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AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course - Foothills - 2020

Avalanche Safety Course

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course for Skiers and Splitboarders

An AIARE certified level one avalanche course.

Contacts

Placeholder Contact Profile
Foothills Avy
Instructor

"Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain". This course introduces students to the avalanche phenomena, the types and characteristics of avalanches, and identification and planning of safe routes/travel in avalanche terrain. The course has a major focus on developing solid group communication skills and recognizing and facilitating group dynamics to manage risk. You will also learn how to respond in an avalanche emergency using your avalanche beacon, rescue tools, and techniques to locate victims of an avalanche.

The course consists of four required evening lecture/presentation sessions at the Mercer Island Community Center and ONE weekend field trip (no overnight) in a small group on snow. Student/instructor ratio is 6:1. You will have the opportunity to put into action all that you have learned using the AIARE decision making process with your Foothills AIARE certified instructor. The weekend sessions start at 8:00 am and finish at 5:00 pm and we will be in the Snoqualmie Backcountry.
 
All participants in this course should have good over-snow ability on skis or snowboard as this course includes two full days of group travel in varying snow-covered terrain. Students will be asked to fill out a skills and fitness questionnaire for placement in a small group with others of similar skills, fitness, and equipment. Come join us for a some fun and a great as well as potentially life saving course. If you have any questions please feel free to email avy@foothillswinter.org.

Student Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the Level 1 course students should be able to:

  • Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Recognize avalanche terrain.
  • Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
  • Learn and apply effective companion rescue.
Course Schedule:
  • Four required weekday evening lectures at Mercer Island Community Center 6:15 to 8:45 pm
  • One weekend Field Session at Snoqualmie Pass 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Course Fee:  Member: $375,  Non-Members:$475

Cancellation Fee:  During the open registration period, students can cancel their registration and receive a refund of their course fee minus a $50 cancellation fee. After registration closes, students will receive no refunds for cancellations. Attendance is required at all classes and no make-up classes are provided.

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

beacon, shovel, probe

Backcountry skis/bindings OR splitboard

Skins

Winter 10 Essentials

Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.