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AIARE 1 for Snowshoers/Skiers 3 Day - Bellingham - 2024 - (B)

Avalanche Safety Course

AIARE 1 Avalanche Class

AIARE Level 1 avalanche safety course, open to all.

Contacts

Ryan Kitchen
Ryan Kitchen
Leader

 

This is an AIARE certified level 1 avalanche course consisting of a three-day field trip based out of the Mountaineers Baker Lodge at the Mount Baker ski area. Lodging cost is not included in the registration fee.  The lectures and field trip dates are as follows: 

SCHEDULE:
  • Pre-Course online learning:  Available starting Jan 5, Due Wed Jan 25th     (4-8 hrs self-paced online coursework)
  • Field Trip: Fri 2/3- Sun 2/5  8:00am - 4:00pm, Mount Baker Lodge
WHAT IS COVERED:
The course introduces students to the primary factors that cause avalanches such as weather, snowpack, human error and terrain and stresses ways to avoid avalanches, such as reading terrain, trip planning, snowpack evaluation, understanding avalanche forecasts, travel techniques and team decision making.
 
FOCUS ON DECISION MAKING AND PLANNING:

The class is oriented toward demonstrating practical ways to make safe decisions when traveling in avalanche terrain. The planning and decision making tools introduced in this course are just as applicable to managing all sorts of mountaineering hazards as they are to safety in avalanche terrain. Companion rescue methods are also covered in this class.

I can't think of one moment in the course which was not a learning experience. I especially liked how my instructors challenged us to judge terrain and make choices at the field trip, and then asked us to reflect on those decisions.
FIELD TRIP DETAILS:
The field trip will be in the Mount Baker backcountry based out of the Mountaineers Mount Baker Lodge.  The field trip starts promptly at 8am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings and weather can make an early morning arrival challenging. 
LODGING:

Lodging is not provided.

COVID Policy:

All students and instructors are required to be vaccinated against covid-19 in order to take this course. By registering for this course, students acknowledge that they are or will be vaccinated before the first class session. Students will be required to show copies of vaccine cards at the first lecture.

COMMUNICATION AFTER REGISTERING:

Students will receive pre-coursework information starting on Jan 5th. This coursework must be completed by January 25th prior to the start of the class.

CANCELLATION AND ATTENDANCE POLICY

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. Pre-course work and attendance at all classes are required. We will attempt to provide one make-up field day for anyone who could not attend part or all of the field trips due to illness.

ABOUT AIARE
To learn more about the AIARE approach to avalanche education used by the Mountaineers, visit the AIARE website.

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

During the two day field trip students will need the following equipment:

  • Either backcountry skis / splitboard with skins, or snowshoes. 
  • A metal shovel designed for avalanche rescue (no plastic shovels)
  • A full length avalanche probe (Minimum length of  270cm)
  • An avalanche beacon (3 antenna beacons are required)
  • Clothes suitable both for standing around and getting exercise outdoors all day in possibly cold, windy, snowy or even rainy conditions. 
Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.