AIARE 1 Refresher Course Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Overview
The AIARE 1 Refresher is a one-day, field-based course designed for experienced backcountry travelers who completed their initial avalanche training but haven't formally practiced the skills in one or more seasons. Led by certified AMGA mountain guides, this intensive refresher reinforces critical decision-making frameworks, terrain assessment, and companion rescue techniques in the dynamic avalanche terrain of the Tetons
AIARE 1 Refresher Course Overview
- One-day, field-based avalanche training for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders
- Prerequisite: Prior completion of AIARE 1 or equivalent 24-hour introductory avalanche course
- Taught by AMGA-certified mountain guides with extensive avalanche forecasting and guiding experience
- Combines online pre-course materials and full-day field instruction in Jackson Hole
- Includes hands-on rescue skills practice with beacon, probe, and shovel
- AIARE curriculum standards ensuring current best practices and decision-making frameworks
Who This Course if For
- Those preparing for AIARE 2 or guided backcountry adventures
- Backcountry skiers and splitboarders returning to avalanche terrain after a season or more away
- Touring groups seeking to align communication strategies, risk tolerance, and travel protocols
What You'll Learn
- Avalanche terrain assessment and hazard identification in real field conditions
- Forecast interpretation and weather pattern analysis for backcountry decision-making
- Decision-making frameworks under pressure with group communication strategies
- Risk management techniques for traveling safely in avalanche terrain
- Hands-on companion rescue: beacon search, probing, and shoveling
- In-field risk management and end-of-day decision protocols
Course Format
- Hybrid learning model maximizing field time and practical application:
- Pre-course online materials (completed before field day)
- One full day in the field planning and leading a backcountry tour under instructor guidance
- Field training in Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, Teton Pass, and surrounding backcountry
- Avalanche safety equipment available to rent
Why Take Your AIARE 1 Refresher in Jackson Hole
- Train in complex, real-world terrain where avalanche decision-making matters
- Learn from certified guides who forecast, guide, and educate in avalanche terrain daily
- Regain confidence in high-consequence terrain before committing to your season
- Align your group on decision-making and risk protocols before traveling together
Our AIARE 1 Refresher courses leverage the exceptional terrain in the Tetons to keep your avalanche decision-making sharp and your group aligned on safety protocols. With a combination of online preparation work and field instruction The course provides students with a chance to practice each element of the AIARE Decision-Making Framework as they plan and lead a backcountry tour, practice companion rescue, and make a plan to continue their avalanche education.
AIARE 1 Refresher Course: $250
The Mountain Guides does not provide transportation for its clients. Students will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have an America The Beautiful 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)
Grand Teton National Park is located roughly 30 minutes from our Jackson, WY headquarters. Our Jackson office is located in the south part of Jackson at 1325 S. Highway 89, Suite 104 and shares a parking area with Smith’s. Our phone number is (800) 239-7642 or (307) 733-4979. Most trips and classes will meet at this office for gear checks, preparation, and classes. The Jackson Hole airport is the closest, but Idaho Falls (a 2 – 2.5 hour drive) is a cheaper option and Salt Lake City (4 – 5 hour drive) are also air travel options. It is helpful to arrive a couple of days prior to your trip/class in order to acclimatize. Plan on having accommodations for the night prior to and the night you return from a significant climb. There are a plethora of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Jackson and the surrounding area. Accommodations near our office make your transitions convenient. It is highly advisable to make reservations as early as possible. Lodging recommendations and many more details can be found in the downloadable document below.