AVALANCHE RESCUE

Avalanche Rescue focuses on critical life-saving techniques for helping others during avalanche emergencies. This course equips you with the skills to conduct effective searches and rescues, preparing you to assist in high-stress situations, whether it’s for companions or others in the backcountry.

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Master beacon use, probing, and shoveling techniques

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Practice search and rescue operations in realistic, emotionally challenging scenarios

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Learn about avalanche emergency response protocols, including critical decision-making

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Essential for anyone traveling in avalanche-prone areas

If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call— we can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility.

Use Coupon
SNOW10

Discount code of 10% off any avalanche education courses between now and the end of the 2024/25 season!

Who should take the Avalanche Rescue course?

This course is essential for anyone traveling in avalanche-prone areas, whether you’re new to backcountry skiing or an experienced adventurer. It’s designed to equip you with critical life-saving techniques and the confidence to respond effectively during an avalanche emergency, making it a valuable addition to your backcountry skillset.

What skills will I learn in the Avalanche Rescue course?

You’ll master essential rescue techniques, including effective beacon use, probing, and shoveling. The course also covers search and rescue operations using realistic, high-stress scenarios. You’ll gain hands-on experience with emergency response protocols, learning how to make critical decisions and assign roles during an avalanche incident.

How is the Avalanche Rescue course structured?

The Avalanche Rescue course takes place almost entirely in the field, providing a hands-on, immersive experience. You’ll participate in drills and practice scenarios that simulate real avalanche emergencies, allowing you to refine your rescue skills in a practical setting. The course focuses on efficient response times, complex rescue dynamics, and handling multiple and complex burial situations.

What makes Apex Mountain School’s Avalanche Rescue course unique?

Our course goes beyond just teaching technical rescue skills—it also explores the psychological aspects of avalanche emergencies. You’ll learn how to manage emotions, identify effective leaders, and make critical decisions under pressure. With our experienced and conscientious instructors and a focus on current best practices, Apex offers a comprehensive approach to avalanche rescue training.

Avalanche Rescue Description

**Availability updated weekly. For the most current availability, please check the booking calendar on the right side of the page.**

Learn and practice the skills needed to respond to an avalanche accident. An efficient response is crucial when every second counts. Apex Mountain School’s AIARE Avalanche Rescue course provides current information, modern practices, and experienced instructors to prepare you. Beyond technical rescue skills, this course also explores the psychology of avalanche emergencies—how to manage emotions, identify leaders, make decisions, and assign roles effectively. Apex offers the course throughout the winter or as part of the Level 1 Combo Course.

This course takes place entirely in the field. Topics may include:

Companion Rescue Fundamentals
Complex Rescue Dynamics and Triage
Multiple Burial Rescue Drills
Close Proximity Burials
Deep Burials
Searching by Micro Grid and 3 Circle Methods
Other Advanced Techniques

Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Backcountry Rescue 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!

Interested in a Level 1 course? Check out our AIARE 1 Backcountry Couses, our AIARE Level 1 Backcountry FLEX, or our Private Course options.

Quick Information / Dates Availability

AIARE Avalanche Rescue courses are one-day field courses focused on companion rescue in a winter mountain environment. This course is a 100% Field Course, held entirely outdoors, and is not a replacement for the AIARE Level 1 course. However, it is a prerequisite for AIARE Level 2 courses. You’ll also learn the psychological components of rescue, including managing emotions and decision-making under stress, to ensure you’re fully prepared when it matters most.

2024-25 DATES

November 18 (Monday – available spots: 5)
November 25 (Monday – available spots: 5)
December 02 (Monday – available spots: 6)
December 05 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
December 12 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
December 19 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
December 23 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
December 30 (Monday – available spots: 6)
January 06 (Monday – available spots: 6)
January 13 (Monday – available spots: 6)
January 20 (Monday – available spots: 6)
January 23 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
January 30 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
February 06 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
February 13 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
February 17 (Monday – available spots: 6)
February 24 (Monday – available spots: 6)
March 03 (Monday – available spots: 6)
March 10 (Monday – available spots: 6)
March 13 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
March 20 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
March 27 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
April 03 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
April 10 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
April 17 (Thursday – available spots: 6)

**Minimum of 3 students required to run.**

**Availability updated weekly. For the most current availability, please check the booking calendar on the right side of the page.**

COST

$285 – per person

Includes:

Apex Mountain School SWAG (Stuff We All Get)
Companion Rescue Search Card
1 Field Day
AIARE Certificate of Completion

DIFFICULTY

Easy – Moderate

LENGTH

One full day, 8.30am-4.30pm (8-9 hours)

*Start and end times are approximate

LOCATION

Meets either at our Office in Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)

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Field Location: Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and/or surrounding areas

*Courses run regardless of snow/weather conditions*

Policies

See our inclusion policy for special group requests.

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
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

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.

Our Guides