AIARE 1 Avalanche Course – 2-Day w/ Evening Lectures (Snoqualmie)

This is an AIARE certified level 1 avalanche course consisting of two evening lectures at the Mountaineers clubhouse in Seattle, and a two-day field trip based out of Snoqualmie Pass. The course activities and field trip dates are as follows: 

SCHEDULE:

• Pre-course work: Due no later than Mon, March 2, 5:00pm (4-8 hrs self-paced online coursework)
• Lecture 1: Mon, March 9th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Seattle Program Center
• Lecture 2: Tues, March 10th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Seattle Program Center
• Field Trip: Sat, March 14th - Sun, March 15th, 8am - 4pm

WHAT IS COVERED:

Students will gain a solid foundation in preparing and executing safe backcountry trips while minimizing avalanche risk. The course covers basic field decision-making and rescue techniques for locating and digging out a buried person in the event of an avalanche.

FOCUS ON DECISION MAKING AND PLANNING:

This class focuses on practical decision-making for safe travel in avalanche terrain. The planning and decision-making tools taught in this course are equally useful for managing risk  on trips in non-avalanche terrain. The course also covers companion rescue techniques.

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 entirety of the field trip will be completed in the backcountry of Snoqualmie Pass. The course registration fee does not include lodging.  The field trip starts promptly at 8am on field days and weather can make an early morning arrival challenging. The field days will end at 4pm, so returning to the Seattle area or nearby between each field trip day is recommended.

COMMUNICATION AFTER REGISTERING:

After the registration window closes, registered students will receive a welcome email with additional information about the pre-coursework material and links to student manuals and other materials to help prepare for 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.

ABOUT AIARE

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