AVALANCHE RESCUE COURSE
One-Day Course | 6:1 Ratio
Field-Based Training
AIARE Certificate of Completion
Learn life-saving skills with Apex Mountain School’s Avalanche Rescue Course. Equip yourself with the tools and confidence to respond effectively to emergencies in avalanche terrain.
$285
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Who should take the Avalanche Rescue course?
This course is essential for anyone venturing into avalanche-prone areas. Whether you’re new to the backcountry or a seasoned adventurer, it provides invaluable life-saving techniques and practical skills to respond effectively during emergencies.
Is the Avalanche Rescue course classroom-based or field-based?
The Avalanche rescue is a field-based course. Some instructors prefer to meet briefly at our office before heading into the field, while others go straight to the field. This will be communicated to you prior to the course. Regardless of the structure, the course emphasizes hands-on practice, with a shorter theoretical portion to ensure plenty of time for practical skills and drills in a real-world setting.
Can this course replace the AIARE Level 1 course?
No, this course complements the AIARE Level 1 but does not replace it. Avalanche Rescue focuses specifically on emergency response skills, preparing you to act effectively if an avalanche incident occurs. In contrast, the Level 1 course emphasizes preventing worst-case scenarios through avalanche safety fundamentals, terrain management, and informed decision-making.
We strongly recommend taking AIARE LEVEL 1/ Rescue combo course for a comprehensive backcountry education. However, if you can only take one, we recommend starting with the Level 1 course, as it equips you with the skills and knowledge to help avoid avalanche emergencies altogether.
What sets Apex Mountain School apart?
Our instructors bring years of experience and a client-focused teaching approach to the AIARE curriculum. The course combines technical rescue skills with emotional and group management strategies, preparing participants for the realities of avalanche emergencies.
Our AIARE Avalanche Rescue course is a must for anyone traveling in avalanche terrain. This immersive, one-day course in the backcountry focuses on teaching crucial life-saving skills to respond effectively during avalanche emergencies. Whether you’re a backcountry novice or a seasoned adventurer, this course equips you with the tools and confidence needed to handle high-pressure situations.
- Participants will learn essential rescue techniques such as beacon use, probing, and strategic shoveling.
- Through realistic scenarios, you’ll practice search and rescue operations, triage, and decision-making in dynamic, emotionally challenging situations.
- The course also covers advanced techniques like multiple burial drills and micro-grid searching, ensuring you’re prepared for complex avalanche incidents.
- Our course delves into both the technical and psychological aspects of avalanche emergencies, covering strategies for managing emotions, identifying leaders, and assigning roles effectively in high-stress environments.
- The hands-on format ensures you gain practical experience while being tutored by our experienced instructors.
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
DURATION
One 8-hour day
*8:30AM To 4:30PM
LOCATION
Meeting Location
Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)
*Unless indicated as other location by Instructor staff
Field Location
Vail Valley, Vail Pass or Fremont Pass
PRICE
$285 – Less 10% with SNOW10 code at checkout!
POLICIES
Terms, Conditions and Cancellation Policy
Contact us for private outings and Large Group Bookings
Our AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is the ultimate training for anyone navigating avalanche terrain.
This one-day course is designed to teach essential companion rescue skills and is ideal for backcountry travelers of all experience levels. Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, snowshoer, ice climber,alpine mountaineer, or snowmobiler, this field-based course equips you with the tools to act decisively during emergencies.
Itinerary
- Initial Session:
Begin with a group discussion and demonstration of essential techniques, including beacon use, probing strategies, and shoveling techniques. Learn how to plan and execute efficient rescue operations while managing group dynamics.
- Implementation:
Put theory into practice with various realistic scenarios. Refine your skills through multiple burial drills, micro-grid searching, and triage techniques. Our instructors mentor you through high-pressure simulations to build technical and mental resilience.
By the end of the day, you’ll have developed practical skills and strategies to handle avalanche rescue scenarios with confidence and efficiency.
2025-2026 Dates
- November 17 (Monday)
- November 24 (Monday)
- December 01 (Monday)
- December 04 (Thursday)
- December 11 (Thursday)
- December 18 (Thursday)
- December 22 (Monday)
- December 29 (Monday)
- January 05 (Monday)
- January 12 (Monday)
- January 19 (Monday)
- January 22 (Thursday)
- January 29 (Thursday)
- February 05 (Thursday)
- February 12 (Thursday)
- February 16 (Monday)
- February 23 (Monday)
- March 02 (Monday)
- March 09 (Monday)
- March 12 (Thursday)
- March 19 (Thursday)
- March 26 (Thursday)
- April 02 (Thursday)
- April 09 (Thursday)
- Apr 16 (Thursday)
Includes:
- One full day of immersive field-based instruction
- AIARE Certificate of Completion
- Companion Rescue Search Card
Excludes:
- Lodging, food, and transportation
- Skiing/splitboarding gear and avalanche safety equipment rentals (rentals available upon request)
- Trip insurance
- Unforeseen costs
What To Bring
- Beacon/probe/shovel (rental available)
- Clinometer (BCA slope meter, also available on compasses)
- Complete ski, split board or snowshoe equipment, including boots, poles, etc
- *No cotton – cotton does not wick moisture or insulate when wet.
- Long underwear bottom (thin) – synthetic or wool
- Long sleeve top (medium) – synthetic or wool
- Socks – synthetic or wool
- Water/wind proof jacket with hood, pants, and gloves
- Notebook (for lecture day)
- Any other items you would typically have in your pack on a backcountry trip
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Small day pack
- Water bottle and food
- Headlamp and batteries
- Any other items you would typically have in your pack on a backcountry trip
ALSO RECOMMENDED
- Loupe (at least 10x zoom)
- Snow Saw (minimum 30cm)
- Snow crystal card
YOU MAY ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Hot liquid
- Liner socks
- Adjustable Poles
- Extra gloves
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Insulation layer to sit on
HOW CAN I PREPARE?
Completion of e-learning modules is encouraged by AIARE prior to the start of all courses, but not required. AIARE Rescue modules often take about 1 hour.
Participants should be prepared to travel in backcountry terrain by ski or split board (snowshoes are acceptable if no other option). All AIARE Rescue courses take place in mountainous terrain, at altitude. Apex encourages students to come prepared for all mountain weather conditions.
Are you new to the backcountry or looking to hone your ski or splitboard skills prior to an AIARE Avalanche course in Colorado? Beginner Backcountry Ski and Split boarding outings with Apex are an excellent way to prepare! During a Vail Backcountry Skiing private outing, your Apex Mountain School guide will work with you on both up and downhill travel techniques and transitions as well as navigating in a backcountry environment.
Also, consider our Intro to Backcountry outing for preparation specific to the Backcountry travel!
Why Choose Apex Mountain School?
At Apex Mountain School, we combine the industry-leading AIARE curriculum with our client-focused teaching approach. Our instructors are skilled in adapting lessons to accommodate varying experience levels and user environments, ensuring every participant gains confidence and practical skills for the backcountry. Dedicated to providing a high-quality learning experience, our guides are approachable, attentive, and passionate about making each course engaging and impactful for all students.
Other Outings You May Like
Meet our guides
Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.
Reach Out with any Questions,
We’re Happy To Help!
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620
