ASI - AIARE Avalanche Level 1

Skiing Ability Level

Ski Technical Difficulty:

Mountain Skill Rating:

Physical Condition:

Includes:
Student Manual and the use of avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.

Does not include:
New AIARE Fieldbook and personal items on the Equipment List.

Operating under Special Use Permit, Tahoe National Forest.

AIARE Avalanche Level 1
Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain 3 Day

Our traditional Level 1 is best suited for those who want to be mobile in the backcountry. This course is taught in 2 full consecutive field days with 8 hours of online course work ahead of time, meeting the AIARE 24hr. requirement. It also meets guidelines established by the American Avalanche Association.

Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain. This can be done using skis, splitboard or snowboard with snowshoes (see prerequisites below). Please familiarize yourself with the following resources as they will help prepare you for the topics discussed in the course.

An AIARE Level 1 Certificate will be awarded upon completion.

Cost: $550

COURSE MATERIALS
Required: AIARE Fieldbook $20 (Special prepaid price.)
The Student Manual will be provided.

Dates 2021/2022:

Dec 4-5

Dec 11-12
Dec 18-19
Dec 21-22
Dec 27-28
Jan 1-2
Jan 8-9
Jan 16-17
Jan 22-23
Jan 29-30
Feb 5-6
Feb 12-13
Feb 20-21
Feb 26-27
Mar 5-6
Mar 12-13
Mar 19-20
Mar 26-27
April 2-3
April 9-10

On an AIARE Avalanche Level 1 you will learn about:

Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

Types and characteristics of avalanches
Avalanche motion
Size classification
The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

Observations and Information Gathering

Field observation techniques
Bonding tests: rutschblock, compression test
Avalanche danger factors “Red Flags”
Observation checklist
Avalanche danger scale
Trip Planning and Preparation
Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment and selection
Route finding and travel techniques
Decision making and Human Factors
Companion Rescue and Equipment

Classroom vs. Field Time:

Day 1	100% Classroom Travel Techniques Observations, Terrain Identification Companion Rescue
Day 2	10% Classroom 90% Field time Instability Tests
Day 3	0% Classroom 100% Field time Travel in avalanche terrain Decision Making

Schedule may vary due to conditions.

Classroom Location:
Truckee, New location behind The Back Country or
Sugar Bowl,

Field Time Location:
Top of Donner Pass

Prerequisites:

The main prerequisite is to be able to travel on the field portions of the course over snow through avalanche terrain and to be familar with your gear. The longest field exercise is about 5-6 hrs. stopping for field sessions and presentations along the way. These field sessions can be done by anyone in good to very good physical condition. You must have experience with backcountry skis or a splitboard/snowboard.

Many students interested in getting into the backcountry logically want to begin their education with an avalanche course. It is possible to do it this way if necessary, if you have at least one full day of touring experience. Avalanche education is a long term process that best begins with basic prerequisite skills, then, after completion of the AIARE L1 course, continues with ongoing learning and gaining experience over time on the snow.

ASI recommends previous backcountry travel experience found on courses such as:

Sugar Bowl Backcountry
Intro to Backcountry Skiing
Intro to Splitboarding
These simple, one-day courses emphasize use of touring equipment, basic travel skills, hazard recognition and avoidance. One of these courses or equivalent experience is a recommended prerequisite to get the most educational value from a thorough ASI AIARE L1 Course.

Questions about this course?

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Equipment List

Follow-up Programs

Resources

Avalanche Awareness Tutorial

Avalanche Forecast

Weather Forecast

Road Conditions

Trip Insurance

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