AIARE 1 Avalanche Course

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Get Educated with Core Mountain Guides: Ready to take your backcountry adventures to the next level? Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is designed for competent skiers and riders looking to leave the resort and take their touring to the next level. All courses are instructed by AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide Paul Rachele. At Core Mountain Guides, we prioritize your safety and success in the mountains. For our Avalanche Courses, we’ve partnered with AIARE. Their comprehensive course is designed to provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions in avalanche terrain. In addition to the AIARE 1, many students will also be interested in the Avalanche Rescue Course.

Who is this program for?

At the time of the course, participants must:

  • Be comfortable skiing or riding black diamond slopes at the resort or blue slopes in backcountry snow.
  • Be able to hike and ski or ride 3,000 feet in a day.
  • Be at least 18 years old at the time of the course or be 16 and accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Be able to take care of yourself in a winter environment.
What gear do I need?

CLICK HERE for a PDF of the Gear List

CLOTHING

  • Long Sleeve Synthetic Shirt
  • Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket
  • Shell Jacket
  • Puffy Jacket
  • Parka with hood
  • Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms
  • Shell Pants

HEAD AND HANDS

  • Gloves  3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair
  • Warm Hat
  • Sun Hat
  • Buff/neck gaiter

ACCESSORIES

  • Backpack (25 to 35L)
  • Thermos or Insulated Water Bottles (1.5-2L capacity)
  • Snacks and Lunch
  • Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
  • Ski Goggles
  • Sunscreen/Lip balm
  • Headlamp

SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY

  • Boots (sized for comfort and warmth)
  • Touring Skis and Splitboard with skins (required for courses after January 1)
  • Snowshoes (allowed on programs before January 1)
  • Poles
  • Helmet (recommended)

SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT

  • Transceiver (Digital, three+ antenna, fewer than 10 years old)
  • Probe
  • Shovel
What is the agenda?

CLICK HERE to download or print this schedule.

AIARE 1 Schedule

(subject to change)

Two days before your Course Start Date – Zoom Check-in – Link Forthcoming

6:00 – 7:00 Introductions

7:00 – 8:00 Reading the Avalanche Bulletin

8:00 – 9:00 Tour Planning

Day 1 – Meet at Pinkham Notch Trailhead

8:00 – 8:30 Departure Check

  • Beacon Range and Function

8:30 – 11:30 Avalanche Rescue

  • Beacon and Probe Use
  • Strategic Shoveling

11:30 – 3:30 Ride Safely

  • Weather and Snow Observations
  • Snowpit Tests
  • Avalanche Terrain ID

3:30 – 4:00 Debrief + Learning Review

Day 2 – Meet at Pinkham Notch Trailhead

8:00 – 8:30 Review

8:30 – 3:30 Ride Safely

  • Participant Led Tour

3:30 – 4:00 Debrief + Course Close

Why Core Mountain Guides?
  • Expert Instruction: Learn from Paul Rachele, an IFMGA Mountain Guide with a wealth of experience in avalanche safety and backcountry travel. His expertise as an avalanche forecaster, backcountry ski guide and educator ensures top-notch instruction and real-world insights.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Our course equips you with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions on future backcountry tours, increasing your risk assessment and confidence in avalanche-prone terrain.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Cover essential topics such as avalanche terrain identification, route planning, and emergency response, providing a solid foundation for safe backcountry travel.
  • Hands-On Learning: The two touring days will engage with practical skills requisite for the competent backcountry traveler. Learn what weather conditions increase hazard based on the forecasted avalanche hazard, and how to modify terrain usage to maximize enjoyable skiing and riding.
  • Personalized Feedback: Receive tailored feedback from an experienced guide, helping you to improve your skills and decision-making processes.
  • Develop Backcountry Skills: Enhance your overall backcountry skills, including terrain analysis, group management, and rescue techniques, making you a more competent and confident adventurer.
  • Supportive Learning Environment: Experience a positive and encouraging learning atmosphere where your growth, understanding, and safety are the highest priorities.

2024/25 Schedule

  • December 21-22 (Evening Zoom 12/19)
  • January 4-5 (Evening Zoom 1/2)
  • January 18-19 (Evening Zoom 1/16)
  • February 15-16 (Evening Zoom 2/13)
  • February 22-23 (Evening Zoom 2/20)
  • March 1-2 (Evening Zoom 2/27)
  • March 8-9 (Evening Zoom 3/6)
  • March 15-16 (Evening Zoom 3/13)
  • March 29-30 (Evening Zoom 3/27)