The AIARE Level 1 Avalanche course is oriented towards recreational backcountry users such as climbers, skiers, snowboarders, scramblers and snowshoers. The course introduces the avalanche phenomena and is more than an avalanche awareness course. It introduces planning and preparation for travelling in avalanche terrain, human factors, terrain recognition, “red flag” observations, terrain selection, and travel techniques. The overall goal is to improve decision making in avalanche terrain. The c... More

The AIARE Level 1 Avalanche course is oriented towards recreational backcountry users such as climbers, skiers, snowboarders, scramblers and snowshoers. The course introduces the avalanche phenomena and is more than an avalanche awareness course. It introduces planning and preparation for travelling in avalanche terrain, human factors, terrain recognition, “red flag” observations, terrain selection, and travel techniques. The overall goal is to improve decision making in avalanche terrain. The course also teaches how to apply effective companion rescue. It is a basic hazard management course and uses rule based tools in combination with introductory knowledge based decision making tools. Evening lectures will be held on January 14 and 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Tacoma Mountaineers Program Center. The field trip portion will be held on January 19 and 20; all day both days. The field trip location is yet to be determined. Required equipment includes an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.

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