AIARE 1 Avalanche Class

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 the Mountaineers Mount Baker Lodge at the Mount Baker ski area (lodging costs are not included, see below for more information). The course activities and field trip dates are as follows: 

SCHEDULE:

• Pre-course work: Due no later than Jan 1, 5:00pm (4-8 hrs self-paced online coursework)
• Lecture 1: Tues, Jan 7th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
• Lecture 2: Wed, Jan 8th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
• Field Trip: Sat, Jan 11th - Sun, Jan 12th, 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 adjacent to the Mountaineers Mt. Baker Lodge and Mt Baker Ski Area. The course registration fee does not include lodging (see below for lodging information).  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 between each field day is possible but will make for long days and is not recommended.

LODGING:

Students are encouraged but not required to stay at the Mountaineers Mount Baker Lodge. A registration link for signing up to stay at the lodge will be provided to all registered students. If you would prefer not to stay at the lodge you will be responsible for arriving to the venue and securing parking which can be challenging.

COMMUNICATION AFTER REGISTERING:

In mid-December after registration 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.