AIARE LEVEL 1 ONLINE ZOOM COURSE
Starting from$69
Level 1 Zoom offers foundational backcountry training with the classroom portion delivered online for flexibility. This course covers essential avalanche safety and travel techniques, followed by in-person field days where participants join the group for hands-on learning and practical application.
Avalanche Education
Online Zoom Course
What is the AIARE Level 1 Zoom Course, and how does it differ from the regular Level 1 course?
The Apex AIARE Level 1 Zoom Course is a hybrid option that offers the classroom day via Zoom, allowing you to complete the theoretical portion of the course online. You’ll still need to attend the in-person field days to practice your skills in a backcountry setting. This option is perfect for those who prefer a flexible, online classroom experience while still getting hands-on field training.
Do I need to book the field days separately if I choose the Zoom course?
No, you don’t need to worry about booking the field days separately. When you register for the Zoom classroom day, our system will automatically direct you to book the corresponding field days. This ensures you have a complete learning experience, combining both online and in-person components.
Is there any preparation required before the Zoom classroom session?
Yes, you’ll receive an email with a link and password to access our resource page, which includes important pre-course materials. It’s recommended to review these resources before the Zoom session to enhance your understanding. If you can’t complete the prep work, you should still attend the session and participate fully—our instructors will cover all the essential content.
Why choose the Zoom option for the AIARE Level 1 course?
The Zoom classroom option offers the convenience of completing the theoretical portion of the course from anywhere, without needing to take time off for travel. It’s a great choice for those who want a flexible, hybrid learning experience while still benefiting from in-depth field training. You’ll have access to the same expert instructors and curriculum as the in-person classroom session, and you’ll still attend the field days in person, making it a comprehensive and convenient way to complete your Level 1 certification.
Testimonials
AIARE Level 1 /Online Zoom Course
The Zoom classroom session, conducted over two evenings, delivers comprehensive instruction in avalanche awareness, terrain analysis, decision-making frameworks, and essential safety techniques. With interactive discussions, virtual demonstrations, and expert guidance, you’ll gain the foundational knowledge necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
After completing the online portion, participants join small groups for two in-person field days in Colorado’s stunning backcountry. These hands-on sessions allow you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios, including route planning, snowpack evaluation, and companion rescue drills. Under the mentorship of experienced instructors, you’ll practice navigating avalanche terrain, assessing risks, and making informed decisions.
The system ensures seamless booking by guiding you to reserve your field days immediately after signing up for the Zoom course. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to attend an in-person classroom day instead of the virtual session.
This course is ideal for skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers eager to expand their backcountry knowledge without the need to take time off from work. The combination of online convenience and in-person practicality ensures you’ll have a well-rounded learning experience that meets AIARE standards.
Sign up today to enjoy the best of both worlds: flexible online instruction and impactful backcountry field training. Prepare to explore avalanche terrain confidently and safely with the AIARE Level 1 Zoom Course.
Difficulty
Easy – Moderate
Duration
- 4-hour online e-learning module
- Two, 3-hour, remote evening sessions
- Two, 9-hour, field days
- Total Time ~ 27 hours*
*Start and end times are approximate
Location
Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and/or surrounding areas
PRICE
Course – $80 (Zoom course) $695 (Field Days)
POLICIES
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
Itinerary/Curriculum
AIARE Level 1 Zoom Course Itinerary
1. Online Classroom Session (1 Day via Zoom)
- Engage in comprehensive avalanche safety education from the comfort of your home.
- Participate in interactive sessions and virtual demonstrations.
- Learn foundational backcountry travel techniques and avalanche awareness.
2. In-Person Field Days (2 Days)
- Join the group in the Colorado backcountry for hands-on learning.
- Apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
- Practice skills such as terrain assessment, snowpack evaluation, and companion rescue.
Course Itinerary
The AIARE Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course is divided into four immersive days. Each day focuses on different aspects of avalanche education, ensuring participants gain a comprehensive foundation in backcountry travel and rescue skills.
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.
Rescue Day (Thursday or Monday)
- A full field day dedicated to companion rescue techniques.
- Learn effective beacon use, probing, and strategic shoveling.
- Practice realistic scenarios, including multiple burial drills and micro-grid searching.
- Gain insight into avalanche emergency dynamics, including emotional management and group leadership.
- Note: This is a field day. Bring your full backcountry gear, including beacon, shovel, and probe.
Level 1 – Classroom Day (Friday)
-
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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.
How It Works
If your first day is Thursday (Rescue Day):
- Day 1 (Thursday): Rescue field day – bring your gear.
- Day 2 (Friday): Level 1 classroom day – no gear needed.
- Day 3 (Saturday): Level 1 field day – bring your gear.
- Day 4 (Sunday): Level 1 field day – bring your gear.
If your first day is Friday (Level 1 Classroom):
- Day 1 (Friday): Level 1 classroom day – no gear needed.
- Day 2 (Saturday): Level 1 field day – bring your gear.
- Day 3 (Sunday): Level 1 field day – bring your gear.
- Day 4 (Monday): Rescue field day – bring your gear.
This course is available to all ages 12 and up. (Ages 12-14 requires parents to attend also. All minor registrations must contact the office in advance of booking for prescreening approval.)
2024-25 DATES
- December 10 and 12 (available spots: 6)
- January 07 and 09 (available spots: 6)
- February 11 and 13 (available spots: 6)
**A minimum of 4 participants is required to run this course. In the unlikely event that we do not meet this minimum, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a full refund.
Includes:
1. Zoom-Based Online Classroom Session
- Duration:1 full day (typically ~8 hours).
- Content Covered:
- Introduction to avalanche hazard and terrain
- Decision-making frameworks for travel in avalanche terrain
- Human factors and risk management
- Planning and preparing for a backcountry trip
- Interpreting avalanche forecasts
- Format:Interactive live instruction, group discussions, and digital resources.
2. Two In-Person Field Days
- Duration:2 full days in the field (usually 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Locations:Colorado backcountry (Vail Pass, Fremont Pass, or nearby areas).
- Skills Practiced:
- Snowpack observation techniques
- Terrain analysis and route selection
- Beacon use, probing, and strategic shoveling
- Companion rescue drills
- Group communication and real-time decision-making
- Hands-on Application:Reinforces Zoom-based theory with practical avalanche awareness and rescue skills.
3. Official AIARE Materials
- AIARE Field Book
- AIARE Student Manual
- Digital and printable planning tools
- Access to AIARE online resources
4. Completion Certificate
- Recognized AIARE Level 1 Certification
- Prerequisite for advanced avalanche education (e.g., AIARE Level 2, Pro 1)
Additional Info
- Ideal For:Skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoers exploring avalanche terrain.
- Equipment Required for Field Days:Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, touring gear (can often be rented).
- Prerequisites:Strong intermediate or advanced backcountry travel ability (no prior avalanche training needed).
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
Know the Format
- 1 day Zoom class (avalanche theory & planning)
- 2 field days (hands-on snow and rescue skills)
Tech Prep for Zoom
- Install Zoom, test webcam/mic
- Quiet space, notebook, water, snacks
Study Basics
- Review AIARE materials (field book, danger scale)
- Watch avalanche safety videos (AIARE, Avalanche.org)
Gear Up for Field Days
- Required:Beacon, shovel, probe
- Backcountry gear:Skis/splitboard/snowshoes, boots, poles
- Clothing:Warm, waterproof, layered
- Extras:Backpack, water, food, gloves, goggles, sunscreen
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PRIVATE LEVEL 2
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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.
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.
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.
Contact Us
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Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620