LEVEL 1/RESCUE COMBO Starting from $980
The Combo course merges Level 1 and Rescue content, offering a solid foundation in backcountry travel and avalanche rescue skills. This course is ideal for those looking to build confidence in their ability to travel safely in avalanche terrain while learning key rescue techniques.
Use coupon SNOW10 to get 10% off
Combined Level 1 and Rescue instruction
Avalanche awareness and terrain analysis fundamentals
Develop essential decision-making skills for backcountry travel
Perfect for those looking to gain a well-rounded backcountry education
If you don’t see enough availability for your group, give us a call— we can often accommodate larger groups or special requests with flexibility.
Use Coupon
SNOW10
Discount code of 10% off any avalanche education courses between now and the end of the 2024/25 season!
What is the Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course, and who is it for?
The Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course is designed for those looking to build a solid foundation in avalanche safety and rescue skills. By combining the AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue courses, you’ll gain comprehensive backcountry knowledge, making it an ideal option for anyone serious about learning safe travel in avalanche terrain and effective emergency response techniques.
How does the Combo Course differ from taking the Level 1 and Rescue courses separately?
The Combo Course offers the convenience of booking both the AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue courses together, streamlining your scheduling and saving time. You’ll still participate in the same sessions as those who book the courses individually, but the combo option ensures you cover both essential topics in a single, cohesive program.
What skills will I learn in the Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course?
This combined program covers the full curriculum of both the Level 1 and Rescue courses. You’ll learn basic avalanche awareness, route planning, decision-making, beacon use, companion rescue techniques, and emergency response protocols. The hands-on field days provide practical experience to build your confidence and competence in backcountry travel and rescue operations.
Do I need to complete any preparation before starting the Combo Course?
Yes, just like the individual courses, you’ll receive a link to pre-course e-learning modules upon booking. Completing these modules is highly recommended, as they provide crucial background knowledge that will enhance your learning experience during the classroom and field days.
L1/Rescue Combo Description
**For the most current availability, please check the booking calendar on the right side of the page.**
Our AIARE Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course is the perfectly designed comprehensive foundation for managing avalanche terrain. Combining avalanche awareness, terrain navigation, and essential rescue skills into one seamless program, this course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts eager to build confidence and competence in the backcountry.
Over four immersive days, participants will gain in-depth knowledge of avalanche anatomy, weather patterns, snowpack evaluation, decision-making frameworks, and essential companion rescue techniques. The Level 1 curriculum emphasizes terrain assessment and travel protocols, while the Rescue component teaches beacon use, probing, shoveling techniques, and companion rescue strategies. Taking what you’ve learnt in the classroom and applying it in the backcountry, you’ll work with experienced instructors to reinforce these skills in real-world scenarios.
The AIARE Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course is crafted for convenience, allowing participants to easily book both essential courses in one streamlined experience. Together, they provide a robust and well-rounded starting point for backcountry travel, equipping adventurers with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the backcountry with confidence.
Ideal for skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers, this course not only prepares you to identify and mitigate risks but also equips you to respond effectively to avalanche emergencies. Following the revered AIARE international curriculum and coupled with the highly client-centric approach of our staff, this program offers a high-quality learning experience that empowers you for future adventures.
Whether you’re just beginning your backcountry journey or looking to deepen your expertise, the AIARE Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course delivers a well-rounded foundation in avalanche education.
OTHER COURSES
The Apex Avy Prep course offers an opportunity to get comfortable in the backcountry to make sure you are ready for the Level 1 Field days. The Apex AIARE Level 1 Zoom course offers an opportunity to complete your Level 1 classroom day without taking Friday off from work. An Avalanche Rescue Course will prepare you for an unexpected turn of events.
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Backcountry Level 1/Rescue journey. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at 970 401 2736 or email us at ad***@ap****************.com
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 / Dates Availability
This is best option to prepare for backcountry terrain with both AIARE Level 1 and Rescue curriculums in one course!
2024-25 DATES
- November 15-18 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 9)
- November 22-25 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 4)
- November 29 – December 2 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 9)
- December 05-08 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 8)
- December 12-15 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 11)
- December 19-22 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- December 27-30 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 12)
- January 03-06 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 11)
- January 10-13 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 12)
- January 17-20 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 12)
- January 23-26 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- January 30 – February 02 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- February 06-09 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- February 13-16 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12) *Rescue also available Monday 17!
- February 21-24 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 12)
- February 28 – March 03 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 12)
- March 07-10 (Friday – Monday // Spots available: 12)
- March 13-16 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- March 20-23 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- March 27-30 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- April 03-06 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- April 10-13 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
- April 17-20 (Thursday – Sunday // Spots available: 12)
**Minimum of 3 students required to run.**
**Availability updated weekly. For the most current availability, please check the booking calendar on the right side of the page.**
COST
$980
INCLUDES:
- Student Manual
- AIARE Field Book
- Apex Mountain School SWAG (Stuff We All Get)
- 1 Classroom Day
- 3 Field Days
- AIARE Certificates of Completion for Level 1 and Rescue
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
DURATION
Four ~8 hour days
LOCATION
Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and/or surrounding areas
Classroom Location – Apex Mountain School Office, Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)
Interested in an online AIARE Level 1 course that will better align with your work schedule? This Apex Zoom course offers an alternative.
*Courses run regardless of snow/weather conditions*
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
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.
