LEVEL 1
COURSE
Level 1 Backcountry provides a solid foundation in essential backcountry skills and avalanche safety. This course is designed for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of safe travel in avalanche terrain, regardless of prior experience. It covers fundamental techniques and knowledge crucial for navigating the backcountry confidently.
Learn basic avalanche awareness and safety protocols
Practice route planning and decision-making
Gain hands-on experience with essential backcountry gear
Perfect for those looking to enhance their backcountry travel skills, whether you’re new to the terrain or seeking to fill in knowledge gaps
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.
AIARE Level 1 Description
2024-25 DATES
- November 15-17 (available spots: 9)
- November 22-24 (available spots: 4)
- November 29 – December 01 (available spots: 9)
- December 06-08 (available spots: 8)
- December 13-15 (available spots: 11)
- December 20-22 (available spots: 12)
- December 27-29 (available spots: 11)
- January 03-05 (available spots: 12)
- January 10-12 (available spots: 12)
- January 17-19 (available spots: 12)
- January 24-26 (available spots: 12)
- January 31 – February 02 (available spots: 12)
- February 07-09 (available spots: 12)
- February 14-16 (available spots: 12)
- February 21-23 (available spots: 12)
- February 28 – March 02 (available spots: 12)
- March 07-09 (available spots: 12)
- March 14-16 (available spots: 12)
- March 21-23 (available spots: 12)
- March 28-30 (available spots: 12)
- April 04-06 (available spots: 12)
- April 11-13 (available spots: 12)
- April 18-20 (available spots: 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.**
Be prepared when traveling in the backcountry with an AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course. Learn how to make informed decisions in order to mitigate risk in adverse conditions. An AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course with Apex Mountain School promises current information, modern practices, and qualified instructors.
The AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course is divided into 3 Days:
- Day 1 is spent in the classroom. You will have the opportunity to view interactive diagrams, work on small group activities and ask questions before your weekend field days.
- Day 2 allows instructors to guide students through a backcountry tour and companion rescue drills.
- Day 3 is the opportunity for students to show what they have learned. Instructors will observe the students’ decision making during a student-led tour through the backcountry.
Participants are expected to complete a series of pre-course e-learning modules and evening assignments during the course. These AIARE modules are fundamental to success in the course.
Other Courses
The Apex Avy Prep course offers an opportunity to get comfortable in the backcountry and ensure 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 for those “what if” scenarios.
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Backcountry Level 1 journey. Reserve your spot through the calendar below, or for more information, call us at 970 401 2736 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!
Don’t see a date you are looking for? Be sure to check out our AIARE Level 1 Zoom for additional course dates, or request a Private Course date.
Quick Information
Learn the decision-making skills necessary to evaluate and travel in avalanche terrain in a Backcountry Avalanche Course. Interested in our 1-day avalanche rescue course?
This course is available to all ages 12 and up. (Ages 12-14 requires parents to attend also. All minor registrations must contact the office in advance of booking for prescreening approval.)
2024-25 DATES
- November 15-17 (available spots: 9)
- November 22-24 (available spots: 4)
- November 29 – December 01 (available spots: 9)
- December 06-08 (available spots: 8)
- December 13-15 (available spots: 11)
- December 20-22 (available spots: 12)
- December 27-29 (available spots: 11)
- January 03-05 (available spots: 12)
- January 10-12 (available spots: 12)
- January 17-19 (available spots: 12)
- January 24-26 (available spots: 12)
- January 31 – February 02 (available spots: 12)
- February 07-09 (available spots: 12)
- February 14-16 (available spots: 12)
- February 21-23 (available spots: 12)
- February 28 – March 02 (available spots: 12)
- March 07-09 (available spots: 12)
- March 14-16 (available spots: 12)
- March 21-23 (available spots: 12)
- March 28-30 (available spots: 12)
- April 04-06 (available spots: 12)
- April 11-13 (available spots: 12)
- April 18-20 (available spots: 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
Course – $695
Includes:
- Student Manual
- AIARE Field Book
- Apex Mountain School SWAG (Stuff We All Get)
- 1 Classroom Day
- 2 Full Field Days
- AIARE Certificate of Completion
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
DURATION
Three 8-hour days
Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Saturday 8am-5:30pm
Sunday 8am-5pm
*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
*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
More info
PREREQUISITES
Completion of e-learning modules is required by AIARE prior to the start of all courses. 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.
PREPARATION
Are you new to the backcountry or looking to hone your ski or split board skills prior to an AIARE course? 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.
Curriculum
FUNDAMENTALS
Throughout a 27 hour Apex AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course, consisting of 1 classroom day and 2 field days, the course will focus on the following natural elements:
- The characteristics and types of avalanches
- Movement of avalanches
- Classifications by size and danger scale
- Mountain snowpack: metamorphism and layering
- Heuristics or Human Factors and group management
- Mapping, time management, route finding and navigation, as well as the latest standardized electronic tools and data/planning sites
- Using the AIARE field book
- Companion Rescue
and more
CLASS DISCUSSIONS
- How our behavior can effect our interaction with the backcountry
- Trip planning and preparation
- Risk management and decision-making
- Human influence in:
- Group dynamics
- Decision-making
- Accidents
The topics listed above will first be discussed in the classroom then applied in person on the weekend field days.
APPLYING SKILLS
Field days topics will include:
- Trip planning and prep
- Beacon, shovel and probe use
- Avalanche rescue, beacon search and strategic shoveling
- Identifying and evaluating avalanche terrain
- Route-finding, terrain management and travel techniques
- Group management
- Snow pit and snow layer analysis and tests
- Questions to ask in risk evaluation
- Identifying “red flags”
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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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
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