |
Equipment | ||
| Waterproof Shell Jacket |
Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all other layers. |
1 |
Men:Â Rab Men’s Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Jacket |
Clothing |
COVID-19
Q: Will COVID-19 impact my course?
A: 2020 made it clear that running programs while managing the risk of COVID-19 transmission is a challenge. It is a challenge that the Colorado Mountain School team tackled creatively and courageously. We may need to shift our classrooms to virtual settings at a moment’s notice. We may need to put on masks unexpectedly. We may need to go outside and distance ourselves. No matter what though, we are committed to running programs, providing education, and serving our mission, while also maintaining the highest standards of risk management. Please visit our FAQ page, COVID-19 Policy, or contact us for more information.
Course Registration
Q: Do I need prior backcountry experience to participate in Avalanche Level 1 course?
A: No! If you are planning on taking the course on snowshoes, you do not need any prior experience. If you are joining us on a ski or splitboard touring setup, we ask that you have prior experience touring so that you can focus on getting the most out of your avalanche training, and not about your gear / movement. Our Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding course is a great option to get you up to speed quickly if you’re starting out.
Q: What level skier / rider should I be for the Avalanche Level 1 course?
A: If you are hoping to take your Avalanche Level 1 course on a ski or split board touring setup, you’ll need to be skiing or riding at an intermediate to advanced level. You’ll have an opportunity to discuss your experience with your instructor prior to your field sessions. If you or instructor decide that traveling on snowshoes will better your learning experience, they will be provided at no charge.
Q: Is there a best time to take my avalanche training course?
A: Anytime there is snow coverage in the mountains! Historically, the most popular time is early season (November-January) so you can get your training in and have a long season of backcountry adventures ahead of you. Some people prefer to wait until later in the season to get their ski legs and to have higher snow totals in the backcountry, which can open up more venues during the course. Both options are great and the curriculum and certification is the same. If you have the flexibility, weekdays and courses later in the season may be less expensive due to off-peak demand — they also often have the added benefit of off-peak crowds in the mountains.
Q: My first preference in course dates/locations isn’t available. What are the chances of getting a spot if I get on the waitlist?
A: When a spot opens up on a sold out course, we contact everyone on the waitlist and it is first come, first served. Early season waitlists are often dozens of people, so the chances of getting a spot that opens up can sometimes be slim. We recommend you register for your next best choice and get on the waitlist to keep an eye out for transfer opportunities. There are no fees to transfer into a course that you’re waitlisted for.
Equipment
Q: Do I need to bring/purchase my own avalanche equipment before the course?Â
A: No. We can outfit you with a beacon, shovel, and probe from Backcountry Access to use on your course, free of charge. When you fill out your pre-course survey a few weeks before your course, please let us know if you will need this equipment.
Q: Do you rent backcountry skis, splitboards or snowshoes?
A: We have a limited number of snowshoes available upon request. Due to the large variety of sizes for backcountry equipment, we do not rent skis or splitboards. We recommend a pair of Dynafit skis or Weston Splitboards from Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder.
Q: Do you have recommendations on equipment that I should get for the course?
A: Yes! The AAI website has an equipment list tab that has a ton of gear recommendations from our guides. Keep in mind that this list is exhaustive to cover a variety of conditions. If you still have questions about equipment after reading our recommendations, please contact the guides in our office and we’d be happy to chat gear.
For purchasing, we recommend the wonderful folks at Neptune Mountaineering. Please consider the following brands for specific needs.
Technical Outerwear: Rab
Ski Boots: SCARPA
Skis: Dynafit
Snow Safety: BCA
Course Preparation & Online Learning
Q: Will there be any classroom work?
A: This course does include classroom sessions for the 2023/24 season. You can expect to spend some portion of each day in a classroom.
Q: How do I access online learning?
A: Upon registration, students will receive an email that gives them access to the online learning portal. This pre-course online module is optional, but students are strongly encouraged to have completed the online pre-course work prior to the course start date. Completion of the AAI online pre-course work will help prepare you for getting the most out of your Avalanche Level 1 course.
Q: I registered another person. How do they access online learning?
If you enrolled another person, we will need their contact information to provide membership access. Please contact our Service Team (service@coloradomountainschool.com) to get them registered with an online account and a membership.
Field Logistics
Q: Do you have any recommendations for where to stay during the course?
A: Yes! Please check out the lodging recommendations on our Avalanche Level 1 Page.
Q: Will I be able to group up with my Friends or Family during the course?
A: Yes! When filling out our pre-course survey (sent a few weeks before your course), please provide the names of the participants you are signing up / or want to tour with.
Q: Is transportation provided?Â
A: No. Each participant is required to provide their own transportation each day. This includes driving to and from the trailhead or any meeting location for the course.Â
Q: Will I be able to carpool with my pod to our field days?
A: Due to current COVID-19 conditions, we do not encourage you to carpool with members outside of your household. Instructors are not allowed to carpool with students during this time.Â
Q: Will I need to pay a fee to enter any parks?
A: Yes, some venues, such as State and National Parks, require all users pay an entrance fee. These include, but are not limited to, RMNP ($25) and State Forest State Park (Cameron Pass, $9). Clients are responsible for their own entrance fees. You can also purchase a National Parks pass for $80 that will get you into any National Park for the whole year, but may not be eligible for State Parks (depends on the park).
Q: How long are the field sessions?Â
A: Field sessions can be anywhere from 3-6 hours in length depending on weather.
Self Care
Q : Is lunch provided? Or do we have to bring our own food? Â
A: Lunch is not provided. You are responsible for food and water during your course, and should arrive packed and ready to start your day. An average student may consume a total of 1200-1500 calories per day. This can be in the form or your favorite bars, nut mix, jerky, sandwiches, burritos, etc. Make sure you are hydrated for a full day moving in the mountains. We recommend 2L of water (at minimum). A lightweight thermos with a hot beverage can go a long way in cold temps!
Q : What should I wear?Â
A: We recommend bringing multiple clothing layers so you can layer up or layer down, depending on the weather and level of heat you are generating. There will be times that we’ll be generating heat by touring through the mountains or digging for avalanche rescue drills. You may want to delayer before doing aerobic exercise like this to avoid a future cold sweat. Other times, we will stop and sit in the snow (think snow pits). During these times, it is important to layer up and maintain our heat that we just generated. Having flexibility in your layering system allows you to adapt throughout the day. See our Avalanche Level 1 equipment list tab for recommendations.
Q: How is COVID-19 going to be managed during my Avalanche Level 1 course?
A: As professional risk managers, we take the wellbeing of our guides and clients very seriously. Please see our COVID-19 Policy for more info.
Q: Will I be able to go to the bathroom during the course?
A: It’s important to plan appropriately. It’s best to hit the bathroom before leaving for the trailhead as not all trailheads have facilities. If there is a bathroom at the trailhead, take advantage of it; you may not see another one for up to six hours. We recommend you have a Wag Bag (sort of like a dog bag for humans) for emergencies. In preparation for your trip, please review Leave No Trace principles to learn how you can help protect our environment.
Other
Q: Is it appropriate to tip the guides?
A: Guiding is a service-oriented profession and a gratuity for a job well done is recommended and greatly appreciated! If you are unsure about how much is appropriate, a rule-of-thumb is to think about what you’d tip at a restaurant for quality service.
13 reviews for Avalanche Level 1 Hybrid
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Noah Fields (verified owner) –
Took an AIARE 1 course from CMS and absolutely loved it. It was a great experience and I learned a ton about avalanche safety and backcountry travel. I highly recommend CMS!
Megan Reuss (verified owner) –
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 (verified owner) –
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!
Megan Reuss (verified owner) –
My wife and I have wanted to get into backcountry skiing for years and finally made the jump to buying our setup. We wanted to ensure we were knowledgable enough about avalanche danger and terrain ahead of touring on our own, and CMS’s AIARE 1 course was the best we could ask for in terms of giving us a foundation to build our backcountry experience on. The online curriculum was easy to follow and helped set us up for a great weekend in the field up at Estes. Our instructor, Steve, was an absolutely amazing teacher and guide. He made the weekend a blast while challenging our group and was able to answer all of our questions, whether gear or avalanche condition-related, with his vast experience in the backcountry. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to get a proper backcountry education under their belt and have fun doing it ahead of hitting the trails.
kayla.dome (verified owner) –
Everett did an awesome job combining education with what we are all passionate about; skiing. He helped us understand the importance of everything he taught us and why it mattered. His passion and understanding of the snow really helped us all feel safe. I would recommend this course to anyone who loves skiing both in bounds and out of bounds as a way to understand the mountain.
Casey Romeo (verified owner) –
I learned an incredible amount during my AIARE 1 course. Before taking the course, I did not know how to properly dissect the risks of going into the backcountry, and now I feel comfortable with the next steps for going into the backcountry safely.
CJ Amman (verified owner) –
I really enjoyed the AIARE structure with the online classwork upfront and then apply that knowledge to the backcountry for 2 days. I thought the online coursework was not only educational it was professional as well. The backcountry experience was exceptional. I really enjoyed my instructor and how we had the opportunity experience the online learning.
Matthew Ramey (verified owner) –
Great course, the online learning portion was ok, and could have been better, but we had a supportive and caring guide who really made the course, both in the online sessions and in the field.
Hanna Doyle (verified owner) –
AIARE 1 was a great experience. I learned so much and had a great time being in the outdoors with friends.
Leah Livingston (verified owner) –
Ben is awesome and provided WAYYY more information that I could have imagined. We had two amazing ski tours in Hidden Valley and Bear Lake. Would highly recommend to anyone that wants to learn more about skiing outside the resorts!
William Wiese (verified owner) –
Ian was an incredible instructor. He made things easy to understand and showed us how to apply our knowledge in the field.
Jerry Byrd (verified owner) –
Thank you Katie for sharing your knowledge and passion with us! It was an enjoyable couple of days at Cameron Pass!
little_castaldo (verified owner) –
Took AIARE I in February 2021 and had a fantastic time! Our instructor, Sarah, was fabulous, and the educational value exceeded my expectations.