- Most Popular
- Intermediate
- Ages 16+
Join us for a one-day course learning about the best practices in avalanche rescue techniques and how to use the types of equipment in realistic scenarios.
Quick Details
Avalanche Safety
Overview:
This Course in partnership with Fortune Peak Huts.
Experience a fully immersive learning experience through our hut-based avalanche education courses. This is the best way to dive into the world of backcountry touring with an AIARE 1 + 2 additional days of valuable touring time with feedback & coaching from your professional instructors.
Join us on this fantastic five-day adventure, based in cozy huts, where you’ll dive headfirst into decision-making, terrain management, and tour planning like a pro. Get ready to explore some of Washington’s finest terrain – trust us, it’s like no other!
Our curriculum is designed to turn you into a strong and confident leader within your touring group. We’ll cover everything from effective decision-making in the backcountry to nailing those group travel techniques, both uphill and downhill. Plus, we’ll level up your skills on snowpack, weather, and avalanche processes, building and growing your skills for decision-making.
An AIARE Level 1 certification consists of 24-hours of learning divided over 3 days. This hut-based option is in a hybrid format with additional touring days with your instructor. Participants must complete an online training segment prior to the field portion. Plan for around 8 hours of online learning.
**All of our AIARE Level 1 courses require attendance at an online pretrip meeting 2 evenings before your course start date. Your instructor will reach out before the course with more information.**
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Day 1: Approach and Transceiver Review
Meet up at 29 Pines Sno-Park and embark on an exciting journey with snowmobiles. Snowmobiles will transport overnight gear all the way to the hut & we will tour the remaining 4 miles & 600’ after snowmobile support half way. Once at the hut, gear up, and then we’ll hit the snowy trails for an afternoon tour. Expect a transceiver introduction, avalanche forecast synopsis & a fun tour to stretch the legs. To top it off, we’ll debrief the day, relax in the sauna, enjoy appetizers, and discuss the next day’s plan!Day 2: Instructional Day
This day will involve a combination of indoor and outdoor training. The day will start with a discussion of weather observations and how to use a daily avalanche bulletin to assess risk. After the initial discussion, we will travel outside to practice companion rescue. At the end of the day, we’ll debrief, share what we’ve learned, and engage in a route planning session as we prepare for the next day’s adventure.Day 3 & 4: Student Led Tour
The adventure continues! These two days will start with a discussion of weather observations and how to use a daily avalanche bulletin to assess risk. During the days we focus on appropriate travel techniques, features of the snowpack, and terrain identification with an overarching theme of teamwork & communication. You’ll take the lead on both days, practicing those vital discussion facilitations at key decision points. The added touring day is a huge asset to this program & will help solidify your new skills! Of course, we’ll close out the day with a post-tour debrief, sauna time, and delicious food!
Day 5: Student Led Tour/Exit
Our final morning tour is filled with a mix of emotions – excitement and a hint of nostalgia. After wrapping up our overnight gear, we’ll hit the trails for one last adventure. Mid-day, we’ll gather to debrief the entire course and provide you with valuable feedback and resources for your future journeys. And remember, this is only the beginning of your backcountry endeavors! -
- 18+ for adult courses or 16+ with consent from a guardian and Kaf approval
- 12-18 for youth courses
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- Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding Beginner Course or equivalent
- Advanced skiing or snowboarding ability (ability to ski or ride various snow conditions on black diamond runs)
- Physical ability to hike for 4-5 hours, ascending about 2000′, with a 30lb pack
- For snowboards; a splitboard with the ability to go into “tour mode”
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- Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
- Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
- Identify avalanche terrain.
- Learn and apply effective companion rescue
- How to be more efficient, more proficient backcountry travelers.
- Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
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- 4 night hut stay & 5 field days with professional AIARE Instructors & Course Leaders
- ~8 hours of online learning
- AIARE Field Book
- Group Snow Study Kit
- 6:1 max student:guide ratio
- 2 excellent meals prepared daily (please bring your own lunches & snacks)
- Portering of equipment to the hut
- Shuttle halfway to camp (4-miles)
- Evening sauna sessions
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- Winter touring equipment (skis, splitboard, telemark + skins)
- Transportation to/from the trailhead
- Lunches & snacks
- Personal layers & sauna-wear
- Personal sleep kits
- Beverages (besides water)
- Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel
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You will need to provide one of the following snow travel tools:
- Skis, boots, and bindings (Metal edge skis, plastic boots, and Randonee/alpine touring/downhill Telemark bindings). Please note: Cross-country skis will not work for backcountry tours.
- Splitboard with adjustable bindings that move into “tour” mode efficiently (Soft boots are okay, and hard boots are preferred)
- Additional equipment needed:
- Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Personal layers
- Sleep setup for in the hut
- Evening hut shoes/sauna-wear
- Extra duffel to carry camp items to hut
- Personal avalanche safety gear: beacon, probe, and shovel.
- Skis, boots, and bindings (Metal edge skis, plastic boots, and Randonee/alpine touring/downhill Telemark bindings). Please note: Cross-country skis will not work for backcountry tours.
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Transportation and times will be coordinated by email when the pre-trip announcement is sent to all registrants.
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Consider joining a Guided Backcountry Touring course to spend more time with a professional instructor in the field.
