AIARE LEVEL 1 Private Group of up to 6 people
starting from $895 / Person
AIARE Level 1 Private offers customized instruction in essential backcountry skills, with a focus on your group’s specific needs and pace. This private course ensures personalized guidance, making it an ideal option for small groups or individuals looking to gain confidence and knowledge in a more focused learning environment.
Personalized instruction and individualized pace
Focused learning on essential backcountry and avalanche skills
Customizable course content to meet your needs
Ideal for those seeking a private learning experience
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 the regular open enrollment course:
a classroom day followed by two field days. 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.
AIARE Level 1 Private Description
Enjoy a more personalized avalanche education experience with our AIARE Private Courses. This is the perfect way to feel comfortable and confident skiing in backcountry terrain. 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.
PREREQUISITES
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.)
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.
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. This Zoom course offers an alternative!
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Backcountry Level 1 Private journey. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at (970) 949-9111 or visit our contact page.
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call—our team can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility. Let’s get you out in the snow!
Quick Information
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
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
DURATION
Three 8 hour days
LOCATION
Classroom Location – Eagle-Vail, CO
Field Location – Vail Valley, Vail Pass or Fremont Pass
What you should bring
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)
Why Choose Apex Mountain School?
At Apex Mountain School, we combine the industry-leading AIARE curriculum with our client-focused teaching approach. Our instructors are skilled in adapting lessons to accommodate varying experience levels and user environments, ensuring every participant gains confidence and practical skills for the backcountry. Dedicated to providing a high-quality learning experience, our guides are approachable, attentive, and passionate about making each course engaging and impactful for all students.
Meet our guides
Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.
