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Mountain Pro offers unique avalanche programs that immerse the student in the decision making process by offering practical backcountry leadership experience. Working with the highest quality AIARE course leaders and course providers, Mountain Pro offers Level I and II programs in many popular backcountry ski destinations.
Students Planning a tour during an avalanche course
Avalanche and Backcountry Skiing Program Dates: Coming Soon
*Custom dates throughout the winter can be arranged for groups of 2 or more and can be taught in Berthoud Pass, Co, Crested Butte, Co, Leadville, C0, Red Mountain Pass/Silverton Co, Valdez, Ak and Chamonix, France.
What is included?
- AIARE Level I Student Manual
- AIARE Field Notebook
- 3 Days of private instruction and guiding at 6 student maximum.
What is not included?
- Travel, Lodging and Meals, Personal Clothing and Equipment (may be available for rent from Mountain Pro).
Click here for a full equipment list.
The AIARE Level I Program Curriculum
Level I: Decision Making In Avalanche Terrain
The level one is a 3 day/24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:
Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.”
Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.
Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).
A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counseled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course.
Student learning outcomes:
At the end of the Level One course the student should be able to:
Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
Recognize avalanche terrain.
Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
Learn and apply effective companion rescue.
Instructional sessions ( 24 hours including both class and field instruction) :
1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
Types and characteristics of avalanches
Avalanche motion
Size classification
The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
2. Observations and Information Gathering
Field observation techniques
Bonding tests: rutschblock, compression test,
Avalanche danger factors; “Red Flags”.
Observation checklist
Avalanche danger scale
Trip Planning and Preparation
Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
Route finding and travel techniques
Decision making and Human Factors
Companion Rescue and Equipment
Level I student practicing the “pin point search”
Student Prerequisites:
Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain for up to 8 hours and posses intermediate telemark or alpine skiing skills or advanced snowboarding skills.
Travel on snowshoes is not appropriate for our four day programs, however Mountain Pro would be happy to arrange a private snowshoe focused program under the three-day model.
** Mike Bromberg operate AIARE courses as an employee of Colorado Mountain College, Crested Butte Mountain Guides and AIARE Provider Jeff Banks Mountain Guides. All programs operate under special use permits from the United States Forest Service in their respective operating districts. Custom programs are available through Mountain Pro and can be arranged in many popular Colorado venues.
Click here to contact Mountain Pro about an Avalanche Program.