Avalanche Safety Courses

Avalanche Safety Courses

Avalanche Safety is for anyone participating in backcountry winter activities.

 

 

AIARE Level 1

Avalanche SafetyThe AIARE Level 1 course, taught by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, should be taken by anyone participating in winter activities in the backcountry. You'll learn decision-making based on avalanche hazard evaluation, travel and avoidance in avalanche-prone terrain, how to use transceivers, and avalanche rescue technique as part of this 24-hour course. Note: some courses involving snow travel will automatically enroll a student in AIARE I as a requirement (check details as the course curriculum may vary somewhat between branches). 

TYPICALLY OFFERED

Courses are generally listed and open for registration in November, with classes beginning either in December or January. Course are available through our Tacoma, Foothills, Everett, Bellingham, and Seattle Branches. 

Badges you can earn

This badge represents successful completion of The Mountaineers Avalanche Level 1 Course.

 

 

Avalanche Awareness

Our avalanche awareness class is a shorter course, generally one weekday evening that covers the basics of avalanche mechanics, identifying snow stability, safe travel techniques, and briefly discusses beacons and best practices.

TYPICALLY OFFERED

Held in December, January, and February. The Mountaineers partners with the Northwest Avalanche Association. Taking the course with NWAC qualifies as equivalency for this seminar. 

Badges you can earn

This badge represents successful completion of our Avalanche Awareness Course, an introduction to understanding and avoiding avalanches.

 

 


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