A student on an AIARE Level 1 avy course performs a test to find strong and weak layers in the snowpack by poking the sidewall of a snow pit.

AIARE 1 Split Course

Name: AIARE 1 Split Course
SKU: AIARE-1-SPLIT
Rating: 4.92 (13 reviews)

Rated 4.92 out of 5 based on 13 customer ratings

This AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is split up over self-paced e-learning and two evening video calls, followed by two full days on Saturday/Sunday in the field.

Price:

Let’s Book It!

If the dates for this course do not work for your schedule, see our Custom Guiding options.

SKU: AIARE-1-SPLIT Category: Avalanche Safety Training Courses

Overview:

AIARE 1 Avalanche Training:
A 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management

We teach a complete program of curriculum established by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and are the world’s largest and most experienced AIARE provider.

Students on AIARE 1 avalanche safety course button up their layers as head into the field to learn how to travel safely in avalanche terrain.

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 AIARE Pro 1 course down the line.

By completing this course with Colorado Mountain School, you will receive a certification from AIARE and join a network of tens of thousands of AIARE 1 avalanche training graduates.

All AIARE 1 students gain access to our season-long avalanche education membership: The Snow Pack. The Snow Pack consists of three elements: AIARE coursework, bonus education, and student perks.

Snow Pack Logo

Learn more about the Snow Pack membership.

Details:

Why Our AIARE Courses Are Worth It:

Colorado Mountain School is the country’s largest AIARE Provider for a reason
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 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
Discounts on select courses, guided ski tours and lodging partners through the included Snow Pack membership

Sample Itinerary:

We believe that avalanche training is best taught by combining theoretical concepts and experiential learning. Some topics are best learned in a comfortable reading chair and others in the mountains, moving through terrain and digging into the snow. You’ll have both.

The first portion of your course includes an online course and group video discussions. The majority of your course will take place in the mountains. You should be prepared, mentally and physically, to stay immersed in the backcountry for up to six hours. You will be assigned to a small pod consisting of one AIARE 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 – e-Learning: Avalanche Basics

Self-paced online learning that must be completed prior to field days.

Lesson 1: Intro to Colorado Mountain School, AIARE, & Course Logistics
Lesson 2: Track the Season’s Conditions
Lesson 3: Identifying Avalanche Terrain
Lesson 4: Avalanche Rescue Prep
Lesson 5: Teamwork in Avalanche Terrain

Evening 1 – 7:00pm – 8:15pm: Video Meeting

7:00pm – 7:15pm: Students log in, Welcome, and Introductions
7:15pm – 7:20pm: Check in on e-Learning progress, review course itinerary, Q&A
7:20pm – 8:00pm: Case study or tour planning exercise
8:00pm – 8:15pm: Wrap it up: Assign homework

Evening 2 – 7:00pm – 8:15pm Video Meeting

7:00pm – 7:15pm: Welcome back, review itinerary
7:15pm – 7:30pm: Review homework / case study discussion
7:30pm – 8:00pm: Mountain weather discussion
8:00pm – 8:15pm: Gear prep for field

Field Day 1 – 8:00am – 4:00pm

7:30am – 8:00am: Meet at trailhead, rental gear check out, hand out AIARE field books and Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership
8:00am – 8:30am: Trailhead transceiver function check
8:30am – 11:30am: Companion rescue practice
11:30am – 12:00pm: Transition to instructor led tour and snowpack observations
12:00pm – 3:30pm: Terrain tour (ATES) and relevant snowpack observations
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Debrief observations in the field and return to trailhead

Field Day 2 – 8:00am – 4:00pm

7:30am – 8:00am: Meet at trailhead
8:00am – 8:15am: Morning discussion (avalanches, snowpack, weather)
8:15am – 8:30am: Trailhead transceiver function check
9:00am – 2:00pm: Student/Instructor-led tour: Terrain Identification, recording observations in field books, snowpack tests / observations, weather observations, review companion rescue
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Debrief your pod in the field
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Return to trailhead
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Hand in rental gear, course wrap up & next steps

Optional Learning Resources — All Season Long

Virtual mentorship sessions
Students-only webinars
Tech tip video library
Community facebook forum: find partners, discuss coursework & more

Meeting location:

e-Learning: in your Colorado Mountain School account (automatically created during registration)

Video calls: link to be sent by your instructor roughly two weeks prior

Field Sessions: at the trailhead, communicated ahead of time by your instructor

Lodging:

Estes Park: Fall River Village – a beautiful lodge just a five minute walk from downtown Estes Park. They are offering Colorado Mountain School students a discount on their Longs Peak Cottage floor plan. Please contact us to redeem.

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.

The nature of this pandemic requires us to be flexible and adaptable in how we deliver a quality training experience. Rest assured, from the moment you enroll all the way up to your course field days and beyond, our instructors will be a part of your learning progression and will provide you with the tools and resources you need to best prepare for your winter backcountry adventures. If you’d like to learn more about what we are doing to manage COVID-19 risk for our students and guides, please view our COVID-19 FAQ page.

All Upcoming Dates and Locations:

No dates found

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.

10 Things you’ll learn about traveling in avalanche terrain:

Types of avalanches and their characteristics
How avalanches form and release
Primary start-zone factors
Identifying avalanche terrain
Ways to spot and avoid common trigger points
Trip planning, preparation, and navigation
Travel techniques
Group decision-making skills
Avalanche rescue techniques
Weather, terrain, and snowpack considerations

Prerequisites:

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.

Preparation:

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.

Time:

Tuesday & Thursday or Monday & Wednesday: 6pm - 9pm; Saturday and Sunday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Maximum Ratio:

6:1

Minimum Age:

Please call to register participants under age 18

Experience Level	Beginner
Activity Level	Moderate
Discipline	Avalanche Training
Duration	Multi-Day

Price Includes:

Snow Pack membership for the season
AIARE Instructor/s
Digital AIARE Course Manual
AIARE Field Book (yours to keep)
CMS Field Pencil (yours to keep)
AIARE Certificate of Completion provided by AIARE
Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
Use of Backcountry Access Avalanche Equipment during course
- BCA Beacon
- BCA Shovel
- BCA Probe
- Snowshoes

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	BCA Tracker 2 or 3	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Avalanche Probe	Collapsable metal or carbon rod used to probe avalanche debris while attempting to strike a buried target.	1	BCA Stealth 300	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Avalanche Rescue Shovel	Ski specific shovel used to dig pits and avalanche rescue. A metal blade is mandatory.	1	BCA B1 Ext	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Backpack: 20-40 liter	Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing. Large backpacking packs are acceptable, depending on the climb.	1	CAMP M3 30L	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School	Equipment
Baselayer Bottoms	Synthetic or Merino Wool; Lightweight or mid-weight are recommended.	1	Men: Rab Forge Leggings Women: Rab Forge Leggings	Rab		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	Rab Logo Beanie	Rab		Clothing
Climbing Skins	Nylon or mohair. Trimmed and adjusted to fit your skis or splitboard ahead of time.	1	Dynafit Speedskin	Neptune Mountaineering	Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Compass	Used for navigation and orientation. A compass with adjustable declination is preferrable.	1	Silva Ranger CLQ	Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Face Mask (PPE)	Should be made with at least two layers of fabric. Your mask needs to cover your nose and mouth without large gaps. The mask should have ear loops or ties so you can adjust it. Look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging.	2				Clothing
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		Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Floatation (Skis, Snowboard, or Snowshoes)	Students are welcome to participate on snowshoes, skis, or snowboard. Skis should have touring bindings; lightweight tech bindings are ideal. Splitboards are ideal for snowboarders. Snowboarders using resort snowboards will need to have snowshoes. All students will need poles.	1	Dynafit Beast 98; Dynafit ST Radical 100	Neptune Mountaineering	Skis & Splitboards: Neptune Mountaineering Snowshoes: Colorado Mountain School	Equipment
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	Made in Nature, Thrive Tribe	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
Goggles	Protect your eyes and face from wind and sun burn.	1	Julbo Airflux	Neptune Mountaineering		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 Khroma Kinetic Pants Women: Rab Women's Khroma Kinetic Pants	Rab Stores		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		Neptune Mountaineering		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 Women: Pivot GTX Glove	Rab Store		Clothing
Hot Drinks	Coffee, tea, hot cocoa are great for warming up when it's cold outside.	1	Cusa Tea; Alpine Start Coffee	Neptune Mountaineering		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 Forge LS Tee Women: Rab Force LS Tee	Rab		Clothing
Lightweight Gloves	Synthetic; Thin gloves used when hiking the early morning approach. Belay gloves can suffice if full-fingered.	1	Rab Vapour-Rise Glove	Rab Store		Clothing
Lip ScreenSPF 15 or higher.	Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned.	1	Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Lip Balm	Neptune Mountaineering		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 Nexus Jacket Women: Rab Nexus Jacket	Rab		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	Rab Khroma Tour Glove	Neptune Mountaineering		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	CMS Neck Gaiter	Neptune Mountaineering		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		Neptune Mountaineering		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	Camp Speed Comp	Neptune Mountaineering		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	Scarpa Maestrale RS	Neptune Mountaineering	Neptune Mountaineering	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	BCA Scepter	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering	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	BCA Ski Strap	Neptune Mountaineering		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: Rab VR Summit Jacket Women: Rab VR Summit Jacket	Rab		Clothing
Sports Bra	Provides support and allows for full range of motion	1	North Face Beyond the Wall	Neptune Mountaineering		Clothing
Sun Hat	A billed hat to keep the sun at bay during the approach and descent.	1	Rab Freight Cap	Rab		Clothing
Sunglasses	"Wrap-Around" style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection.	1	Julbo Shield	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
SunscreenSPF 30 or higher.	Travel size.	1	Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 50	Neptune Mountaineering		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: Rab Electron Pro Jacket Women: Rab Electron Pro Jacket	Neptune Mountaineering		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	Point 6 Hiking Light Crew	Neptune Mountaineering		Clothing
Thermos	Many ice climbers prefer to bring a thermos of hot water or soup instead of one of their water bottles.	1		Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Toe Warmers and Hand Heaters	Help keep you warm on particularly cold days.	1		Neptune Mountaineering		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	Neptune Mountaineering		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: Rab Khroma Kinetic Jacket Women: Rab Khroma Kinetic Jacket	Rab		Clothing

Registration

Q: Do I need prior backcountry experience to participate in AIARE 1?

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 AIARE 1 course?

A: If you are hoping to take your AIARE course on a ski or splitboard 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?

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 AIARE 1 page 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: All classroom work will be online for the 2020/21 season. Each student will get access to an online portal which will give them access to a variety of course work and more.

Q: How do I access online learning?

A: If you’re already enrolled, you can start learning immediately by signing into your Colorado Mountain School account using the email address you registered with. Once logged in, you’ll find links to “Online Courses” to start your AIARE 1 coursework, or “Membership Resources” to get access to additional education and community resources.

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 AIARE 1 web 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?

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.

Q: Will I be able to carpool with my AIARE 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.

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?

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?

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?

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 AIARE 1 equipment list tab for recommendations.

Q: How is COVID-19 going to be managed during my AIARE course?

A: As professional risk managers, we take the wellbeing of our guides and clients very seriously. We will primarily manage risk of COVID-19 through pre-course screenings, physical distancing, mask wearing and good hygiene. Please see our full COVID-19 FAQ 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 AIARE 1 Split Course

Rated 5 out of 5

Noah Fields (verified owner) – December 14, 2020

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!
Rated 5 out of 5

Megan Reuss (verified owner) – January 5, 2021

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.
Rated 5 out of 5

chandlek70 (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

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!
Rated 5 out of 5

Megan Reuss (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

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.
Rated 5 out of 5

kayla.dome (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

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.
Rated 5 out of 5

Casey Romeo (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

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.
Rated 5 out of 5

CJ Amman (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

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.
Rated 4 out of 5

Matthew Ramey (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

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.
Rated 5 out of 5

Hanna Doyle (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

AIARE 1 was a great experience. I learned so much and had a great time being in the outdoors with friends.
Rated 5 out of 5

Leah Livingston (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

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!
Rated 5 out of 5

William Wiese (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

Ian was an incredible instructor. He made things easy to understand and showed us how to apply our knowledge in the field.
Rated 5 out of 5

Jerry Byrd (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

Thank you Katie for sharing your knowledge and passion with us! It was an enjoyable couple of days at Cameron Pass!
Rated 5 out of 5

little_castaldo (verified owner) – April 5, 2021

Took AIARE I in February 2021 and had a fantastic time! Our instructor, Sarah, was fabulous, and the educational value exceeded my expectations.

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AIARE 1 Split Course