Bonnie Eiber
For skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers eager to explore the backcountry, avalanche awareness isn’t optional — it’s vital. The Mountaineers AIARE 1 course provides a structured, hands-on introduction to avalanche safety, empowering participants to make informed decisions in complex winter environments.
Register today to join the Foothills Branch for our upcoming AIARE 1 course! The course runs from January 13 - February 1, 2026, and includes four evening Zoom lectures and a weekend field trip. The course costs $575 for members and $675 for guests. Scholarships are available. Capacity is limited to 42 participants, so early registration is essential.
What is AIARE 1?
The Avalanche Institute for Research and Education (AIARE) developed this entry-level course to teach recreational backcountry travelers how to:
- Identify avalanche hazards using terrain, weather, and snowpack clues.
- Create a plan before heading out, considering conditions and group dynamics.
- Manage hazards while riding by applying safe travel techniques.
- Debrief after the trip to learn from decisions and improve future outings.
Graduates leave with the ability to actively contribute to group safety, rather than relying solely on more experienced partners.
Course details
The Mountaineers course includes:
- Classroom sessions. Participants will attend four evening zoom sessions covering avalanche science, terrain recognition, and human factors.
- A field trip. The group will go for a weekend field trip in the Snoqualmie backcountry to practice beacon searches, companion rescue, and hazard assessment in real snow conditions.
- Mentored group participation. Leaders will encourage collaboration and shared responsibility in decision-making.
This hybrid approach ensures that theory is reinforced by practice, giving students confidence to apply their skills immediately.
Why Take This Course?
- Safety. Avalanches are among the greatest risks in winter backcountry travel.
- Community connection. Learn alongside fellow skiers and splitboarders, building a network of responsible partners.
- Certification. Completing AIARE 1 is often a prerequisite for advanced courses and guided trips.
- Empowerment. Gain autonomy in planning and executing safe backcountry adventures.
The Mountaineers AIARE 1 course is more than a class — it’s an investment in safety and your long-term enjoyment of the backcountry. By combining structured learning with practical fieldwork, this certification transforms skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers into proactive, informed adventurers ready to navigate avalanche terrain responsibly.
