AIARE Course

Join us at Crystal Mountain to get your AIARE 1 certification! Learn the fundamentals of backcountry travel and rescue techniques from the pros and get hands-on experience practicing your skills. This course will focus on basic planning, decision-making, and companion rescue to learn how to find and dig someone out of an avalanche. A mix of classroom-based learning and active field time will leave you with 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 options to pick one that’s right for you. We offer 3-day courses on-mountain with classroom and field time provided.

Sample Itinerary
Day 1
8:30AM – Group meet at base area. We’ll meet near the Discovery Chairlift, be ready for a short ski tour (5 minutes) up to the Quickstop Yurt where we’ll begin our day with some classroom time.
9:00AM – 10:30AM – Classroom time
10:30AM – 12:00PM – Field time (touring and practical skills)
12:00PM – 1:00PM – Lunch
1:00PM – 3:45PM – Field time (touring and practical skills)
3:45PM – 4:00PM – Daily recap & briefing for Day 2

Day 2
8:30AM – Meet at base, tour to Quickstop Yurt
9:00AM – 10:30AM – Classroom time
10:30AM – 12:00PM – Field time (touring and practical skills)
12:00PM – 1:00PM – Lunch
1:00PM – 3:45PM – Field time (touring and practical skills)
3:45PM – 4:00PM – Daily recap & briefing for Day 3

Day 3
8:30AM – Meet at base, tour to Quickstop Yurt
9:00AM – 10:30AM – Classroom time
10:30AM – 12:00PM – Field time (touring and practical skills)
12:00PM – 1:00PM – Lunch
1:00PM – 2:30PM – Field time (touring and practical skills)
2:30PM - 4:00PM – Final Exams, Q&A, Course Recap and Conclusion
*This itinerary is subject to change based on conditions & instruction team’s discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What will I learn?
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.

24/25 AIARE course offerings

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.