AVALANCHE REFRESHER
Starting from$275
The Avalanche Refresher reinforces the skills learned in your prior AIARE course by focusing on hands-on, real-world practice. You’ll engage in a day that mirrors the final, practical day of your previous course, allowing you to apply your knowledge in backcountry settings while being mentored by experienced instructors. This is your chance to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest techniques and ready to tackle the backcountry.
Avalanche Education
Avalanche Refresher
Who is the Avalanche Refresher course designed for?
The Avalanche Refresher course is ideal for anyone who has completed an AIARE Level 1 or Level 2 course and wants to reinforce their skills. It’s perfect for those looking to refresh their knowledge, boost their confidence, and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques before heading back into the backcountry.
What can I expect during the Avalanche Refresher course?
This course mirrors the final, practical day of your original AIARE training. You’ll engage in hands-on practice, focusing on planning, route selection, hazard assessment, and avalanche rescue skills. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll have the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world backcountry settings.
How does the Avalanche Refresher differ from taking the AIARE Level 1 or Level 2 course again?
The Refresher course focuses on reviewing and practicing the essential skills you’ve already learned, rather than covering the entire curriculum from scratch. It’s a condensed, practical day designed to help you regain confidence in your decision-making abilities and ensure you’re comfortable applying the techniques in the backcountry.
Do I need to prepare anything before taking the Avalanche Refresher course?
While there is no formal pre-course preparation required, it’s helpful to review your notes from your previous AIARE course. This will give you a head start and help you get the most out of the day. During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to practice and clarify any skills or concepts you may have forgotten.
Testimonials
Avalanche Refresher
During an AIARE course there is a great deal of information presented.
But when it comes time to return to the backcountry, we often forget or feel less confident in what we’ve learned. The Avalanche Refresher course focuses on revisiting the skills you’ve already gained while helping to bring clarity to those moments of doubt.
This course is designed to emulate the critical final day of your original Level 1 training, where you are in charge of planning, decision-making, and applying techniques in the field, under the guidance of a seasoned instructor. It’s a chance to refresh your knowledge, practice leadership in decision-making, and ensure you feel fully prepared to tackle your next adventure.
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Difficult
DURATION
6-7 hours
LOCATION
Vail, CO (Meadow Mountain, Spraddle Creek)
Leadville, CO (Freemont Pass)
COST
Max client to guide ratio 5:1
$178 – 5+ people
$198 – 4 people
$224 – 3 people
$250 – 2 people
Policies
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
Morning Meet-Up & Overview
- Introduction to the day’s plan and objectives
- Brief discussion of current avalanche conditions and weather
Gear Refresh Session
- Quick refresher on avalanche transceiver functions
- Proper use and packing of shovel and probe
- Troubleshooting common gear mistakes
Companion Rescue Scenarios
- Single and multiple burial search practice
- Fast, efficient probing and digging drills
- Group coordination during rescue efforts
Field-Based Terrain Analysis
- Hands-on assessment of slopes and terrain traps
- Route finding based on real-time observations
- Reading terrain for safe travel and escape options
Snowpack Observation Techniques
- Snow layering, stability tests, and field notes
- Interpreting red flags and avalanche signs on-site
Risk Management in Motion
- Group travel strategies in avalanche terrain
- Communication, spacing, and leadership in the field
- Making go/no-go decisions with limited information
Wrap-Up Tour and Discussion
- Apply all refreshed skills on a short, guided tour
- Debrief with instructor feedback
- Share personal takeaways and identify areas for growth
Available daily
Includes
- Professional instruction by certified avalanche educators
- Field-based training and hands-on rescue scenarios
- Review of beacon, probe, and shovel use
- Refresher on terrain analysis and hazard identification
- Snowpack observation and field test practice
- Group decision-making exercises in real terrain
- Feedback and Q&A session with instructor
- Avalanche safety equipment provided upon request (limited availability)
Excludes:
- Personal gear (backpack, clothing, gloves, goggles, etc.)
- Touring equipment (skis/splitboard, boots, skins – rental may be required)
- Transportation to and from the course location
- Food, snacks, and water
- Lodging or accommodations
- Avalanche course certification (this is a refresher, not a full course)
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
- Be in good physical condition for uphill and downhill travel
- Review your previous avalanche course materials (AIARE Level 1 or equivalent)
- Practice using your beacon, probe, and shovel before the course
- Pack a backpack (25–35L) with water, snacks, and extra layers
- Dress in weather-appropriate, moisture-wicking layers
- Bring proper touring gear (AT skis/splitboard, boots, skins)
- Check that all your gear is in working order before the course
- Review current avalanche forecasts and weather reports
- Arrive early, well-rested, and ready for a full day in the field
- Bring a notebook or phone to take notes during the session
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.
PRIVATE LEVEL 1
Get personalized avalanche education tailored to your group’s needs. Our private AIARE Level 1 course ensures focused instruction and flexibility in scheduling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BACKCOUNTRY
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