Avalanche Refresher
The Avalanche Refresher reinforces the skills learned in your prior AIARE course by focusing on hands-on, real-world practice. You’ll engage in a day that mirrors the final, practical day of your previous course, allowing you to apply your knowledge in backcountry settings while being mentored by experienced instructors. This is your chance to ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest techniques and ready to tackle the backcountry.
Revisit and practice crucial avalanche rescue and safety skills
Apply up-to-date techniques and best practices in real-world settings
Engage in hands-on planning, route selection, and hazard assessment with mentor feedback
Perfect for maintaining sharp decision-making skills and awareness in the backcountry
Avalanche Refresher Description
During an AIARE course there is a great deal of information presented.
But when it comes time to return to the backcountry, we often forget or feel less confident in what we’ve learned. The Avalanche Refresher course focuses on revisiting the skills you’ve already gained while helping to bring clarity to those moments of doubt.
This course is designed to emulate the critical final day of your original Level 1 training, where you are in charge of planning, decision-making, and applying techniques in the field, under the guidance of a seasoned instructor. It’s a chance to refresh your knowledge, practice leadership in decision-making, and ensure you feel fully prepared to tackle your next adventure.
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Refresher journey. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at (970) 949-9111 or visit our contact page.
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call—our team can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility. Let’s get you out in the snow!
Quick Information
We all forget. The Avalanche Refresher course sharpens your skills through hands-on planning, practical application, and updated techniques, ensuring you’re prepared and confident in the backcountry.
DATES
Available daily
DURATION
6-7 hours
COST
Max client to guide ratio 5:1
- $178 – 5+ people
- $198 – 4 people
- $224 – 3 people
- $250 – 2 people
LOCATION
Vail, CO (Meadow Mountain, Spraddle Creek)
Leadville, CO (Freemont Pass)
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Difficult
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
What you should bring
WHAT TO BRING
- Beacon/probe/shovel (rental available)
- Clinometer (BCA slope meter, also available on compasses)
- Complete ski, split board or snowshoe equipment, including boots, poles, etc
- *No cotton – cotton does not wick moisture or insulate when wet.
- Long underwear bottom (thin) – synthetic or wool
- Long sleeve top (medium) – synthetic or wool
- Socks – synthetic or wool
- Ground mat (insulation so you can sit on snow)
- Water/wind proof jacket with hood, pants, and gloves
- Notebook (for lecture day)
- Any other items you would typically have in your pack on a backcountry trip
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Small day pack
- Water bottle and food
- Headlamp and batteries
ALSO RECOMMENDED
- Loupe (at least 10x zoom)
- Snow Saw (minimum 30cm)
- Snow crystal card
YOU MAY ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Hot liquid
- Liner socks
- Adjustable Poles
- Extra gloves
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
Trip Insurance
Safeguard your guided trips and mountain courses with comprehensive trip insurance, offering peace of mind and protection throughout your adventurous explorations.
Meet our guides
Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.
Reviews
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