AIARE 1 for Snowshoers/Skiers - 3 Day - 2020

Avalanche Safety Course

Avalanche AIARE Level 1

AIARE Level 1 avalanche safety course, open to all.

 

This is an AIARE certified level 1 avalanche course consisting of one day of lectures and a two-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. Students are recommended to stay at the Mount Baker Lodge (see below for more information). The lectures and field trip dates are as follows: 

SCHEDULE:
  • Classroom Session: Fri, Feb 21st, 8am - 4pm
  • Field Trip: Sat, Feb 22nd - Sun, Feb 23rd, 8am - 4pm
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 course registration fee does not include lodging.  Students are encouraged to stay at the Mount Baker Lodge for the entire course to make logistics and travel easier. The field trip starts early on Saturday morning and weather can make an early morning arrival challenging. 

COMMUNICATION AFTER REGISTERING:

In January, registered students will receive a welcome email and a link to register for the Baker Lodge. People registered for the class will have an opportunity to sign up for lodging before public registration opens up for the lodge.

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. Attendance is required at all classes and no make-up classes are provided.

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 240cm / Recommended length of 280cm)
  • An avalanche beacon (2 or 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.