AVALANCHE RESCUE
Avalanche Rescue focuses on critical life-saving techniques for helping others during avalanche emergencies. This course equips you with the skills to conduct effective searches and rescues, preparing you to assist in high-stress situations, whether it’s for companions or others in the backcountry.
Master beacon use, probing, and shoveling techniques
Practice search and rescue operations in realistic, emotionally challenging scenarios
Learn about avalanche emergency response protocols, including critical decision-making
Essential for anyone traveling in avalanche-prone areas
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.
Avalanche Rescue Description
2024-25 DATES
- November 18 (Monday – available spots: 5)
- November 25 (Monday – available spots: 5)
- December 02 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- December 05 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- December 12 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- December 19 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- December 30 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- January 06 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- January 13 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- January 20 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- January 23 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- January 30 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- February 06 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- February 13 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- February 17 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- February 24 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- March 03 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- March 10 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- March 13 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- March 20 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- March 27 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- April 03 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- April 10 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- April 17 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
**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.**
Learn and practice the skills needed to respond to an avalanche accident. An efficient response is crucial when every second counts. Apex Mountain School’s AIARE Avalanche Rescue course provides current information, modern practices, and experienced instructors to prepare you. Beyond technical rescue skills, this course also explores the psychology of avalanche emergencies—how to manage emotions, identify leaders, make decisions, and assign roles effectively. Apex offers the course throughout the winter or as part of the Level 1 Combo Course.
This course takes place entirely in the field. Topics may include:
- Companion Rescue Fundamentals
- Complex Rescue Dynamics and Triage
- Multiple Burial Rescue Drills
- Close Proximity Burials
- Deep Burials
- Searching by Micro Grid and 3 Circle Methods
- Other Advanced Techniques
Booking & Availability
Ready to embark on your winter adventure? We’re excited to guide you on your Backcountry Rescue 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!
Interested in a Level 1 course? Check out our AIARE 1 Backcountry Couses, our AIARE Level 1 Backcountry FLEX, or our Private Course options.
Quick Information
AIARE Avalanche Rescue courses are one-day field courses focused on companion rescue in a winter mountain environment. This course is a 100% Field Course, held entirely outdoors, and is not a replacement for the AIARE Level 1 course. However, it is a prerequisite for AIARE Level 2 courses. You’ll also learn the psychological components of rescue, including managing emotions and decision-making under stress, to ensure you’re fully prepared when it matters most.
2024-25 DATES
- November 18 (Monday – available spots: 5)
- November 25 (Monday – available spots: 5)
- December 02 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- December 05 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- December 12 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- December 19 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- December 30 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- January 06 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- January 13 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- January 20 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- January 23 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- January 30 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- February 06 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- February 13 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- February 17 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- February 24 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- March 03 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- March 10 (Monday – available spots: 6)
- March 13 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- March 20 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- March 27 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- April 03 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- April 10 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
- April 17 (Thursday – available spots: 6)
**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
$285 – per person
Includes:
- Apex Mountain School SWAG (Stuff We All Get)
- Companion Rescue Search Card
- 1 Field Day
- AIARE Certificate of Completion
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
LENGTH
One full day, 8.30am-4.30pm (8-9 hours)
*Start and end times are approximate
LOCATION
- Meets either at our Office in Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)
or
- 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
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.
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