Location: Summit County and Surrounding Areas.
​Duration: 3 days (24 hours)
Experience Level: Beginner, Intermediate SEE HERE
Cost: $639 per person or $899 per person for hut based
 

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Join CSG and Colorado Adventure Guides on our AIARE Rec Level 1 Avalanche Course. This is a 3-Day course that combines both classroom and field instruction to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain. 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. Our AIARE certified leaders and instructors will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards and reduce risks.

Get immersed! Imagine spending the weekend with avalanche professionals in the backcountry, learning about snow safety while sipping tea in front of a crackling wood stove, and skiing or snowboarding right to the hut to enjoy a cold beer while debriefing the day. Join in on one of our hut-based AIARE Level 1 courses and immerse yourself in a backcountry trip full of learning. By choosing the hut-based setting, you’ll have the opportunity to pick your instructors brains during fireside chats in the evening and also work on some backcountry winter camping skills! The course will spend 3 days and 2 nights in the hut. Price includes 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 2 nights at backcountry hut, and AIARE Level 1 certificate of completion

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​Topics Covered

• Trip Planning and Preparation

• Reading and understanding the avalanche forecast

• Classifications and characteristics of different types of avalanches

• Recognizing hazardous conditions

• Understanding a mountain snowpack

• Basics of route selection and terrain management

• Managing risk and decision making

• Human factors and influence

• Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe

• Companion rescue techniques

• Group management

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Price Includes

• 2 nights in Anna’s Cabin, Francies Cabin, or Sisters Hut (Hut-Based Courses)

• Dinner and Breakfast in the hut (Hut-Based Courses)

• AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructors

• 24-hour course with a 6:1 maximum ratio

• Student manual and weather-proof AIARE field book

• Use of ORTOVOX beacon, shovel and probe

Gear List

• Splitboard, A/T or Tele skis, boots, poles, and skins

• Beacon, Shovel, Probe (demos available upon request)

• Sleeping bag / pillow (Hut-Based)

• Synthetic or wool long underwear bottom and top (base layer)

• Mid layer top and bottom (insulation layer)

• Insulated “Puffy” Jacket

• Waterproof Jacket and pants

• Wool or synthetic socks

• Warm gloves or mittens

• Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava

• Goggles and sunglasses

• Backpack (30L or more Preferred)

• Water bottle (At least 1 Liter per person)

• Food for lunch and snacks (can be provided upon request)

Recommended Extras

• Hand warmers

• Hot liquid in thermos

• Adjustable Poles

• Extra gloves (Liner Gloves for the uphill)

• Chapstick

• Camera

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