AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety Course: Front Range Zones

Denver / Front Range AIARE 1 Course

Three-Day Intro Course to Managing Avalanche Hazard

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. Colorado is home to one of the most complex snowpacks in the entire world, and people come from all across the globe to study the snowpack here. Our local team of AIARE-certified leaders and instructors have an intimate relationship with the local terrain and snowpack conditions where we operate & will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and to reduce risks. Avalanche Safety education is the core of our winter operations and we are pleased to offer education in six Colorado Counties, including ski resort-based and hut-based courses.

Our 3-Day AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Courses in the Front Range zone combines pre-course e-learning, classroom, and field instruction to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain. All of our Level 1 courses will include 24 hours of coursework at a minimum, and two days on snow. We want to make sure that you get the education that you need and don’t cut corners in delivering the best product so that we can maximize your benefit!

What You’ll Learn:

2024/2025 Course Dates & Options

Standard Level 1 Course Dates in Front Range Zones

• Jan 24-26
  
• February 28th-Mar 2nd
  
• March 28th-30th
  

Looking for some other options? Check out our other course options and dates below;

AIARE 1 Courses in Summit County

Hut-Based AIARE 1 Courses

Lift-Accessed Resort Based AIARE 1 Courses

Splitboard Specific AIARE 1 Courses

Itinerary

One Month Prior - E-Learning materials and Student Manual are sent approximately one month prior to course start. Students submit questions relating to E-Learning or Student Manual to prepare for the Classroom portion of the course.

Day One – Classroom Presentations and Trip Planning Lesson in Dumont, Colorado

• 8:00am – 12:00pm: Classroom presentations and hands-on activities
  
• 12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch
  
• 1:00 pm – 4:00: Presentations, activities and Instructor-led trip planning lesson
  

What is Included

• AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor(s) (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
  
• AIARE Course Manual
  
• AIARE Field Book
  
• AIARE Certificate of Completion
  
• Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
  
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead
  

Not Included

• Lodging
  
• Clothing and gear
  
• Backcountry skis, splitboards (rentals available)
  
• Food (included in hut-based courses)
  
• Transportation to designated meeting place
  
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
  
• Instructor gratuity
  

Front Range Zones in Colorado

Our front range zone courses will be based between Loveland and Berthoud Passes. The classroom portion will be held in Dumont, Colorado and the field days will be spread between Loveland and Berthoud Pass. These areas are excellent zones to start or continue your avalanche and backcountry education in and offer a wide variety of terrain for all user types and experience levels.

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:

• Rock Climbing
  
• Mountaineering
  
• Hiking/Peak Accents
  
• Mountain Biking
  
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
  
• Backcountry Skiing
  
• Backcountry Splitboarding
  
• Snowshoeing
  
• Ice Climbing
  
• AIARE Snow Safety
  

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!