AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Overview
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Join The Mountain Guides for your AIARE 1 Avalanche Course. This comprehensive course focuses on hazard evaluation, decision-making and companion rescue in avalanche terrain. Learn from our AMGA-trained and certified ski and splitboard guides. Discover techniques for evaluating hazard and managing risk when traveling through avalanche terrain.
AIARE 1 at a Glance
- Location: Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, Teton Pass and surrounding Teton backcountry
- Level: AIARE 1 — foundational avalanche course; meets AIARE and American Avalanche Association (A3) standards
- Prerequisites: None; intermediate downhill skiing or riding ability
- Format: Hybrid — online, virtual and field instruction
- Season: Winter
- For: Backcountry skiers and splitboarders new to avalanche terrain
What You'll Learn in AIARE 1
- How to identify and evaluate avalanche terrain
- Snowpack observation and weather pattern analysis
- How to interpret avalanche forecasts and apply them in the field
- Practical risk management and decision-making frameworks
- Safe group travel techniques in avalanche terrain
- Hands-on companion rescue skills using a transceiver, probe, and shovel
Course Format
- Hybrid learning model combining online, virtual, and field instruction:
- Pre-course self-paced online learning modules
- Evening virtual classroom session with your instructor
- Two full days of field-based avalanche training
- Field sessions take place in Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, Teton Pass, and surrounding Teton backcountry
- Avalanche safety equipment available to rent during the course
Who This Course Is For & Prerequisites
- Backcountry skiers and splitboarders new to avalanche terrain seeking formal avalanche education
- Intermediate downhill skiers and riders who want to travel safely in the backcountry
- Riders preparing for an AIARE Avalanche Rescue course, an AIARE 2, or guided backcountry trips
Why Take AIARE 1 with The Mountain Guides
- Train in complex, real-world avalanche terrain of the Tetons
- Learn from certified guides who actively work in avalanche forecasting, guiding, and education
- Build a strong foundation for safe, confident backcountry travel
Taught by AMGA-trained or certified mountain guides with extensive avalanche education and backcountry leadership experience.
Continue Your Avalanche Education
An AIARE 1 is the first step. Keep your skills current with an Avalanche Rescue course every two years, and move on to AIARE 2 once you have a season of touring behind you. Check availability and course dates in the Schedule tab below.
Our AIARE 1 Avalanche courses take advantage of the amazing terrain in the Tetons to help jump start your touring career. We use a hybrid course model to maximize your time in the mountains. The course starts with an online learning module that you gain access to one week prior to course start. Two days before your course starts, you’ll meet with your instructor for an evening of virtual learning using video chat. The course will officially begin in the field where you’ll spend two full day tours traveling through the mountains practicing techniques for managing avalanche hazard.
CLICK HERE for a sample schedule.
AIARE Level I Avalanche Course: $635
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.