Overview:
Avalanche Level 1 Course
curriculum brought to you by:
We teach a complete program of curriculum established and developed by the American Avalanche Institute.
You can expect to develop a solid foundation in 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.
Learn more about student learning outcomes in the “Curriculum” tab above.
This course provides essential training for anyone traveling in or near avalanche terrain: snowboarders, ski tourers, snowmobilers, mountaineers, snowshoers, everyone! 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 thousands of Level 1 avalanche training graduates.
Details:
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.
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.
The first portion of your course includes the AAI Avalanche Fundamentals online prep course. The remainder of your course will take place both in the classroom and the mountains. You should be prepared, mentally and physically, to stay immersed in the backcountry environment for up to six hours. You will be assigned to a small touring group consisting of one AAI Instructor and a maximum of six students to simultaneously allow intimate instruction and the ability to spread out. Here’s a preview itinerary of what your course could look like:
Self-Paced AAI e-Learning:
The AAI Avalanche Fundamentals Prep course is an optional self-paced online learning module that will give you a head start on both classroom and field topics.
Classroom + Field Day 1 – 8:00am – 4:30pm
- Meet at the CMS Lodge (or designated classroom for other locations), Complete Waivers
- Course Welcome, Student and Instructor Introductions, Logistics brief
- Introduction to Avalanches – The Avalanche Triangle
- Avalanche types and nomenclature
- Terrain Recognition, Route Finding and ATES
- The Mountain Snowpack
- Mountain Weather and it’s influence on avalanche formation
- Understanding the avalanche bulletin
- How to use the Backcountry Checklist
- Break for Lunch – Transition to the backcountry
- Companion Rescue Introduction
- Practice drills, reinforce basic skills
- Day 1 debrief at the trailhead
Classroom + Field Day 2 – 8:00am – 4:30pm
- Meet at CMS Lodge(or designated classroom for other locations), Review Day 1 material – Q & A
- Tour Planning Essentials ( Caltopo, Avenza, Gaia, & Google Earth )
- Create a tour plan in field groups with Instructor coaching
- Human factors and how they influence decision making
- Transition to the backcountry
- Instructor led tour; Terrain (ATES), slope angles and weather and snowpack observations
- Checklist debrief, share and communicate pertinent observations, Submit to CAIC
Classroom + Field Day 3 – 8:00am – 4:30pm
- Meet at trailhead Split up into touring groups, Review plan for the day
- Student led morning briefing, Trailhead transceiver function check
- Student/Instructor-led tour: Terrain Identification, recording observations in field books, snowpack tests /observations, weather observations, go/no go decision making processes
- Debrief observations
- Return to Classroom, decision making scenarios, course wrap up & next steps
Meeting location:
CMS Lodge in Estes Park, located on 341 Moraine Ave.
Lodging:
Estes Park: Estes Park Adventure Hostel
Cameron Pass: There are a variety of cabins, vacation rentals and camping options available on / near Cameron Pass. Learn more about Cameron Pass and options for lodging near State Forest State Park.
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 Our Avalanche Courses Are Worth It:
- 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:
- November 24, 2023 - November 26, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 1, 2023 - December 3, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 4, 2023 - December 6, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 8, 2023 - December 10, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 11, 2023 - December 13, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 15, 2023 - December 17, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 18, 2023 - December 20, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 21, 2023 - December 23, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 26, 2023 - December 28, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- December 29, 2023 - December 31, 2023 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 1, 2024 - January 3, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 5, 2024 - January 7, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 8, 2024 - January 10, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 13, 2024 - January 15, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 16, 2024 - January 18, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 19, 2024 - January 21, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 22, 2024 - January 24, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 26, 2024 - January 28, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- January 29, 2024 - January 31, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 2, 2024 - February 4, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 5, 2024 - February 7, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 9, 2024 - February 11, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 12, 2024 - February 14, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 17, 2024 - February 19, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 20, 2024 - February 22, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 23, 2024 - February 25, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- February 26, 2024 - February 28, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- March 1, 2024 - March 3, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- March 8, 2024 - March 10, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- March 15, 2024 - March 17, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- March 18, 2024 - March 20, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- March 22, 2024 - March 24, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- March 29, 2024 - March 31, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- April 1, 2024 - April 3, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- April 5, 2024 - April 7, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- April 12, 2024 - April 14, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
- April 19, 2024 - April 21, 2024 - Avalanche Level 1 - Estes Park, Colorado
Brandon Hill –
I want to thank you for all your help leading up to our courses last week. You made sure the whole process was fluid. I also want to let you guys and Mr Russel know that I had an amazing time this past five days. From the hostel stay, to Buster teaching me to work my slidey sticks (Wes’ name for them) uphill to the AIARE class. The four guides that taught that class are a special group of people and I am very grateful for that. Karin, well, just badass…so engaging while speaking, made the whole class a blast to be a part of it, this woman has such a wealth of knowledge and the passion she has for sharing that shows through in the best of ways. Everett, I wasn’t exactly sure about him in the first few hours of class, but quickly found out that I think he likes that!!! E was such a good teacher in the field, I was right at home in the snow pit geeking out snow science with him, this dude knows his stuff and just like Karin, wants to share it with whomever asks. Ed….ol Ed…I did not have the pleasure of getting Ed in the field this go around, but while he was teaching in class, he has a way of making his point stick, very good instructor in class. Last but absolutely not least there’s my man, Wes…Wes is exactly the perfect ingredient to the mix. Stone cold serious about the course content, but super FUN while doing it. You know when this guy is being serious, but he keeps it light and entertaining, another good science geek time in the pit with W. I cannot stress how happy I am with the course we took. This mix of people just absolutely hit home with me, and I am certain the rest of my classmates would agree, the whole class was involved, the way it should be…. This is such serious and heavy content to be learning and taking in, and these four amazing individuals made it so that I could enjoy the whole process as opposed to be being just hit over the head with it all weekend. My friend Matthew and I both left feeling EMPOWERED thank you again for everything and we will absolutely be back for more instruction from this school!!!
Eric Stanfield (verified owner) –
This is a great course, and well worth the investment of your money and time.
The group sizes are kept to 6 students per instructor, and you rotate through the instructors over the 3 day course. I spent days with Andy Hansen, Japhy Dhungana, and Everett Phillips. Three different personalities and styles, but each serious about the material and enthusiastic about educating the students. They were also accommodating to individual student comfort level and capabilities – don’t think you have to be on skis or that you need to show up with years of backcountry experience under your belt. We had folks on snowshoes and a few split-boarders among all the skiers.
Indoor classroom facilities in Estes were good, and there is ample room for gearing up when it’s time to go outside. Rocky Mountain National Park is your ‘outside’ classroom – what more needs to be said?
If you spend time in the backcountry during snow season, do yourself a favor and take the course. I plan to return for the rescue 1 day course, and (eventually) AIARE2.
Greg Keene (verified owner) –
A fantastic course! The instructors fulfilled every aspect that I wanted to learn and a lot more. I now have an understanding of how to plan a tour in the back country safely and how to avoid the risky areas. Well presented and highly entertaining! Highly recommended.
Scott Reardon (verified owner) –
My daughter, friend and I just finished up the Covid version of the 3-day aiare 1 course. It was very well done, with much of the coursework provided online and then two video sessions with our guide/instructor. And then followed by two days in the field where we covered companion rescue, terrain management, snow stability, etc. in a small group that was very hands on. Our instructor was great – very well organized, obviously very experienced and knowledgeable, great at engaging all of us, and did a great job of getting us out into good terrain for real-life views into decision-making (despite early season limited snow). The online materials remain available for future reference. As is our guide for questions that may come up as the season progresses. Very professional and highly recommended.
Kacie Farrar (verified owner) –
This is a fantastic course and must have if you have any desire to do backcountry skiing or snowboarding. Our instructor, Everett, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. He had all the marks of a great teacher: powerful storytelling, challenging thought exercises, and hands-on learning that challenged each individual and group. I especially appreciated his eagerness for each of us to use the tools at our disposal to lead ourselves through backcountry terrain – prompting real time questions, discussion and understanding.
We learned about avalanche problems, snow stability, companion rescue, etc. You will also learn to read daily avalanche and weather forecasts to properly plan for backcountry outings – a game changer!
It is well worth the money – thank you Everett and the Colorado Mountain School!
Dmitry Kunin (verified owner) –
Fantastic course. Japhy was an excellent instructor.
Slater Podgorny (verified owner) –
This course changed the way I look at snow and mountainous landscapes. It gave me the tools I needed to not follow my friends blindly in the backcountry, but to contribute and look for data.
Paul Collier (verified owner) –
Travis, our CMS instructor for AIARE I, was incredibly knowledgeable. He knew his stuff, and his passion for exploring the outdoors safely and with savvy was infectious. This course exceeded my expectations and I’m excited to use my new knowledge in Colorado’s backcountry!
Van Wallace (verified owner) –
Taking the course with someone you plan to backcountry ski with is a great idea. That way you have common ground to discuss and make smart decisions in the backcountry.
Daniel Wade (verified owner) –
I found the instructors at CMS to be highly skilled, experienced, personable, and professional at all times.
Timothy Knox (verified owner) –
A carefully crafted course that made me feel a lot better equipped to understand and appreciate the snow and weather related risks in the backcountry and how to minimize them. Great course!
Ke Tang (verified owner) –
I thought it was great!
Sam Eichenblatt (verified owner) –
There is no replacing getting out into the backcountry with an AIARE instructor!
Will Anderson (verified owner) –
Everett was a great guide. He really dove deep into snow science and understanding weather and avalanche forecasts. His case studies we reviewed were great tools and he went above and beyond for a guide really making the weekend and enjoyable experience filled with knowledge.
Matt Huhman (verified owner) –
Getting to learn from and work with Karin was an absolute joy. The knowledge she has about and the stoke she has for the mountains was both inspiring and exciting and it made standing in the snow for hours with frozen feet legitimately fun. Before I took this course I would’ve said I felt pretty comfortable with my ability to assess the snow pack in the mountains but I quickly learned just how little I actually knew and I feel that my ability to make safe decisions in the mountains has increased dramatically.
Katherine Hofley (verified owner) –
Extremely valuable course for anyone looking to do more in the backcountry. Engaging and fun while covering a lot of crucial material – I feel far more confident and prepared heading into this ski season.
Sara Zakem (verified owner) –
.My expectations for the AIARE 1 course were completely exceeded; being new to the backcountry and still getting used to my backcountry gear, Eryka was so patient and gave us countless tips on how to make the most out of our days together despite being backcountry novices. Her enthusiasm for the outdoors and seemingly limitless fund of knowledge and experience were totally inspiring to our group and got us super stoked on snow! I left the AIARE 1 course feeling confident enough to use the avy forecast, snowpack tests, and weather observations to be able to identify potentially dangerous terrain and use this information to make a solid plan for backcountry days moving forward. This coupled with the basics of avalanche rescue make this course completely worth the money and then some. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow my skills and knowledge!
Timothy Wilcox Jr (verified owner) –
The balance of classroom learning and on snow practice was done very well. I truly enjoyed taking the things we learned in the virtual classroom and directly applying them to problems in the backcountry.
Austin Grutze (verified owner) –
Eryka is the bomb! She was thoughtful, understanding, non-judgemental, and funny. She made serious topics relatable as well as informative. She also knew when to have fun with us and made the exerpeince awesome.
Andrew Brodie (verified owner) –
This course was full of great content and experiential learning objectives. It was made super fun by our group and fearless leader Mike C.
amshanno (verified owner) –
My instructor offered very thorough instruction, was an understanding guide and teacher and had an inclusive way of teaching (not making anyone feel bad for any type of question). This course is great for anyone wanting to become more comfortable in the backcountry and gain a better understanding of avalanches, how to avoid and distinguish good terrain, and basic rescuing techniques to feel more confident going in the backcountry.
Codi Clark (verified owner) –
A great introduction into backcountry decision making, human factors and snow science!
Tate Knight (verified owner) –
The content of a course like this is only as good as the instructors (Dan and Gage), and they absolutely smashed it. They created a friendly and safe atmosphere for learning, and were an amazing resource for any questions. The teaching was absolutely top-tier, and I was especially impressed by their humbleness and grounded insight.
coby (verified owner) –
Andy was a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. He did a great job of managing personalities/abilities and made the course a very enjoyable experience, even for those in our group who had numerous seasons in the backcountry and who were familiar with overall safe decision making. We left with resources, a framework, and new friends. Can’t ask for much more.
Austen Sharpe (verified owner) –
Great experience for those curious about recreating in the backcountry that don’t already have an in. Awesome way to blend your scientific understanding of what’s happening with a tour of potential places to return to and ski!
Victor Fallon (verified owner) –
My instructor Tico was both engaging and informative, highly recommend this course!
roerigr (verified owner) –
Great course! Sarah was able to accommodate multiple skill / interest levels while keeping everyone engaged. I feel much better prepared to safely travel in the backcountry.
Mike Deeter (verified owner) –
Our guide Jaffe was extremely knowledgeable and a. Insulate professional. Highly recommend!!
Christian Wilson (verified owner) –
Friends I’ve talked to have questioned the price of the course and expressed cheaper options. My opinion is the experience was worth more than what we paid and that you’re paying for the quality of the instructors. Our instructor was best-in-class and provided insight to the backcountry that was learned from years of dedicated experience and a passion to educate others. Also, just an overall awesome individual, absolute legend.
Kevin Sheen (verified owner) –
Really well structured with lots of options for continued education. The instructor ‘Kenzie’ made the field days really enjoyable with her energy and positivity. I learned a TON!
Charlie Marsh (verified owner) –
Great opportunity to get outside, learn about safety, yourself and meet new people
bargero.austin (verified owner) –
Great learning experience with very knowledgeable instructors. With our small pod, it was very easy to ask questions and the two full field days gave us plenty of time in the mountains to gain experience. Light snowpack limited amount of turns, but did not have a major impact on education.
Rick Zieser (verified owner) –
There’s so much to think about in the backcountry, but CMS helped lay out all the different elements of staying safe in and around avalanche terrain in an understandable way, with time to practice all the skills I was learning.
Brandon Mason (verified owner) –
The AIARE 1 course is an eye opening introduction to avalanche awareness and safety in avalanche terrain. I now have a completely different perspective when venturing into the mountains. CMS has a great program for everyone interested in hitting the backcountry.
John Henderson (verified owner) –
The course was fantastic. After wrapping up, I felt that I had gained enough knowledge and confidence to safely venture into the backcountry, while still staying aware of what I don’t know. Overall it instilled the confidence to play and explore, but the wisdom to keep further education a top priority.
jakeb212 (verified owner) –
This was truly an eye opening experience. Our guide Ben is a gentleman and a scholar, meticulous with his execution during every turn of the course. An absolute pleasure. Highly recommended.
KATIE MAAS (verified owner) –
Booking through CSM was really easy and painless. During covid courses were online but not a hassle at all. (Actually, almost preferred being at home where I could take my time reading the material). Once out in the field with our guide Ben, we were in a smaller group -do to covid, and I love that small group dynamic. It really helped recreate a more realistic situation. Ben, was super helpful with a wealth of avalanche knowledge and with tips and tricks for navigating in the forever changing terrain. I could not recommend a better environment to feel safe and to learn the basics of being in the backcountry.
Rowan Davis (verified owner) –
Awesome program. You learn so much in the classroom and it seems overwhelming, however, once you get out in the field it all starts to make sense and solidify.
Lindsey Mason (verified owner) –
CMS has done an incredible adapting this class to an online portion and a safe field session. The online lessons were extremely user friendly and it was helpful to work through them at our own pace. The field session (2 days) was limited to a small group, we were safely masked up and distanced. Being able to do all of this training, effectively and safely, was amazing! We learned so much and I can’t wait to get out there and practice everything I have learned!
John-Morgan Manos (verified owner) –
Ryan was awesome! Taught us so much about snow and risk mitigation. Feeling very equipped to enter the backcountry safely.
acchapello (verified owner) –
Eryka was a wonderful instructor. She was knowledgeable, fun, and instructive. I feel like I gained so much experience and knowledge from working with her and the CMS team. This course is terrific for anyone looking to spend time in the winter backcountry.
Loryn Roberson (verified owner) –
After pushing it off for a few seasons, I finally decided to invest in a split board and avalanche equipment and get serious about adventuring into the backcountry. In line with that, I knew I needed to invest in some proper backcountry education. I am glad I completed my AIARE Level 1 avalanche course with the Colorado Mountain School. The course was fun and informative. I feel so much more confident when it comes to making smart decisions in the backcountry. From route planning and understanding the forecast, to making educated observations in the field, and using my equipment efficiently – I’m a thousand miles ahead of where I was, and now I can practice drills and use my resources to further my knowledge. I’m so stoked for the many adventures ahead and I’m proud to have invested in something that brings me such joy. Thanks to the full team for sharing their knowledge and making this class super fun.
Carter Nelson (verified owner) –
Great resource for those planning on going into the backcountry
Sophia Volk (verified owner) –
I feel so much more comfortable in the backcountry after getting out there, learning snow science, and practicing rescue!
richvogtjr (verified owner) –
My level of confidence and skill increased greatly because I attended this course!
alexread730 (verified owner) –
CMS taught me the basics of avalanche terrain and rescue. I feel much more confident headed into the backcountry for my first season.
Ben Lucas (verified owner) –
Truly amazing experience. I got everything I would have hoped to get out of the course and then some. I’ll be thinking of this past weekend, what I learned, and the expertise of our guide for a long time.
James Orsulak (verified owner) –
Incredible, enjoyable and challenging avalanche and backcountry course! A must for anyone venturing into the backcountry.
Austin Barber (verified owner) –
Zach was a fantastic course leader. His ability to simplify complex concepts, attitude, and knowledge are unmatched by any other instructor I have had.
Kolby Wolf (verified owner) –
I left the course with a much better understanding of a Avalanche terrain and how to mitigate risks.
Madeline Jimerson (verified owner) –
This was a great introduction to safety in the backcountry and it gave me the tools necessary to make smart decisions off piste.
brian.a.causer (verified owner) –
My experience with CMS and guide/ instructor Dave K. surpassed expectations. The online work was in-depth and set the foundation for our field work. Access to the forums and google meets allowed for more exploration and specific questions.
In the field work, our guide Dave K. was professional, effective, fun and eager to share his wealth of knowledge and experience. He established the team mindset from the start. Really could not have asked for a better learning experience.
I feel confident in the foundation of science, observations skills and practical process to begin exploring the backcountry respectfully and safely. I will continue to work with CMS to further my skills and knowledge. Stellar Dendrites all the way!!!
brian.a.causer (verified owner) –
My experience with CMS and guide/ instructor Dave K. surpassed expectations. The online work was in-depth and set the foundation for our field work. Access to the forums and google meets allowed for more exploration and specific questions. In the field work, our guide Dave K. was professional, effective, fun and eager to share his wealth of knowledge and experience. He established the team mindset from the start. Really could not have asked for a better learning experience. I feel confident in the foundation of science, observations skills and practical process to begin exploring the backcountry respectfully and safely. I will continue to work with CMS to further my skills and knowledge. Stellar Dendrites all the way!!!
david jewell (verified owner) –
Took AIARE 1 with Japhy. He was incredibly informative and professional. Could not be happier with my experience. Looking forward to practical applications of Japhy’s class and returning in the future for additional courses. Thanks so much.
Daryl Mocarsky (verified owner) –
Japhy was an excellent instructor. He’s knowledgeable and in the field experience is extensive. He make all the information easy to understand and the field days a ton of fun. After some field experience I’m definitely looking to take the AIARE II course. And will make sure to book the class with Japhy again. 10/10 would recommend the AIARE I through CMS to anyone looking to play in the mountains in winter. And encourage you to seek out Japhy for any and all guide/instructor outings offered!