AIARE Level 1 Course
Sign up for an AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Recreational Level 1 avalanche course with Skyward Mountaineering. Our 3-day Avalanche Level 1 is an official AIARE course and follows the American Avalanche Association curriculum with 24 hours of classroom instruction and in-field practical learning sessions. If you recreate in the winter backcountry - ski touring, splitboarding, snowmobiling, ice climbing, or mountaineering - understanding avalanche hazards, how to navigate the terrain, and being prepared for an emergency rescue is essential. Skyward Mountaineering is a nationally recognized AIARE provider with the AMGA certified Ski Guides who have real world experience with avalanche forecasting and recreating in snowy peaks around the world. Our prioritization of uniquely qualified instructors, small groups and engaging educational tools makes us stand out as the premier provider of avalanche courses in Colorado. Our focus is practical decision-making, snowpack observation skills, and safe travel practices so you can play in the winter backcountry with security margins and a greater confidence to recognize hazards and articulate your concerns, keeping yourself and your friends safer.
Introductory Level 1 avalanche course
No previous avalanche course experience is required. Skiers/Snowboarders must be competent Intermediate level skiers/riders in the resort.
3 full days (8 hours each)
Silverton, Colorado
9,302 ft / 2,835 m
Hands-On Learning in an Engaging And Supportive Environment
Skyward Mountaineering’s Avalanche Level 1 curriculum emphasizes practical skill development and clear decision frameworks. Upon successful completion of the Avalanche Level 1 course, students receive an AIARE Recreational Level 1 certification and may progress to more advanced avy courses. Topics taught during this avalanche course include:
Avalanche terminology and types of avalanches
How to interpret the avalanche forecast, weather observations and apply it to the tour plan
Basic snowpack structure and how to make snow observations (pits, profiles and quick on-the-go tests)
Terrain management and travel techniques to reduce exposure to avalanches
Group decision-making frameworks (human factors and heuristic traps)
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This three day course is based out of Silverton, Colorado in the San Juan mountains.
08:00 Meet in a classroom setting in Silverton. After personal introductions and an overview of the course progression, we begin learning the foundations of avalanche terminology, characteristics, and contributing factors. The afternoon is spent in the field with hands-on learning.
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08:00 Meet in a classroom setting for morning topics before heading out into the field for hands-on learning in the Silverton backcountry.
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08:00 We meet in the morning in a classroom to discuss the intricacies of tour planning before executing our small group plans in the Silverton backcountry.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common questions about the AIARE Level 1 avalanche course with Skyward Mountaineering:
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Our Level 1 follows the nationally recognized AIARE curriculum, helping students clearly understand the avalanche concerns, forecast, and how to implement a backcountry tour with those factors in mind. Students can expect to learn about:
Avalanche bulletin
Avalanche problem list
Winter snowpack observations
Mountain weather
Trip planning
Reading a map
Terrain choices and route finding
Setting a skin track
Skiing with a group considerations and buddy check system
Human factors
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We offer the Avalanche Rescue Course as a 1-day add-on component for the AIARE 1 course. We recommend taking the rescue course immediately after your Level 1 course.
The Rescue Course focuses on efficient partner rescues, which makes it a very valuable tool for anyone recreating in the backcountry when/where avalanches are possible. These skills are a critical component to being a pro-active and contributing member of the team.
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This AIARE Level 1 is designed for skiers and snowboarders who have an intermediate downhill ability (confident at descending Blue runs in the resort). You do not need to have previous touring experience to participate in this course, though we do recommend it. We often spend a prep day with skiers/riders who are new to backcountry touring before the course going over important and fundamental touring skills. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss the possibility of adding on a guided day of ski touring before your course or just have questions about what’s best for you.
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Yes, we can facilitate pairing you with your friend/family member during our normally scheduled avalanche course or if you’d prefer to have a private course for your group, just let us know - we are happy to accommodate you and customize your course. Contact us to discuss a private avalanche education course.
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We have a detailed equipment list to help you prepare and pack for your course. If you have questions about any of the gear please let us know, we’re happy to help make recommendations or clarify.
We strongly recommend having your own avalanche rescue equipment so you can begin to get used to the nuanced differences of that model, though Skyward Mountaineering can provide avalanche rescue equipment for you to use during the course, please just let us know ASAP. Students are responsible for having all of their own touring equipment.
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Avalanche courses are unfortunately non-refundable due to the overhead costs associated. With enough notice we may be able to fill your spot on the course and provide a credit toward a future program with Skyward Mountaineering. Please contact us ASAP if you have concerns about participating in an avalanche course.
Check out our other avalanche courses:
Looking for the 1-day Avalanche Rescue Course? This auxiliary course focuses entirely on companion rescue techniques such as transceiver search, probe techniques, shoveling strategy/patient extrication. It can be taken in addition to your Avalanche Level 1 course or as a refresher at the start of the season!
Would you prefer to take an Avalanche Level 1 course designed specifically for ice climbers and mountaineers? We are excited to now offer an AIARE Level 1 in Silverton, Colorado that caters to the nuances of climbing. This is also a great option if you would prefer to take an avalanche education course on-foot rather than skis/snowboard.
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