- Most Popular
- Intermediate Skill Level Intermediate
- Ages 16+ Ages 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
Traveling in a winter environment has inherent risk. Snow conditions dramatically change throughout the winter, affecting snow stability. The ability to recognize avalanche terrain and have a decision-making framework to travel in avalanche terrain is critical to your safety. This AIARE Level 1 avalanche course is designed to give students a basic understanding of why avalanches occur and to develop a framework for making decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain. Additionally, the course provides instruction in beacon use and companion rescue should an avalanche occur.
**Please note any course operating within the Mt. Hood National Forest is run through the Northwest School of Survival. Kaf Adventures is a booking agent for their programming**
Our AIARE 1 Course will be one online learning day followed by 2 field days. AIARE is still rolling out details of the online learning day and we will forward those to you as they supply them. Please allow 8 hours for the online learning day.
Online learning day covers:
An overview of avalanche types and characteristics. We will introduce case studies to analyze avalanche incidents. Course progression includes:
Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena:
Trip Planning and Preparation:
Two-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 (Saturday) – Meet in the field 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Day 2: Meets in the field 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location Notes:
Washington locations aim to stay as close to Seattle as possible, so we will be at Snoqualmie Pass if snow conditions allow. Earliest season courses may not see enough snow, and that will dictate whether we drive to Blewett Pass or Mt Rainier.
All Oregon courses happen on Mt Hood, on the Timberline side of the mountain.
The Level 1 Avalanche Course is a stand-alone course. Some backcountry snow travel is highly recommended.
You will need to provide one of the following snow travel tools:
Transportation and times will be coordinated by email when the pre-trip announcement is sent to all registrants.
Consider joining a Skiing/Splitboarding: Intermediate course to spend more time with a professional instructor in the field.