AIARE LEVEL 1 PRIVATE
Starting from$815 pp
AIARE Level 1 Private provides customized backcountry instruction tailored to your group’s needs and pace, offering focused guidance for individuals or small groups seeking a more personalized learning experience.
Avalanche Education
Private Group Of Up to 6 People
What are the benefits of taking the AIARE Level 1 course privately?
An AIARE Level 1 private course allows you to learn alongside a group of people you know, such as friends, family or frequent backcountry partners with a format personalized and customized to you and your group. It’s a great way to tailor the learning experience, focus on shared goals and ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to avalanche safety and decision-making.
Who should consider booking an AIARE Level 1 Private course?
The AIARE Level 1 Private course is ideal for groups who want a more customized experience. It’s a great option for friends who ski together regularly, corporate teams seeking a unique bonding and training opportunity or schools and outdoor programs looking for focused avalanche education tailored to their specific needs.
Can the AIARE Level 1 Private course be customized to fit our group’s needs?
Certainly! While the core curriculum remains the same, a private course allows for greater flexibility in pacing and content focus. Our instructors can adapt the teaching approach to align with your group’s experience level, interests and specific learning goals, providing a more personalized experience.
How is the AIARE Level 1 Private course structured?
The AIARE Level 1 Private course follows the same three-day structure as our open enrollment course: one classroom session and two field days. Classroom sessions can be scheduled in the morning or evening, and we can also arrange Zoom sessions instead of in-person if that works better for your group. You’ll learn basic avalanche awareness, practice rescue techniques and gain hands-on experience with route planning and decision-making, all with personalized attention from your instructor. Contact us and we’ll help customize the schedule to fit your needs.
Testimonials
Private Group of up to 6 People
AIARE Level 1 Private offers the same internationally recognized avalanche education as our AIARE Level 1 Course but in a customized, private format. This course is perfect for individuals, families or small groups looking for personalized instruction, flexible scheduling and a pace tailored to their goals.
Over three days — one classroom session and two field days — you’ll gain a solid foundation in avalanche awareness, route planning, snowpack assessment and rescue techniques. Classroom sessions can be scheduled in the morning or evening, and Zoom options are available if in-person doesn’t work for your group.
If you’re planning to continue your education, consider our Private AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course or Private AIARE Level 2 Course to build on the skills you’ll learn here.
This course is available for ages 12 and up (ages 12–14 must attend with a parent). Participants should be prepared for mountain travel on skis, splitboard or snowshoes in winter conditions at altitude.
Difficulty
Easy – Moderate
Duration
Three 8 hour days
Location
Classroom Location – Eagle-Vail, CO
Field Location – Vail Valley, Vail Pass or Fremont Pass
Transportation
Call for availability.
Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policy
Contact Us for Large Group bookings.
Day 1: Classroom & Foundations
- Introduction to the AIARE framework and course goals
- Understanding avalanche types and how they form
- Recognizing avalanche terrain and hazard features
- Introduction to avalanche forecasts and terminology
- Group communication and decision-making concepts
Day 2: Field Day – Observation & Rescue
- Beacon, probe, and shovel practice
- Companion rescue techniques and mock drills
- Identifying avalanche problems in the field
- Snowpack tests: compression test, extended column test
- Assessing terrain and snow conditions in real time
Day 3: Tour Planning & Field Application
- Pre-trip planning using weather and avalanche forecasts
- Route selection and hazard mitigation on a full backcountry tour
- Applying risk management tools (ALPTRUTh, FACETS)
- Practicing group travel techniques in avalanche terrain
- Decision points and adapting plans based on field observations
Wrap-Up & Certification
- Debrief and personal reflections
- Instructor feedback and Q&A
- Receive AIARE Level 1 certificate of completion
Courses available upon request
Includes
- Student Manual
- AIARE Field Book
- Apex Mountain School Buff
- 1 Classroom Day
- 2 Full Field Days
- AIARE Certificate of Completion
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
- Water/wind proof jacket with hood, pants, and gloves
- Pocket sized notebook
- 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
- Helmet (strongly encouraged- natural obstacles can be exposed or close to snow surface)
- Small day pack
- Water bottle and food (Avoid bringing camelback bladders, they have a tendency to freeze and explode in packs)
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
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Ground mat (insulation so you can sit on the snow)
How can I prepare?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 INTRO
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