WOMEN’S FOCUSED AIARE LEVEL 1
Empowering backcountry skills in a collaborative, female-led environment.
Starting from$629
- Learn to Identify and Mitigate Avalanche Terrain
- Environment: Collaborative, Empowering, and Mentor-driven
- AIARE Certificate of Completion
Avalanche Education
Avalanche Safety Course | Colorado Backcountry Education
What is a "Women’s Focused" course?
These courses follow the exact same rigorous AIARE curriculum as our standard offerings but are taught by our professional female guides. The goal is to create an intentional learning environment that prioritizes open communication, shared leadership, and the unique perspectives that female-identifying travelers bring to the backcountry.
Are the instructors women?
Yes. These courses are led by our professional female instructors who are experts in their field. We believe that seeing female leadership in the mountains is a vital part of the learning experience, providing direct mentorship and a relatable approach to mountain travel.
I’m a beginner—can I join the 'Combo' or Level 1?
Absolutely! Most of our participants are just starting their backcountry journey. The Women’s AIARE 1 and the “Combo” (Level 1 + Rescue) are the most popular starting points. No prior backcountry experience is required, though you should be a comfortable intermediate skier or snowboarder at a resort.
Why choose a Women’s-Specific course over a regular one?
Many women find that they learn more effectively in an environment that prioritizes collaborative decision-making over “peak bagging.” These courses focus on removing the “human factor” or ego-driven barriers that can sometimes occur in mixed groups, allowing you to build genuine confidence in your own intuition and skills.
Testimonials
AIARE Level 1 / Avalanche Safety Course | Colorado Backcountry Education
Our Women’s Focused Avalanche Safety program in the Colorado Rockies is designed to build genuine confidence in the backcountry. By highlighting female-led instruction, we tackle the “Human Factor” head-on—practicing leadership and risk assessment in a space that encourages every participant to find their voice.
From our classroom in Eagle-Vail to the world-class terrain of Vail Pass, you will gain the technical tools to plan your own objectives. These courses are more than a certification; they are an opportunity to build a network of partners who share your passion for the mountains.
Difficulty
Easy – Moderate
Duration
Three 8-hour days
- Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm
- Sunday 8am-5:30pm
- Monday 8am-5pm
*Start and end times are approximate
Location
Classroom Location
Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)
Field Location
Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and/or surrounding areas.
Price
$629
POLICIES
Terms, Conditions and Cancellation Policy
Contact us for private outings and Large Group Bookings
Course Itinerary
The AIARE Level 1 course runs Friday to Sunday and provides the foundational knowledge needed to travel safely in avalanche terrain. This course emphasizes terrain analysis, snowpack evaluation, and decision-making frameworks.
Level 1 – Classroom Day (Friday)
-
Theoretical avalanche education, no gear required.
- Dive into avalanche awareness, snowpack dynamics and terrain analysis.
- Interactive discussions and diagrams to understand avalanche anatomy and risk management.
- Begin preparation for fieldwork with trip planning and group discussions.
Level 1 – Field Tour Day (Saturday)
- Guided backcountry tour led by experienced instructors.
- Learn practical applications like terrain assessment, route planning and avalanche red-flag identification.
- Gain a surface-level introduction to companion rescue techniques.
- Hands-on training in using beacons, probes and shovels.
- Note: This is a field day. Full backcountry gear required.
Level 1 – Field-Led Student Tour (Sunday)
- A mentorship-focused day where students take the lead.
- Plan routes, navigate terrain, and make group decisions under instructor guidance.
- Reinforce skills like group communication, terrain management and risk mitigation in real-world conditions.
- Note: This is a field day. Full backcountry gear required.
2025-2026 Dates
- March 19-22
- April 13-16
Includes:
- AIARE Student Manual & Field Book
- 1 Classroom Day + 2 Field Days
- AIARE Certificate of Completion
Excludes:
- Lodging, food, and transportation
- Skiing/splitboarding gear and avalanche safety equipment rentals (rentals available upon request)
- Trip insurance
- Unforeseen costs
Required
- 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)
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Small day pack
- Goggles or sunglasses
- 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
Completion of e-learning modules is encouraged by AIARE prior to the start of all courses, but not required. AIARE Level 1 modules often take about 4 hours.
Participants should be prepared to travel in backcountry terrain by ski or split board (snowshoes are acceptable if no other option). All AIARE Level 1 Backcountry 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 Level 1 Prep Course in order for preparation specific to the Level 1 Course and Backcountry Preparedness!
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 PREPARATION
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
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.
E-Learning
Participants are expected to complete a series of pre-course e-learning modules and evening assignments during the course.
Classroom
You will have the opportunity to view interactive diagrams, work on small group activities and ask questions before your weekend field days.
Field Tour
Instructors guide students on a backcountry tour, modeling terrain navigation, decision-making, and companion rescue drills that student implement.
Student-led Tour
Students lead a backcountry tour, applying what they’ve learned as instructors mentor and provide feedback.
Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620