AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Colorado
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Overview
AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course in Colorado
Learn to Travel Safely in Avalanche Terrain with The Mountain Guides Colorado
With some of the most stunning—and complex—terrain in North America, Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado’s high alpine zones offer world-class backcountry skiing and splitboarding. But traveling safely in avalanche terrain requires more than stoke—it demands training, judgment, and proven decision-making tools.
The AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course in Colorado with The Mountain Guides Colorado is the industry-standard introduction to avalanche education. This course jump-starts your backcountry skills by teaching you how to recognize avalanche hazards, assess terrain, and make confident group decisions in real-world winter conditions.
Course Overview
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course
- Format: 1 evening online session + 2 full field days
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park & surrounding Colorado backcountry
- Discipline: Backcountry skiing, splitboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering
This course introduces the fundamentals of avalanche hazard management. Students learn how to prepare for a backcountry tour, evaluate terrain and snowpack, manage group travel, and respond effectively if an avalanche occurs.
Who This Course Is For
The AIARE Level 1 is designed for anyone recreating in or near avalanche terrain, regardless of their method of travel.
This course is ideal for:
- Backcountry skiers and splitboarders
- Snowshoers and winter hikers
- Aspiring ski mountaineers
- Riders transitioning from resort-accessed terrain to the backcountry
Previous avalanche awareness classes or an Avalanche Rescue course are helpful, but no prior avalanche training is required.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the AIARE 1 course, students will be able to:
- Plan and execute a backcountry trip in avalanche terrain
- Identify and classify avalanche terrain in the field
- Apply the AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices as a group
- Recognize common avalanche problems and red flags
- Demonstrate effective companion rescue skills using beacon, shovel, and probe
These skills form the foundation for safe decision-making in Colorado’s variable snowpack.
Prerequisites & Recommended Preparation
Required
Students must be able to:
- Travel in winter backcountry terrain
- Use appropriate snow-travel equipment (skis, splitboard, or snowshoes)
- Spend full days outside in cold, variable mountain conditions
There are no formal prerequisites for this course.
Strongly Recommended
If you are new to touring gear or backcountry travel, we highly recommend completing one of the following before or shortly after your AIARE 1:
- Intro to Backcountry Ski & Splitboard Touring (1 day): Learn efficient uphill travel, transitions, and foundational backcountry skills to maximize your learning during AIARE 1.
- AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course: Focused, hands-on training for companion rescue scenarios.
These courses significantly improve confidence and learning outcomes during AIARE 1.
Why Take AIARE 1 with The Mountain Guides Colorado
- Certified, experienced avalanche educators
- Small group sizes for personalized instruction
- Real-world terrain in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Emphasis on practical decision-making, not just theory
- Supportive learning environment for all experience levels
Ready to Start Your Backcountry Education?
The AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course in Colorado is the first major step toward safer, more confident backcountry travel. Build a solid foundation, sharpen your judgment, and learn to move responsibly in avalanche terrain.
All AIARE 1 courses at our Rocky Mountain location utilize a hybrid learning model. The course starts as soon as you enroll with an online learning module. Then you’ll meet with your instructor via an evening video chat session two days before the course starts. If the field days start Saturday, you would meet with your instructor Thursday evening to review the online learning, discuss the current avalanche hazard forecast and plan the tours for the field days.
AIARE 1 Schedule (subject to change)
Day 1 Online Evening
- 5:30 – 6:30 Introduction
- 6:30 – 7:30 Reading the Avalanche Bulletin
- 7:30 – 8:30 Tour Planning
Day 2 – Meet at Field Venue (TBD)
- 8:00 – 8:30 Departure Check, Beacon Range and Function
- 8:30 – 11:30 Avalanche Rescue, Beacon and Probe Use, Strategic Shoveling
- 11:30 – 2:30 Monitor Conditions, Weather and Snow Observations, Snowpit Tests
- 2:30 – 3:30 Return from Field
- 3:30 – 4:00 Debrief
Day 3 – Meet at Field Venue (TBD)
- 8:00 – 8:30 Review
- 8:30 – 3:30 Ride Safely Participant Led Tour
- 3:30 – 4:00 Debrief + Course Close
Please note that this itinerary is a sample and may vary based on factors such as weather conditions, group dynamics, and specific course objectives set by the instructors. Adjustments may be made to accommodate the needs and progress of the participants throughout the course
$595 per person (2 Day Hybrid Option)
The Mountain Guides does not provide transportation for its clients into the park. Clients will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent.
CLICK HERE to see current availability and sign up for a course!
UPPER LAYERS
- Top Long Sleeve: Mid weight backcountry oriented top Guide Pick: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody
- Mid weight insulated Jacket Guide Pick: Black Diamond Solution Jacket
- Shell Jacket with hood. Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon LT Stretch Shell
- Puffy Jacket: Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Black Diamond Access Down Hoody
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms Guide Pick: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Base Layer
- Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Black Diamond Recon Stretch LT Pant
- Socks: Synthetic or wool. Sized for your boots and blister protection. Liners recommended.
HEAD AND HANDS
- Gloves 3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair Guide Pick: Black Diamond Legend Glove
- Hat: medium weight ski hat
- Hat: baseball or visor for sun
- Buff/neck gaiter
ACCESSORIES
- Back Pack: 30 to 40 Liter ski pack, Guide Pick: Black Diamond Jet Force Pro 35 Airbag Pack
- Water & Food: Thermos or insulated water bottles are best. Lot’s of snacks.
- Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
- Ski Goggles
- Extra Prescription Glasses/Contact Lens
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Headlamp Guides Pick: Black Diamond Cosmo 350 R Rechargeable
SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY (Packages available for rent)
- Boots: Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Snowboarding Boots
- Skis: Guide Pick: Black Diamond Helio Carbon 95
- Splitboard: Guides Pick: Black Diamond X Cardiff Co-Lab
- Climbing Skins: Guides Pick: Black Diamond Ascension Nylon Climbing Skins ( must trip to fit skis)
- Ski Poles: Guides Pick: Traverse Compactor Ski Poles
- Helmet (optional)
SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT (REQUIRED and available for rent from TMG)
Students are responsible for their own lodging in Estes Park.
The Mountain Guides does not provide transportation for its clients into the park. Clients will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent .