AIARE Course 1
Dec
27
Sat
Daily
Date & Time
Dec. 27, 2025 — Dec. 29, 2025
8:00 AM — 4:00 PM
What Is the Aire Course?
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.
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.
Dec
27
Sat
Daily
AIARE Course 1
Date & Time
Dec. 27, 2025 — Dec. 29, 2025
8:00 AM — 4:00 PM
What Is the Aire Course?
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.
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.
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
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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. rich-text, responsive-table