AIARE Level 1 & Avalanche Rescue Combo Course
Comprehensive Backcountry Training
Four-Day Course | 6:1 Ratio
Easy-Moderate Difficulty
AIARE Certificate of Completion
This course offers a seamless blend of avalanche safety and rescue training, creating the ultimate foundation for backcountry travel. Ideal for skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, snowmobilers, and mountaineers.
$980 – Less 10% with SNOW10 code at checkout!
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What is the AIARE Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course, and who is it for?
The AIARE Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course combines foundational avalanche safety and emergency response training into one cohesive program. It’s ideal for skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, snowmobilers, mountaineers, and anyone venturing into avalanche-prone areas. This course equips participants with the skills to navigate avalanche terrain safely and respond effectively during emergencies.
How does the Combo Course differ from taking the Level 1 and Rescue courses separately?
The Combo Course streamlines scheduling by offering both the AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue courses together. While participants still engage in the same sessions as those who book the courses separately, the combo ensures a unified experience with convenient booking.
What skills will I learn in the Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course?
Participants gain a wide range of skills, including avalanche awareness, terrain evaluation, snowpack assessment, route planning, companion rescue techniques, and emergency response protocols. Field sessions reinforce practical application, allowing you to build confidence in real-world scenarios.
Do I need to complete any preparation before starting the Combo Course?
Pre-course e-learning modules are highly recommended for a strong start and will be provided upon booking. These materials set the stage for success during the classroom and field sessions, but if you’re unable to complete them fully, you can still participate and benefit from the course.
The AIARE Level 1 / Avalanche Rescue Combo Course is designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive introduction to avalanche terrain management and rescue techniques. Spanning four immersive days, this program equips participants with essential knowledge and practical skills for confident, safe backcountry travel.
Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, snowmobiler, or alpinist, this course offers a robust educational foundation, combining the industry-renowned AIARE curriculum with hands-on training in real-world scenarios.
This course is available to all ages 12 and up. (Ages 12-14 requires parents to attend also).
Difficulty
Easy – Moderate
Duration
Four 8-hour days
- Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
- Saturday 8am-5:30pm
- Sunday 8am-5pm
- + Rescue day (either Thursday or Monday) 8:30 am-5:30pm
*Start and end times are approximate
Location
Classroom Location
Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)
Field Location
Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and/or surrounding areas.
Price
$980 – Less 10% with SNOW10 code at checkout!
POLICIES
Terms, Conditions and Cancellation Policy
Contact us for private outings and Large Group Bookings
Course Itinerary
The AIARE Level 1 / Rescue Combo Course is divided into four immersive days. Each day focuses on different aspects of avalanche education, ensuring participants gain a comprehensive foundation in backcountry travel and rescue skills.
The AIARE Level 1 course runs Friday to Sunday and provides the foundational knowledge needed to travel safely in avalanche terrain. This course emphasizes terrain analysis, snowpack evaluation, and decision-making frameworks.
Rescue Day (Thursday or Monday)
- A full field day dedicated to companion rescue techniques.
- Learn effective beacon use, probing, and strategic shoveling.
- Practice realistic scenarios, including multiple burial drills and micro-grid searching.
- Gain insight into avalanche emergency dynamics, including emotional management and group leadership.
- Note: This is a field day. Bring your full backcountry gear, including beacon, shovel, and probe.
Level 1 – Classroom Day (Friday)
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Theoretical avalanche education, no gear required.
- Dive into avalanche awareness, snowpack dynamics, and terrain analysis.
- Interactive discussions and diagrams to understand avalanche anatomy and risk management.
- Begin preparation for fieldwork with trip planning and group discussions.
Level 1 – Field Tour Day (Saturday)
- Guided backcountry tour led by experienced instructors.
- Learn practical applications like terrain assessment, route planning, and avalanche red-flag identification.
- Gain a surface-level introduction to companion rescue techniques.
- Hands-on training in using beacons, probes, and shovels.
- Note: This is a field day. Full backcountry gear required.
Level 1 – Field-Led Student Tour (Sunday)
- A mentorship-focused day where students take the lead.
- Plan routes, navigate terrain, and make group decisions under instructor guidance.
- Reinforce skills like group communication, terrain management, and risk mitigation in real-world conditions.
- Note: This is a field day. Full backcountry gear required.
How It Works
If your first day is Thursday (Rescue Day):
- Day 1 (Thursday): Rescue field day – bring your gear.
- Day 2 (Friday): Level 1 classroom day – no gear needed.
- Day 3 (Saturday): Level 1 field day – bring your gear.
- Day 4 (Sunday): Level 1 field day – bring your gear.
If your first day is Friday (Level 1 Classroom):
- Day 1 (Friday): Level 1 classroom day – no gear needed.
- Day 2 (Saturday): Level 1 field day – bring your gear.
- Day 3 (Sunday): Level 1 field day – bring your gear.
- Day 4 (Monday): Rescue field day – bring your gear.
2024-2025 Dates
View number of available spots on above booking calendar or contact us for custom group bookings.
- November 15-18 (Friday – Monday)
- November 22-25 (Friday – Monday)
- November 29 – December 2 (Friday – Monday)
- December 05-08 (Thursday – Sunday)
- December 12-15 (Thursday – Sunday)
- December 19-22 (Thursday – Sunday)
- December 27-30 (Friday – Monday)
- January 03-06 (Friday – Monday)
- January 10-13 (Friday – Monday)
- January 17-20 (Friday – Monday)
- January 23-26 (Thursday – Sunday)
- January 30 – February 02 (Thursday – Sunday)
- February 06-09 (Thursday – Sunday)
- February 13-16 (Thursday – Sunday) *Rescue also available Monday 17!
- February 21-24 (Friday – Monday)
- February 28 – March 03 (Friday – Monday)
- March 07-10 (Friday – Monday)
- March 13-16 (Thursday – Sunday)
- March 20-23 (Thursday – Sunday)
- March 27-30 (Thursday – Sunday)
- April 03-06 (Thursday – Sunday)
- April 10-13 (Thursday – Sunday)
- April 17-20 (Thursday – Sunday)
Includes:
- AIARE Field Book & Certificate of Completion
- Classroom and field instruction
- Companion Rescue Search Card
- Apex SWAG (Stuff We All Get)
Excludes:
- Lodging, food, and transportation
- Skiing/splitboarding gear and avalanche safety equipment rentals (rentals available upon request)
- Trip insurance
- Unforeseen costs
Required
- 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
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
HOW CAN I PREPARE?
Completion of e-learning modules is encouraged by AIARE prior to the start of all courses, but not required. AIARE Level 1 modules often take about 4 hours.
Participants should be prepared to travel in backcountry terrain by ski or split board (snowshoes are acceptable if no other option). All AIARE Level 1 Backcountry courses take place in mountainous terrain, at altitude. Apex encourages students to come prepared for all mountain weather conditions.
Are you new to the backcountry or looking to hone your ski or splitboard skills prior to an AIARE Avalanche course in Colorado? Beginner Backcountry Ski and Split boarding outings with Apex are an excellent way to prepare! During a Vail Backcountry Skiing private outing, your Apex Mountain School guide will work with you on both up and downhill travel techniques and transitions as well as navigating in a backcountry environment.
Also, consider our Level 1 Prep Course in order for preparation specific to the Level 1 Course and Backcountry Preparedness!
Why Choose Apex Mountain School?
At Apex Mountain School, we combine the industry-leading AIARE curriculum with our client-focused teaching approach. Our instructors are skilled in adapting lessons to accommodate varying experience levels and user environments, ensuring every participant gains confidence and practical skills for the backcountry. Dedicated to providing a high-quality learning experience, our guides are approachable, attentive, and passionate about making each course engaging and impactful for all students.
Other Outings You May Like
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.
Reach Out with any Questions,
We’re Happy To Help!
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620
