Is a lift ticket included with the course fee?

No, participants should come prepared for a touring intensive course. While we may travel within the resort and utilize a classroom space at Crystal, the field portion of this course will be ascending terrain by touring uphill on skis or split boards.

What is the cancellation policy for AIARE I?

Due to the advanced planning and logistics associated with AIARE I, all fees related to the course are non-refundable. Participants may reschedule to a different AIARE I at no additional cost up to 21 days prior to the start of their AIARE I. Rescheduling limited to AIARE I courses offered within the same season.

Do I need any previous experience?

The AIARE I is a course for everyone. Some familiarity with your touring equipment is recommended, but no previous backcountry experience is required.

What do I need to bring?

Participants should carefully review the gear list. Each participant must have their own ski/snowboard gear and proper clothing for long periods of time outside in cold and variable weather conditions. Participants should bring writing materials for notetaking and have water and food sufficient for a day of physical activity outside.

This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of backcountry travel. Students will learn how to build an effective trip plan using weather forecasts and information from the local avalanche center. Hands-on learning in the field will teach students about navigating avalanche terrain and route setting, students will also learn how to perform companion rescue in the event of an avalanche burial. Crystal is an authorized AIARE Course Provider, and this course meets the AIARE standards for a Rec. I course.

Who are my instructors?

Crystal Mountain employs AIARE-certified instructors and course leaders. These individuals are avid backcountry skiers and snowboarders like you and have a diverse background in guiding and ski patrolling. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to each course.

AIARE Course & Certification | Crystal Mountain Resort

Learn how to properly ski or ride backcountry terrain and know you're safe while doing it. This three-day course teaches you rescue techniques from mountain professionals who give you the hands-on experience you need to feel confident.

Over the duration, you'll focus on basic planning, decision-making, and companion rescue, learning how to locate and extricate someone from an avalanche.

What Is the Aire Course?
A mix of classroom-based learning and active field time gives you the knowledge to plan and execute your own backcountry adventures safely. At the end of the course, you will be able to:

Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
Effectively use the AIARE Risk Management framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
Demonstrate effective companion rescue.

Choose from a variety of course dates to pick one that's right for you. We offer on-mountain 3-day courses that include both classroom and field time.

Discounts:

10% Military and First Responder
15% Ikon Passholders
15% off Intro to Backcountry for AIARE 1 participants from the previous year

25/26 AIARE course offerings

Price: $595

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Skills Required: Intermediate riding skills – comfortable on blues, some blacks.

Fitness Level: Moderate – prepared to travel uphill approx. 2,000’ vertical per day. Prepared for long periods of standing and outside in cold & variable weather.

Equipment List
Required Clothing

Base layer: lightweight or midweight top (avoid cotton); lightweight or midweight long underwear bottoms (may omit depending on pant warmth); warm socks

Mid layer: fleece or wool or similar warmth layer; wind shirt or soft shell jacket (wind and water resistant, breathable)

Outerwear: waterproof or breathable jacket with hood; ski or snowboard pants (soft shell or waterproof); waterproof over-pants if your ski pants are not waterproof (ensure they go on and off over boots; full side zips ideal); down or synthetic puffy jacket

Head and hands: warm hat that covers ears; sun hat (baseball style or visor); lightweight gloves; ski gloves or mittens; third pair of gloves recommended for temps above freezing because gloves may get wet (lightweight or midweight)

Required Personal Essentials

Water bottles for a full day; a wide mouth prevents freezing shut. Hydration systems are okay if the temperature will be above freezing.

Lunch and snacks for a full day
Notebook and writing utensil
Sunglasses suitable for snow travel; goggles
Sunscreen SPF 25+ (waterproof); lip balm SPF 15+
Face mask or covering for close-contact training

Required Technical Gear

Snow travel: alpine touring or telemark skis, splitboard, or snowshoes; be proficient with your setup before the course

Boots: touring ski boots, snowboard boots, or winter hiking boots if snowshoeing

Poles:adjustable poles are better for uphill and downhill transitions

Climbing skins if using skis or a splitboard

Ski brakes or removable ski leashes

Avalanche safety: avalanche beacon; shovel (compact, lightweight, metal blade preferred); probe (dedicated probe, 240 cm or longer strongly recommended)

Optional Items

Basic snow study kit: dial stem thermometer(s), crystal card, magnifying loupe, ruler
Thermos with a hot drink
Compass with adjustable declination
Altimeter watch
Map case (large Ziploc bags work well)
Camera
Hand sanitizer
FAQ

What is the cancellation policy for the AIARE I course?
Due to the advanced planning and logistics associated with AIARE I, all course fees are nonrefundable. You may reschedule to a different AIARE I at no additional cost up to 21 days before the course start date. Rescheduling is limited to AIARE I courses offered within the same season.

Do I need any previous experience?
AIARE I is for everyone. Participants should have intermediate ski or snowboard ability. Previous touring experience is not required. If you are new to backcountry travel, we recommend the Intro to Touring Clinic. This half-day session focuses on movement fundamentals, providing a strong foundation for AIARE I.

What do I need to bring?
Review the gear list carefully. Each participant must have their own ski or snowboard gear and appropriate clothing for prolonged periods outside in cold, variable weather conditions. Bring materials for note-taking, along with enough water and food for a full day of physical activity outdoors.

What will I learn?
The course covers the fundamentals of backcountry travel through classroom learning and field sessions, including a repeatable and effective trip planning process, understanding weather and avalanche forecasts, a decision-making framework for avalanche terrain, identifying avalanche terrain, avalanche rescue skills, and group dynamics and communication skills for effective backcountry travel.

Who are my instructors?
Crystal Mountain employs AIARE-certified instructors and course leaders. They are avid backcountry skiers and snowboarders with diverse backgrounds in guiding and ski patrolling, bringing extensive knowledge and experience to each course.

Do I Tip My Instructors?
Tipping is not required, but it is common in the guide industry. Standard practice is 10 to 20 percent of your trip cost, or any amount you are comfortable with.
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1
8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Welcome & Introduction
Course Overview & Goals
What is AIARE
Trip Planning
Understanding Weather and Avalanche Forecasts
Decision-Making Framework
Equipment for Touring
Identifying Avalanche Terrain
Avalanche Rescue Skills

DAY 2
8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Terrain Selection & Travel Technique
The Human Factor
Maps & Navigation Skills
Review Avalanche Scenarios
Group Rescues vs. Solo Search
Strategic Shoveling
Identifying Red Flags

DAY 3
8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Terrain Management
Group Dynamics
Multiple Burial Scenarios
Participant Led Touring
Snowpack Testing
Course Review & Debrief
Participant Evaluations
Intro to Touring Clinic

Looking for a quick hitter covering all the basics of backcountry? Our three-hour backcountry clinic is the right move for you.

Learn the essentials of backcountry, such as uphill movement, practice your transitions, and take mellow laps on our Discovery Meadow terrain. Instructors offer pre-clinic help with skin cutting and gear checks to provide extra assistance if needed.

Intro to Touring Clinic Schedule:

December 17th
December 22nd
January 15th
January 29th
February 5th
February 19th
March 5th
March 27th
March 28th
March 29th