Course Itinerary

Day 1 – Classroom Session

Dive into avalanche awareness and decision-making with engaging discussions, interactive diagrams, and group activities. You’ll develop a theoretical understanding of avalanche science, terrain analysis, and risk management.

Day 2 – Instructor-led Tour

Bring theory to life on a guided backcountry tour led by your mentors. Observe and learn as your instructors model essential backcountry skills, including route planning, terrain assessment, and companion rescue techniques. You’ll gain hands-on experience and a surface-level introduction to beacon searches, probing, and shoveling, while watching experienced guides demonstrate best practices in real-time. For a more comprehensive foundation of backcountry preparedness, consider adding our AIARE Level 1 & Avalanche Rescue Course.

Day 3 – Student-led Tour

Take charge on a student-led backcountry tour, where you’ll step into the role of decision-maker under the close guidance of your mentors. Building on what you observed during the previous day, you’ll plan routes, evaluate terrain, and apply newly learned skills in a real-world setting. Your instructors will provide feedback and direction as you model their techniques, reinforcing group communication, decision-making, and risk mitigation strategies.

Curriculum Highlights

FUNDAMENTALS
Throughout a 24 hour Apex AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course, consisting of 1 classroom day 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

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

APPLYING SKILLS

• 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”

2024-2025 Dates

View number of available spots on above booking calendar or contact us for custom group bookings.

• November 15-17
• November 22-24
• November 29 – December 01
• December 06-08
• December 13-15
• December 20-22
• December 27-29
• January 03-05
• January 10-12
• January 17-19
• January 24-26
• January 31 – February 02
• February 07-09
• February 14-16
• February 21-23
• February 28 – March 02
• March 07-09
• March 14-16
• March 21-23
• March 28-30
• April 04-06
• April 11-13
• April 18-20

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

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!