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AIARE 1 Avalanche Course-Foothills - 2026

Avalanche Safety Course

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course for Skiers and Splitboarders

In this 4 evening + one weekend AIARE 1 course you will learn a repeatable management framework to: identify potential avalanche hazards, create a plan for where to go in response to the hazard (PLAN), manage hazards while in avalanche terrain (RIDE), and learn from that experience (DEBRIEF). AIARE 1 is an entry level course designed to enable you to be an active participant in small groups

Contacts

Barrett Amos
Barrett Amos
Leader

Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain

This course introduces skiers and splitboarders to the avalanche phenomena, the types and characteristics of avalanches, and identification and planning of safe routes/travel in avalanche terrain. The course has a major focus on developing solid group communication skills and recognizing and facilitating group dynamics to manage risk. You will also learn how to respond in an avalanche emergency using your avalanche beacon, rescue tools, and techniques to locate victims of an avalanche.

During the four evening Zoom sessions (7:00-9:00pm) we meet in small groups to practice using tools and strategies to manage risk and to recognize the importance of human factors. Sessions include trip-planning scenarios using the AIARE field book, AIARE decision-making framework, NWAC forecasting, and digital mapping to plan and execute a trip in Pacific Northwest terrain.

The weekend field trip in the Snoqualmie backcountry starts at 8:00am and finishes at 4:00pm each day. Students practice Companion Rescue skills on Saturday before traveling into avalanche terrain on Sunday. Students will plan, execute, and debrief their Sunday trip using the tools and strategies they have practiced in the small groups.  You will have the opportunity to put into action all that you have learned using the AIARE decision making process with your AIARE certified instructor 

This course is for travel on skis and splitboards only. All participants in this course should have good over-snow ability on skis or splitboard as the field trip involves travel in small groups (6:1 student-instructor ratio) in varying snow-covered terrain. Students will be asked to fill out a skills and fitness questionnaire for placement in a small group with others of similar skills, fitness, and equipment.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the AIARE Level 1 course students should be able to:

  • Plan and prepare for mentored travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Recognize avalanche terrain.
  • Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
  • Learn and apply effective companion rescue.

Course Schedule

  • Pre-Course online learning: To be completed before the first lecture. Link will be available in December.
  • Lectures: 4 weekday evening lectures, 7:00pm to 9:00pm conducted via Zoom (1/13, 1/15, 1/20, and 1/22)
  • Field Trip: There are two field trip options. You must attend both days on ONE of the weekends. Field days will be held at Snoqualmie Pass and will run from 8:00am to 4:00pm both days. Lodging not provided
    • Option 1: Sat 1/24 - Sun 1/25 
    • Option 2: Sat 1/31 - Sun 2/1

Note: When registering for the course, please make sure you select  the Saturday and Sunday Field Trip days on the SAME weekend

Communication AFTER REGISTERING

Registered students will receive a welcome email in mid-December 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 the standard cancellation processing fee. After registration closes in December, students will receive no refunds for cancellations. Pre-course work and attendance at all classes and both field trip days is required.

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
Course Activity Date Availability Leader
Lecture: Classroom Session
Online Classroom
Tue, Jan 13, 2026
Registration closes Dec 21
41 participants
2 instructors on waitlist
Bonnie Eiber
Online Classroom
Thu, Jan 15, 2026
Registration closes Dec 21
41 participants
2 instructors on waitlist
Bonnie Eiber
Online Classroom
Tue, Jan 20, 2026
Registration closes Dec 21
41 participants
2 instructors on waitlist
Bonnie Eiber
Online Classroom
Thu, Jan 22, 2026
Registration closes Dec 21
41 participants
2 instructors on waitlist
Bonnie Eiber
Field Trip (Saturday)
Gold Creek Basin
Sat, Jan 24, 2026
Registration closes Dec 21
18 participants
1 instructor on waitlist
Bonnie Eiber
Gold Creek Basin
Sat, Jan 31, 2026
Registration closes Dec 21
23 participants
1 instructor on waitlist
Bonnie Eiber
Field Trip (Sunday)
Source Lake
Sun, Jan 25, 2026
Registration closes Dec 21
18 participants
1 instructor on waitlist
Bonnie Eiber
Source Lake
Sun, Feb 1, 2026
Registration closes Dec 21
23 participants
1 instructor on waitlist
Bonnie Eiber
Roster
Required Equipment
  • Either backcountry skis OR splitboard
  • Skins which fit your skis/splitboard
  • 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
  • Winter 10 Essentials
Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.