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Colorado Adventure Guides teaches AIARE AVALANCHE RESCUE. In this one-day (8-hour) course, new participants will learn how to rescue a companion caught in an avalanche. We’ll focus on the gear and responding. Returning students will expand their skills and knowledge with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice. This class should be retaken regularly to keep abreast of the best practices in rescue techniques and gear.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is appropriate for both new and experienced recreational backcountry travelers, as well as aspiring avalanche professionals. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking an Avalanche Rescue Course at least every other year. The AIARE Avalanche Rescue course is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 Courses.
Identifying and using the gear necessary to avalanche rescue
Proper use of beacon, shovel, and probe
Pre-trip gear checks
Take the one-day, stand-alone AIARE Avalanche Rescue and combine it with a 16-hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course designed for the winter backcountry users. Bridge the gap between your avalanche education and medical response. Having solid rescue skills for avalanche response is crucial, but trauma related injuries account for 1/4 of avalanche related fatalities. Most people don’t think about the next step in an avalanche rescue or what to do if there is any other backcountry incident miles from help. This is where your medical training needs to come in. Outside help will likely be hours away. And let’s face it, accidents and medical situations in the backcountry can also happen even without an avalanche. Do you have the necessary medical training and skills? The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is the first necessary step to learn about wilderness medicine and basic life support skills.
Colorado is home to one of the most complex snowpacks in the entire world and people come from all across the globe to study our snowpack. Traveling in the backcountry requires a solid understanding of avalanche risk and the knowledge to mitigate these risks through appropriate terrain assessment and decision making. This can be an overwhelming endeavor for many and that’s why we have simplified things for you through our Backcountry Mentorship Program. From clinics, to avalanche education, to ski and snowboard mountaineering courses we have you covered and offer plentiful perks along the way.
1 day (8+ hours)
2024/2025 Course Dates;
$219.00 per person
6 Students:1 Instructor
We offer our courses in a variety of terrain in Central Colorado. Our course instructors are able to choose the best location for each course date based on weather and snowpack conditions.
Avalanche Beacon
Avalanche Probe
Avalanche Shovel
Medium sized backpack (approx. 40L)
Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, or Splitboard
Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
Goggles
Helmet (optional)
Hard or softshell pants
Synthetic or merino wool base layer
Softshell jacket (optional)
Down or synthetic insulated jacket
Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket
Light gloves for uphill travel
Warm gloves
Brimmed hat or visor
Sunglasses
Neck gaitor or buff
Backcountry gear can be rented directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at our Silvethorne, CO Basecamp.
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Refunds will be honored for cancellations more than 14 DAYS PRIOR to a course or a camp start time. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all cancellations.
Rescheduling will be honored 14 days prior to start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling. This allows us the time to contact those who have been put on the wait-list.
All activities are Rain or Shine. In case of operator cancellation due to adverse or unsafe conditions prior to start time, first the operator will attempt to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, the client will receive a full refund. Operator, including guides in the field, reserve the right to shorten or reroute activity in the case of unmanageable hazards or inability of guest to complete the objective. Completion of objective-based routes is not guaranteed.
Our AIARE Avalanche Rescue Courses can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. No prior backcountry experience required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course. Alpine touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from local shops. Students on skis or boards should be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort.
Colorado Adventure Guides is priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will be asked to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. If you are interested, please let us know!
For courses your instructor will contact you at least 2 weeks prior to course start to discuss details.
Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated and if you had a safe, educational, and fun experience. Gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
Our AIARE Avalanche Rescue courses tend to book up months in advance. It is strongly recommended that you reserve your spot before the winter season starts.
