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AIARE Avalanche Rescue & Wilderness First Aid
Pricing
Price/Person - Select # in Your Group
Description
AIARE Avalanche Rescue + Wilderness First Aid Combo Course
Duration
3 Days Total
- Day 1 – Avalanche Rescue: Hands-on beacon, shovel, and probe practice with realistic single and multiple burial scenarios. Learn search strategies, companion rescue, and scene management.
- Day 2 – Wilderness First Aid (WFA): Core wilderness medical skills, patient assessment, splinting, wound care, and managing environmental conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite.
- Day 3 – Integrated Scenarios & WFA Certification: Apply avalanche rescue and medical response skills in combined field exercises. Course concludes with written and practical WFA evaluations.
Location / Where to Meet
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- Experience Level: Open to students who have completed, or are planning to complete, an AIARE 1 course. No prior medical experience required.
- Fitness: Participants should be prepared for full days in winter backcountry conditions and capable of moderate physical activity while carrying a pack.
- Gear: Backcountry touring equipment (AT skis, splitboard, or snowshoes) and avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe, pack) required. Rental options available through Colorado Adventure Guides.
What's Included
- Local AIARE Certified and DMM Professional Course Leader and Instructors
- Avalanche Rescue Card
- AIARE Rescue Course Completion Certificate
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certification
- Use of beacon, shovel and probe (if needed)
- Discounted use of touring equipment (if needed)
Not Included
- Airfare
- Accommodations
- Transportation to and from designated meeting place
- Food
- Clothing and gear
- Guide gratuities
- Travel insurance
What to Bring / Wear
Required Equipment
- Avalanche Beacon
- Avalanche Probe
- Avalanche Shovel
- Medium (40L) sized backpack
- Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard
- Climbing Skins
- Goggles
- Helmet
- 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
- Neck gaiter or buff
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Colorado Adventure Guides
FAQs
What can I expect to learn on this course?
- Identifying and using the gear necessary to avalanche rescue
- Efficient use of beacon, shovel, and probe
- Pre-trip gear checks
- What to do if you or a member of your party are caught in an avalanche
- Participate in realistic scenarios to practice your avalanche rescue response
- Advanced topics - Multiple burials, advanced beacon functions, and evacuation considerations
- Developing a plan for continuing practice -Traumatic Injuries Associated With Winter Backcountry Activities
- Winter Environmental Medicine
- Protocols And The ICAR Avalanche Burial Checklist
- Intro To Backcountry Communication Devices
- Winter Specific Litter Building
- Basic Documentation
- Basics Of Calling A Rescue
- Urban Vs Wilderness Medicine
- Intro To Wilderness Recreation Law & Liability
- Basic Wilderness Medicine Guidelines
- Intro To Wilderness Risk Management
- Patient Assessment In Cold Austere Environments
- Basic Life Support
- Red Flag Backcountry Medical Problems
- Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training
How physically fit do I need to be to take this course?
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.
Do I need to be a good skier / snowboarder to take this course?
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.
Should I tip my course instructor?
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%.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 14 days before your course or camp to receive a refund, minus a 10% admin fee.
Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable unless we can fill your spot. If we can, you’ll receive a refund minus the 10% fee.
Rescheduling Policy
You can reschedule at least 14 days before your course or camp for a 10% admin fee.
Within 14 days, rescheduling is only possible if we can fill your spot. If we can, a 10% fee applies. If not, rescheduling is not available.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
204 Ryan Gulch Rd.
Silverthorne, CO, 80498
US
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