AIARE Level 1 Backcountry FLEX

AIARE LEVEL 1 BACKCOUNTRY FLEX COURSE

Have you put off taking your Apex AIARE Level 1 course because you couldn’t get a Friday off from work? This Apex AIARE Level 1 FLEX course offers an alternative. Our beginner backcountry ski outing is also an excellent supplement for preparing for this course.

The new Apex Mountain School AIARE Level 1 Backcountry FLEX Course offers you the best in avalanche education with an accessible schedule. As a member of a tourism based local community, Apex is proud to do its part in promoting social distancing, in an effort to slow the spread on COVID-19. The Apex AIARE Level 1 FLEX still includes two days of in–field practical application but now with all classroom instruction taking place remotely.  

Participants will meet with their instructor(s) virtually, via an online platform, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00pm prior to their weekend field days. During these 3-hour sessions students will have the opportunity to view interactive diagram explanations, work on small group activities, and ask questions. Participants are expected to complete a series of pre-course e-learning modules provided by AIARE (details provided after booking) and evening assignments during the course. 

Interested in an Avalanche Rescue Course but worried about social distancing? The one-day Apex Avalanche Rescue Course is 100% Field Based with no classroom time.

PREREQUISITES

Students should be prepared to travel in backcountry terrain by ski or splitboard (or snowshoe, if no other option). The course takes place in mountainous terrain, at altitude. Apex encourages students  to come prepared for all mountain weather conditions. New to the backcountry and want to sharpen your skills before the course? We offer a Vail Backcountry Skiing private outing, where you’ll work with your guide on uphill and downhill travel techniques, transitions and navigating a backcountry environment.

Course registration is required.  Private AIARE Level 1 courses with Apex are also available.   

BOOKING / MORE INFO

Ready to start your avalanche education? Our guides are excited to work with you. Register on this page with the accompanying calendar. For more information, please visit our Contact Page

AIARE Level 1 Backcountry FLEX CURRICULUM

FUNDAMENTALS

Throughout a 27 hour Apex AIARE Level 1 FLEX course, consisting of 2 virtual class sessions and 2 field days, the course will focus on the following natural elements: 

• The characteristics and types of avalanches 
• Movement of avalanches 
• Classifications by size and danger scale 
• Mountain snowpack: metamorphism and layering 
• Heuristics or Human Factors and group management
• Mapping, time management, route finding and navigation, as well as the latest standardized electronic tools and data/planning sites
  
• Using the AIARE field book
• Companion Rescue
• and more

CLASS DISCUSSIONS

• How our behavior can effect our interaction with the backcountry 
• Trip planning and preparation 
• Risk management and decision-making 
• Human influence in: 
  • Group dynamics 
  • Decision-making 
  • Accidents  

 The topics listed above will first be discussed during the virtual evening class sessions then applied in person on the weekend field days.  

APPLYING SKILLS

The field days topics will include:  

• Trip planning and prep
• Beacon, shovel and probe use
• Avalanche rescue, beacon search and strategic shoveling
  
• Identifying and evaluating avalanche terrain 
• Route-finding, terrain management and travel techniques
• Group management
  
• Snow pit and snow layer analysis and tests 
• Questions to ask in risk evaluation 
• Identifying “red flags” 
• and more