AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety Course - Resort Based, Lift Accessed

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 online Zoom or Classroom portion of the course.

Day One – Classroom Presentations and Trip Planning Lesson (Virtual and in-person classrooms)

• 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

Day Two - On Snow

• 7:30am – 3:30pm: Field Session. Companion Rescue and Making Relevant Observations

Day Three - On Snow

• 7:30am – 4:00pm : Student-led tour and course close

This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or a 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 a ski resort. Students should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain, and must bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow. A/T Skis and Splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp

Colorado Adventure Guides’ priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Your instructor will contact you at least 1 week prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.

• Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel
• Medium-sized backpack
• A/T Skis or Splitboard with well-fitted climbing skins and boots and poles
• Appropriate clothing for the weather
• Much of the above is available for use or rent at CAG’s HQ in Silverthorne

We recommend you bring or wear the below or similar:

• Hard or softshell pants
• Synthetic or merino wool base layer
• Softshell jacket (optional)
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket
• Light gloves for uphill travel
• Warm gloves
• Brimmed hat or visor
• Sunglasses and goggles
• Helmet
• Sunscreen
• Neck gaiter or buff
• Snacks, water, food
• Medium backpack

Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.