AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety - Hut Based - Anna's Cabin

Immerse Yourself in the Backcountry on a Learning Retreat

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. Colorado is home to one of the most complex snowpacks in the entire world, and people come from all across the globe to study the snowpack here. Our local team of AIARE-certified leaders and instructors have an intimate relationship with the local terrain and snowpack conditions where we operate & will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and to reduce risks. Avalanche Safety education is the core of our winter operations and we are pleased to offer education in six Colorado Counties, including ski resort-based and hut-based courses.

What sets our hut based AIARE courses apart from the others? Not only do we offer a weekend in an immaculate, off-grid backcountry hut, we also provide the meals! By choosing the hut-based setting, you’ll have the opportunity to pick your instructors’ brains during fireside chats in the evening.

Our standard AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course 3-Day courses will again be offered both in a traditional classroom format as well as in a hybrid course option that combines advance e-learning, Zoom, and field instruction to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain. All of our Level 1 courses will include 24 hours of coursework at a minimum, and two days on snow. We want to make sure that you get the safety education that you need, and we don’t cut corners in delivering the best product to maximize your benefit!

What You’ll Learn:

Equipment

Trip Preparation

Hazards/Rescue

Location

Itinerary

Trip Package Includes

• AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor(s) (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
  
• AIARE Course Manual
  
• AIARE Field Book
  
• AIARE Certificate of Completion
  
• CAG professional ski or splitboard guide
  
• Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
  
• Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
  
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the Trailhead
  
• Accommodation in the hut
• Meals

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Clothing and gear
  
• Backcountry skis, splitboards or snowshoes (can be rented at Colorado Adventure Guides)
  
• Transportation to designated meeting place
  
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
  
• Instructor gratuity
  

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides’s basecamp is located in Silverthorne, Colorado and has the honor of hosting avalanche education courses in the Dillion and six surrounding ranger districts including Summit County and surrounding areas including Eagle County, Clear Creek County, and Grand County. We always plan to use a variety of zones to ensure our clients experience the best snow conditions available for the planned course days. We also offer hut-based and ski resort-based courses.

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQ’s

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Do I Need To Be A Good Skier/Snowboarder To Take This Course?

This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or a splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at a ski resort.

How Physically Fit Do I Need To Be To Take This Course

Colorado Adventure Guides’ 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 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. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Do You Offer an AIARE 1 as a Private Group Course?

For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. Private groups may select a traditional classroom or Zoom for their classroom component. Course dates can be requested all season long, weekends or weekdays, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!

When And How Do I Meet Up With The Group For My Course?

For classroom-based courses you will meet at our Silverthorne basecamp. For field-based days, students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.

When Should I Take My AIARE 1?

The AIARE 1 course is developed for new to intermediate backcountry users, or for those looking to formalize their education. This course is for experienced resort skiers/riders that have knowledge of how to use their backcountry touring equipment. Not quite there yet? Check out our 1-day Intro to Ski/Splitboard Courses.

Can Skip the AIARE 1 Course?

The AIARE 1 course is part 1 of the Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program. The Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program is a recreational program that consists of 3 courses spanning a total of 7 days. While there is no actual certification after taking all the courses, you will obtain course completions. With that said, the AIARE 1 course is a prerequisite to the AIARE 2 course, and so you must attend the AIARE 1 course to continue with the program.

Does the AIARE 1 Certificate Expire?

The AIARE 1 certificate does not have an expiration date, however, it is strongly encouraged that you practice and maintain the skills and knowledge covered in this course. Colorado Adventure Guides offers Avalanche Refresher and Rescue Courses to help keep your backcountry knowledge and skills fresh.

Should I Tip My Course Instructor?

Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%