AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course-Foothills - 2021

Avalanche Safety Course

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course for Skiers and Splitboarders

CLASSROOM SESSIONS MOVED TO ONLINE ZOOM MEETING! NOTE THAT NON-HOUSEHOLD CARPOOLING IS NOT ALLOWED FOR THE JANUARY FIELD TRIPS DUE TO COVID GUIDELINES. Details below. This course is an AIARE certified level one avalanche course, for skiers and splitboarders only, which teaches you to manage risk in avalanche terrain.

The classroom sessions will be 4 online ZOOM meetings, and will start at 7:00pm and end at 9PM. To follow along with the slides in real time and take part in breakout discussions you will need to take the meeting from a laptop or desktop computer or install the zoom app on your phone. If you don't have access to a laptop, desktop or smart phone it might be best for you to cancel and plan to attend at a later date. The one-weekend field session (consecutive Sat/Sun) will be in small groups in Snoqualmie Pass. Please note that non-household carpooling restrictions mean that you must be able to drive yourself in winter conditions up to Snoqualmie Pass.

The ZOOM login details will be emailed to you in advance of the session.

"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.

The course consists of four required Tues/Thurs evening ZOOM lecture/presentation sessions and one weekend, (consecutive Saturday & Sunday), in a small group on snow (6:1 student instructor ratio). You will have the opportunity to put into action all that you have learned using the AIARE decision making process with your Foothills AIARE certified instructor. The weekend sessions start at 8:00 am and finish at 5:00pm and we will be in the Snoqualmie Backcountry.
 
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 this course includes one weekend, (consecutive Saturday/Sunday), of group travel 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. Come join us for a some fun and a great as well as potentially life saving course. If you have any questions please feel free to email avy@foothillswinter.org.

Student Learning Outcomes:

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

  • Plan and prepare for 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:
  • 4 Tue/Thur Zoom evening lectures
  • One weekend Field Session, (consecutive Sat/Sun)  at Snoqualmie Pass 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cancellation and refund policy: Once the course has started, no refund is available. 

Course Fee:  Member:   Non-Members:    

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Roster
Required Equipment

beacon, shovel, probe

Backcountry skis/bindings OR splitboard

Skins

Winter 10 Essentials

Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.