Search courses
AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course for Snowshoers/Skiers - Seattle - 2025

Avalanche Safety Course

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course, open to all.

Contacts

David Belding
David Belding
Leader

 

The AIARE Rescue Course consists of single-day field trip based out of the Mountaineers Baker Lodge at the Mount Baker ski area. Spending Thursday night at the Mountaineers Baker Lodge is recommended (see the Field Trip Details section below for more info), but lodging costs for Thursday night are not included, see below for more information. The field trip dates are as follows:

SCHEDULE:
  • Field Trip: Fri, Jan 10  8am - 4pm
WHAT IS COVERED:
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day stand alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills.
 
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE:
The Avalanche Rescue Course is a one-day course aimed both at new and experienced recreational backcountry travelers and aspiring avalanche professionals. Avalanche Rescue is for everyone, whether you are just learning how to use your transceiver, an aspiring professional, or a backcountry traveler with many years of backcountry experience. This one-day course is a place to both learn new skills and keep your existing skills sharp.
 
Students who have previously taken an AIARE 1 or an Avalanche Rescue Course will find value in this course as continuing education and a refresher of basic skills as well as an opportunity to learn and apply the latest best practices in avalanche companion rescue. Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2.  For more information about the Rescue Course and how it compares to other AIARE courses see the AIARE Recreational Avalanche Training page.
 
FOCUS ON BASIC AND ADVANCED COMPANION RESCUE:

Avalanche companion rescue methods are the main focus of this class. For those familiar with basic companion rescue methods typically taught in an AIARE 1 course, we cover both the basic rescue methods as well as more advanced rescue methods not typically covered in AIARE 1. Students will benefit from having a professional help them set up realistic scenarios, practice skills in a realistic setting, receive feedback from an instructor, keep up with current best practices, and have an opportunity to practice advanced rescue skills.

 
I took the Rescue course with my friend. I had taken an AIARE 1 and she had not. We both got a lot out of this course! I refreshed my companion rescue skills and we both learned some useful advanced rescue skills that I had not learned previously in my AIARE 1. We feel safer now that we both know how to rescue each other. I recommend this course to anyone as a great way to keep your skills up or learn for the first time!
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. Students are recommended to sign up to stay at the Mountaineers Mount Baker Lodge Thursday night as the field trip starts early on Friday morning and weather can make an early morning arrival challenging (see section below for registration info). Students must be able to travel in the snow, and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class. There are no other prerequisites.
 
COMMUNICATION AFTER REGISTERING:
In mid-December after registration closes, students will receive a welcome email that will include a link to register for the Mountaineers Mount Baker 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 $25 cancellation fee. After registration closes, students will receive no refunds for cancellations.   

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 field days 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 (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.   Extra gloves and an extra warm puffy layer are recommended.
Course Materials

You must register for this course to see course materials.