AIARE Level One Avalanche Course
Price
$625
Duration
Location
Mammoth Lakes, CA
3 days
*Limited spots available per course
Course Overview
The AIARE Level 1 is a three-day introduction to avalanche hazard management. Participants will learn how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision-making while in the field, and to learn avalanche rescue techniques. This course is for anyone who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain.
Learning Objectives
- Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain
- Demonstrate how to move as a team through avalanche terrain
- Describe why avalanches happen
- Perform a basic avalanche rescue
Course Content
- Avalanche Types & Motion
- Terrain Analysis
- Snowpack Observations
- The AIARE Decision Making Framework
- Rescue Equipment & Techniques
Prerequisites
Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain on skis or splitboard. Basic downhill proficiency is required to move between field sites. No prior avalanche education is necessary.
Required Equipment
- Avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe
- Skis with alpine touring bindings or a splitboard
- Climbing skins
- Weather-appropriate backcountry apparel
- Backpack (30-40L)
Mammoth Lakes Course Details
Our AIARE recreational courses are held in the Mammoth Lakes region of the Eastern Sierra, a perfect location for learning avalanche safety. Mammoth’s diverse terrain, deep snowpack, and dynamic weather conditions make it an ideal spot for the AIARE 1 course. Participants will experience a range of real-world avalanche scenarios, from open bowls and steep chutes to tree-lined glades. The area's reliable snowfall and layered snowpack are perfect for learning snow stability assessment and wind slab identification, while its high elevation and varied slope aspects provide valuable insights into how sun exposure and temperature changes impact avalanche risk.
Please note that transportation and lodging are not covered in the course fee. We recommend having a car capable of handling winter road conditions in case of inclement weather. Upon registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Two weeks before your course begins, we will send a detailed itinerary, including an equipment list, local lodging options, and gear rental locations in town.
It’s required that you come prepared to your course with your preferred snow travel mode, whether that be a ski touring setup, splitboard, or snowshoes. We thank you in advance for being prepared and look forward to some great days in the field with you!