Avalanche training is essential for anyone planning to venture into the backcountry.
Traveling in the backcountry requires a solid understanding of avalanche risk and the knowledge to mitigate these risks through appropriate terrain assessment and decision-making. Our AIARE certified leaders and instructors will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and reduce risks. For 2021/2022 the standard AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course 3-Day course offers the option for Day 1 in either a virtual learning (Zoom) format or a physical classroom, along with two days of field instruction to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain.
This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort.
What you’ll learn:
• Trip planning and preparation
• Reading and understanding the avalanche forecast
• Classifications and characteristics of different types of avalanches
• Recognizing hazardous conditions
• Understanding a mountain snowpack
• Basics of route selection and terrain management
• Managing risk and decision making
• Human factors and influence
• Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe
• Companion rescue techniques
• Group management
Below is a list of required and recommended equipment for your adventure. Dressing properly and having the correct equipment will help Colorado Adventure Guides provide a safer and more fun experience for your group. Though we cannot control the weather, we can make sure that you are prepared for whatever conditions we encounter in this mountain environment. Remember, the weather can change quickly and drastically.
Our guides recommend wearing technical clothing on all higher level hikes and winter activities, but is never a bad idea regardless of which activity you participate in. Technical clothing (polypro, merino wool, etc) is designed to help regulate body temperature and keep perspiration off of the skin. Not only is it safer, it dries faster, and is much more comfortable during exercise. When possible, please try to avoid wearing cotton like hoodies, denim jeans, cotton socks, etc.
Colorado Adventure Guides strives to be as environmentally conscious as possible. We strongly urge you to bring your own hydration system or Nalgene bottles and fill them before heading to the trailhead. This reduces plastic pollution and the chance of accidentally leaving litter behind. Plus, our water is fresh and delicious up here in Summit County!
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