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AIARE 1 Avalanche Class for Snowshoers/Skiers - 2018

Avalanche Safety Course

AIARE 1 Avalanche Class

AIARE Level 1 avalanche safety course, open to all (skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers)

Contacts

Loren McWethy
Loren McWethy
Leader

 

This is an AIARE certified level 1 avalanche course consisting of three evening lectures at the Mountaineers clubhouse in Seattle, and a two-day field trip based out of the Mountaineers Baker Lodge at the Mount Baker ski area (lodging costs for Saturday night ARE included, see below for more information). The lectures and field trip dates are as follows: 

SCHEDULE:
  • Lecture 1: Tues, Jan 30th, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Lecture 2: Fri, Feb 2nd, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Lecture 3: Tues, Feb 6th, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Field Trip: Sat, Feb 10th - Sun, Feb 11th, 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 includes lodging on Saturday night at the Mount Baker Lodge (Saturday dinner / Sunday breakfast included). Students are also recommended to sign up to stay at the lodge Friday night as well, as the field trip starts early on Saturday morning and weather can make an early morning arrival challenging. Lodging on Friday night is approximately $30.  See section below about lodge registration.
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COMMUNICATION AFTER REGISTERING:
After registering, students will receive a welcome email and a link to register for the Baker Lodge in early to mid January.  
 
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 (a 3 antenna beacon  is 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.