AIARE LEVEL 1 PREPARATION
Starting from$193 pp
Level 1 Preparation is designed for anyone who wants a jump start before the AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course. Whether you’re new to the backcountry or just feeling unsure, this pre-course training will help build your confidence by previewing essential skills and concepts, so you’ll feel prepared and ready for success.
Avalanche Education
AIARE Level 1 Preparation
Who is the Level 1 Prep Course designed for?
The Level 1 Prep Course is perfect for anyone feeling uncertain about diving straight into the AIARE Level 1 course. It’s a great option for those new to the backcountry or anyone who wants a confidence boost before tackling the full avalanche education curriculum. You’ll get a sneak peek of the skills and concepts covered in Level 1, along with fine tuning of movement skills both up and downhill, helping you to be better prepared for our level 1 avalanche education course.
What will I learn during the Level 1 Prep Course?
In this pre-course training, you’ll preview key avalanche safety principles, practice handling essential backcountry gear, and develop basic movement skills. It’s a hands-on experience designed to give you a head start on the skills and knowledge you’ll need for the AIARE Level 1 course, helping you enter with confidence.
Do I need any backcountry experience to join the Level 1 Prep Course?
No previous backcountry experience is necessary! The Level 1 Prep Course is specifically designed for those who are new to the backcountry or feeling unsure about their skills prior to entry into a level 1 avalanche education course. Our guides will introduce you to the basics in a stress-free, supportive environment, helping you feel comfortable and ready for the Level 1 course.
Why choose the Zoom option for the AIARE Level 1 course?
Apex Mountain School’s guides are experienced in helping newcomers feel at ease in the backcountry. Our Level 1 Prep Course offers a unique opportunity to preview key skills in a low-pressure setting. You’ll benefit from expert instruction, tailored guidance, and a relaxed day of learning, ensuring you enter your Level 1 course feeling well-prepared and ready to succeed.
Testimonials
AIARE Level 1 Preparation
Make sure you are ready for an AIARE avalanche education course with an Avalanche Prep Trip. During an AIARE course there is a great deal of information presented. If you do not have some kind of experience in the backcountry it can be hard to concentrate on the class. Apex’s Avalanche Prep Trips offer a stress-free day where you can adventure into the backcountry with one of our guides. They will give you a peek into what you will be looking at in an AIARE Level 1 class and most importantly, they will make sure you feel comfortable in a new environment.
Difficulty
Easy – Difficult
Duration
- 6-7 hours
Location
Vail, CO (Meadow Mountain, Spraddle Creek)
Leadville, CO (Freemont Pass)
COST
Max client to guide ratio 5:1
- $178 – 5+ people
- $198 – 4 people
- $224 – 3 people
- $250 – 2 people
Policies
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
Introduction to Avalanche Safety Principles
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- Overview of avalanche types and characteristics
- Basic understanding of snowpack and terrain factors
Backcountry Gear Familiarization
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- Hands-on practice with avalanche safety equipment: beacon, probe, and shovel
- Proper use and maintenance of gear
Movement Skills Development
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- Uphill travel techniques, including skinning and kick turns
- Downhill movement strategies for various snow conditions
- Transitioning between ascent and descent modes
Navigation and Route Planning Basics
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- Introduction to map reading and terrain identification
- Basic route selection considering avalanche terrain
Group Communication and Decision-Making
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- Effective communication strategies in the backcountry
- Understanding group dynamics and decision-making processes
Preparation for AIARE Level 1 Course
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- Preview of topics covered in the full Level 1 course
- Building confidence through practical exercises
- Addressing individual questions and concerns
Available daily
Includes:
- Full-day field instruction with professional guides
- Hands-on practice with beacon, probe, and shovel
- Introduction to backcountry movement and travel techniques
- Training on transitions, skinning, and basic terrain assessment
- Pre-course preparation for AIARE Level 1 curriculum
- Support from certified and experienced instructors
- Opportunity to build confidence before enrolling in AIARE Level 1
- Small group learning environment for personal attention
- Access to local terrain in the Vail Valley for practical training
Excludes:
Avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) – available for rent
- Backcountry travel equipment (AT skis, splitboard, skins, poles, boots)
- Snow study tools (optional for this prep course)
- Personal cold-weather clothing and accessories
- Food, snacks, and water for the day
- Transportation to and from the course location
- Lodging or accommodations
- Travel insurance or emergency medical coverage
- Entrance fees or parking passes (if applicable to field locations)
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
- Ground mat (insulation so you can sit on snow)
- 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
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
Review basic avalanche awareness resources online
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- Ensure you have proper winter clothing and layers
- Wear or bring waterproof boots suitable for snow travel
- Bring avalanche gear: beacon, probe, and shovel (can be rented if needed)
- Carry a backpack to hold gear, food, and extra clothing
- Pack lunch, snacks, and enough water for the field day
- Be ready for light hiking or skinning in snow-covered terrain
- Bring sunglasses or goggles, gloves, and sun protection
- Have a notepad or smartphone for taking notes
- Arrive well-rested and prepared for outdoor learning in winter conditions
Other Outings You Might Like
RESCUE COMBO
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
LEVEL 2
Deepen your avalanche safety expertise with our AIARE Level 2 course, designed for backcountry users who want to advance their understanding of snowpack and risk management.
PRIVATE LEVEL 1
Get personalized avalanche education tailored to your group’s needs. Our private AIARE Level 1 course ensures focused instruction and flexibility in scheduling.
PRIVATE LEVEL 2
Experience a custom learning environment in our private AIARE Level 2 course, designed for people looking for in-depth avalanche training with personalized attention.
RESCUE
Learn and practice the skills needed to respond to an avalanche accident. If there’s an avalanche, an efficient and intentional response is crucial.
ZOOM LEVEL 1
If you have put off taking your Apex AIARE Level 1 course because you couldn’t or don’t want to take a Friday off from work, we have the solution.
LEVEL 1
Be prepared when traveling in the backcountry with an AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course. Learn how to make informed decisions in order to mitigate risk in adverse conditions.
REFRESHER
During an AIARE course there is a great deal of information presented. Often when we return to the backcountry it is difficult to remember everything we have learned and practiced in the last course.
BACKCOUNTRY
Learn the basics of backcountry travel and safety in this introductory course. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and enjoy the backcountry safely and confidently.
Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620