AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is a one day stand alone course to learn or update your rescue skills
Service Description
**AIARE Avalanche Rescue** is a one-day, stand-alone course designed for both new and experienced backcountry travelers and aspiring avalanche professionals. The course focuses on companion rescue techniques and is intended to be taken regularly to stay current with evolving best practices and gear developments. For first-time participants, the course introduces the fundamentals of avalanche rescue, including how to respond if someone in their group is caught in an avalanche, how to identify and use essential rescue equipment, and how to conduct an efficient companion rescue. Returning students benefit from a deeper dive into advanced skills, realistic scenario practice, and updated methods, ensuring their knowledge stays fresh and relevant. All participants receive personalized coaching from instructors, opportunities for hands-on practice in timed rescue scenarios, and constructive feedback on their performance. The course culminates in each student receiving a **rescue card** that documents their completion of the course and serves as proof of current rescue training. This course is a **prerequisite for AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses** and is strongly recommended by AIARE to be taken at least every two years. Regular participation helps individuals maintain confidence and competence in rescue techniques, which are critical in high-stakes avalanche situations. Upon completion, students should be able to: * Describe proper steps to take if they or someone else is caught in an avalanche * Use rescue gear correctly and efficiently * Set up and manage realistic rescue scenarios * Improve rescue response time and skills with guided feedback * Develop a long-term plan for skill maintenance and continued practice This course supports both foundational learning and skill advancement, offering value whether you’re new to avalanche education or looking to sharpen your abilities with professional insight.
Upcoming Sessions
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation and Deposit Policy Your reservation is secured with full payment of invoice. Sierra Climbing School (SCS) issues invoices via Stripe before final confirmation email is sent. Cash and checks are also accepted in advance, contact the office to arrange payment (1-760-313-6900). If you must cancel, for any reason, with thirty days or more notice you may cancel the outing for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. A 50% refund is available if cancellation occurs 14-29 days in advance of the outing as scheduled. If cancellation occurs less than 14 days in advance the full deposit will be forfeited. If you need to reschedule your dates over 30 days in advance of the outing no administrative fee will be incurred. With 14-29 days of notice rescheduling is only possible if our schedule and permits allow along with a $50 administrative fee. Rescheduling with less than 14 days notice will only be issued a 50% credit towards the rescheduled date and a 50% forfeiture of deposit to pay guide and administrative fees. Dates are only available to be rescheduled in the same calendar year. Any outings cancelled in advance by SCS will be eligible for a refund or free rescheduling, if possible. If the outing meets and cancels, a $100 fee will be deducted from the original deposit to pay the guide and administrative fee. Outings cancelled once in the field are only available for a pro-rated refund not in excess of 50% of deposit. Group class prices are subject to a minimum number of participants, any group outing that becomes a private outing will be charged as such. SCS reserves the right to cancel outings for reasons including but not limited to air quality, weather, land manager closures and safety issues. If AQI exceeds 150 PPM in the area of the outing, attempts will be made to change locations or reschedule. SCS office and guides shall use their best judgement and conservative decision making in regards to weather forecasting and cancellation. Any land manager closures (ie fire season closure) will be subject to cancellation/rescheduling policy as previously stated.
Contact Details
(760) 313-6900
sierraclimbingschool@gmail.com
452 East Mono Lake Drive, Lee Vining, CA, USA