Avalanche Refresher starting from $675
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
Who is the Avalanche Refresher course designed for?
The Avalanche Refresher course is ideal for anyone who has completed an AIARE Level 1 or Level 2 course and wants to reinforce their skills. It’s perfect for those looking to refresh their knowledge, boost their confidence, and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques before heading back into the backcountry.
What can I expect during the Avalanche Refresher course?
This course mirrors the final, practical day of your original AIARE training. You’ll engage in hands-on practice, focusing on planning, route selection, hazard assessment, and avalanche rescue skills. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll have the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world backcountry settings.
How does the Avalanche Refresher differ from taking the AIARE Level 1 or Level 2 course again?
The Refresher course focuses on reviewing and practicing the essential skills you’ve already learned, rather than covering the entire curriculum from scratch. It’s a condensed, practical day designed to help you regain confidence in your decision-making abilities and ensure you’re comfortable applying the techniques in the backcountry.
Do I need to prepare anything before taking the Avalanche Refresher course?
While there is no formal pre-course preparation required, it’s helpful to review your notes from your previous AIARE course. This will give you a head start and help you get the most out of the day. During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to practice and clarify any skills or concepts you may have forgotten.
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
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.
What are you waiting for?
