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Level 1

Park City

Book Now:

https://rentals.jans.com/rent/avalanche-courses/aiare-1-avalanche-course

​AIARE 1: Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain For anyone looking to ski outside of the resort boundaries, a solid education in backcountry and avalanche safety is a must-have to stay safe. Our AIARE 1 course provides a foundation for educated backcountry travel, including how to be prepared when venturing beyond the ropes. Insight into route finding, terrain, decision making, and rescue techniques is provided. Taught over three consecutive days, for a total of 24 hours of instruction, our AIARE 1 avalanche course gives you what you need to look at backcountry terrain with careful eyes.

Thanks to our unique partnership with Park City Powder Cats & Heli-Ski and Thousand Peaks Ranch one full day of fieldwork is spent at Thousand Peaks Ranch – providing students with true backcountry learning experiences. We would like to thank our partners for helping ensure that AIARE 1 students in the Wasatch Mountains receive the best possible avalanche education. For more information, please visit Park City Powder Cats and Heli-Ski, pccats.com.

All courses meet at the following times:

  • Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday 7:00am - 5:00pm

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
  • Effectively use the AIARE Decision Making Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting
  • Demonstrate effective companion rescue.

​Instructional Sessions

  1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
    • Types and characteristics of avalanches
    • Avalanche motion
    • Size classification
    • Mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
  2. Observations and Information Gathering
    • Field observation techniques
    • Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
    • Avalanche danger factors or "Red Flags"
    • Observation checklist
    • Avalanche danger scale
  3. Trip Planning and Preparation
    • Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
    • Route finding and travel techniques
    • Decision making and Human Factors
  4. Companion Rescue and Equipment

For more information call White Pine Touring at 435-649-8710 or email us at [email protected].