AIARE PRIVATE COURSES

Promote your well-being in a backcountry skiing environment by expanding your knowledge and skill set through formal avalanche education with our AIARE Private Courses. The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) provides world-class education through the only internationally recognized curriculum offered in the U.S.

Have you put off taking your Apex AIARE Level 1 course because you are worried about social distancing or could not get a Friday off from work? This Apex FLEX course offers an alternative.  

AIARE LEVEL 1 CURRICULUM

In our 3 day, 24 hour AIARE level 1 private course, our curriculum focuses on the following:

• • The characteristics and types of avalanches
  • Movement of avalanches
  • Classifications by size and danger scale
  • Mountain snowpack: metamorphism and layering

ALSO DISCUSSED

• • Trip planning and preparation
  • Risk management and decision-making
  • Human influence in:
    • group dynamics
    • decision-making
    • accidents

APPLYING SKILLS

Following classroom sessions, we will travel by backcountry ski, splitboard and snowshoe, and apply these learned foundations in a mountain snow environment, with a focus on:

• • Beacon and probe use
  • Identifying and evaluating avalanche terrain
  • Route-finding and travel techniques
  • Snow pit and snow layer analysis and tests
  • What questions to ask in risk evaluation
  • Identifying “red flags”
  • Avalanche rescue and beacon search techniques

AIARE LEVEL 2 CURRICULUM

• •  Reinforcement of Level 1 fundamentals
  • Snow profiles, surface condition analysis, and the formation of snowpack over time
  • Theory and observation of skier-triggered slides
  • Forecasting, avalanche observation and recording guidelines per U.S. and International guidelines
  • Small group travel and decision making

APPLYING SKILLS

Following classroom sessions, we will travel by backcountry ski or splitboard to apply learned skills in a mountain environment, with a focus on:

• • Analysis of snow stability
  • Route selection and terrain analysis
  • Slope tests
  • Reinforcement of level 1 probe and shovel techniques, as well as rescue techniques for single and multiple burials.

PREREQUISITES

Participants should be prepared to travel in backcountry terrain by ski or splitboard (or snowshoe, if no other option). The course takes place in mountainous terrain at altitude in potentially inclement weather. Registration is required. Some personal items are provided by the participant; see the “to bring” tab.

• For the Level 1 Course, see our gear and equipment list on the bottom of our AIARE Level 1 page.
• Or, for the Level 2 Course, see the bottom of our AIARE Level 2 page for a gear and equipment list.

Advanced reservations are required. Register below on the accompanying calendar or call (970) 949-9111.

Interested in an online AIARE Level 1 course that will better align with your work schedule and help promote social distancing? This Apex FLEX course offers an alternative.  The Apex FLEX course offers a remote course with evening sessions. Click HERE to learn more.

Level 2 Courses