Avalanche Education
The Colorado Mountain Club offers courses from the American Institute of Avalanche Research Education (AIARE).
AIARE Level 1, Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain, teaches you to recognize avalanche terrain, how to assess when it is safe to be in the area, and rescue techniques. Topics covered include snowpack evaluation, hazard analysis, safe travel techniques, and companion rescue using a beacon, shovel, and probe. In 2022, AIARE content will include online webinars and videos for student self-paced instruction, replacing previous classroom time. Field sessions are held each of the two days of the 24-hour course.
AIARE Level 2 is a three-day/24-hour course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision-making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where resources are scarce. The course builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. Topics covered include weather, snowpack, avalanche processes, and identifying how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.
AIARE Companion Rescue is a one-day stand-alone course that is intended to be retaken regularly in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. Learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand your skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve your skills. Topics covered include the usage of beacon/shovel/probe and techniques to extract a buried victim.
If you're not planning to travel in avalanche terrain, then we recommend you enroll in an Avalanche Terrain Avoidance (ATA) seminar. This course teaches you where to find information on avalanche conditions and how to avoid avalanche terrain while in the backcountry.
CMC recognizes the generous support of RAB Equipment
Scholarships are available to support continued education and training for CMC trip leaders and instructors. AIARE classes will be reimbursed. ATA classes will utilize a promo code during checkout. Click here for more information.
2023 Schedule:
AIARE Level 1
- BOU - Session 1: Lecture - November 29, Field - December 3 & 4 RMNP
- BOU - Session 2: Lecture - December 6, Field - December 10 & 11 RMNP
- BOU - NSPS Avy Level 1: Lecture - December 5 & 12, Field - January 7 & 8 RMNP (Equivalent to AIARE L1 with more emphasis on rescue) $165.
- BOU - Session 3: Lecture - December 13, Field - December 17 & 18 RMNP
- BOU - Session 4: Lecture - January 10, Field - January 14 & 15 RMNP
- BOU - Session 5: Lecture - January 17, Field - January 21 & 22 RMNP
- BOU - Session 6: Lecture - January 24, Field - January 28 & 29 RMNP
- BOU - Session 7: Lecture - February 7, Field - February 11 & 12 RMNP
- BOU - Session 8: Lecture - February 21, Field - February 25 & 26 RMNP
- BOU - Session 9: Lecture - March 7, Field - March 11&12, RMNP
- DEN - Session 1: January 17, 18, 19 - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Early Bird Discount: $405. January 1, increases to $450 - DEN - Session 2: January 20, 21, 22 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Early Bird Discount: $445.50. January 1, increases to $495 - DEN - Session 3: January 31, February 1, 2 - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Early Bird Discount: $405. January 1, increases to $450 - DEN - Session 4: February 3, 4, 5 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Early Bird Discount: $445.50. January 1, increases to $495 - PPG - Session 1: January 23, 25, 28 - M,W,Sa
AIARE Companion Rescue/AvalancHe Rescue
- BOU - Session 1: December 17, (RMNP)
- BOU - Session 2: January 7, (RMNP)
- BOU - Session 3: February 4, (RMNP)
BOULDER: $235 retail / $200 CMC discounted price*
- DEN - Session 1: January 23, Monday
CMC Member Early Bird Discount: $130. January 1, increases to $150
CMC Guest Early Bird Discount: $150. January 1, increases to $175 - DEN - Session 2: January 30, Monday
CMC Member Early Bird Discount: $130. January 1, increases to $150
CMC Guest Early Bird Discount: $150. January 1, increases to $175
AIARE Level 2
- BOU - Session 1: Jan 6-8 RMNP
- BOU - Session 2: March 3-5 RMNP
BOULDER: $725 retail / $660 CMC discounted price*
- DEN - Session 1: March 7 (online) - Field sessions, March 13, 14, & 15 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday CMC Member Early Bird Discount: $495. January 1, increases to $550
DENVER Contacts for AIARE 1, 2 & Companion Rescue: cmcaiarecoursedirector2@gmail.com
Avalanche Terrain Avoidance (ATA)
2022/23 ATA Dates offered by the Denver Group
- Session 1: Dec 17, 2022 (Lecture & Field Day)
- Session 2: January 7, 2023 (Lecture & Field Day)
- Session 3: January 28, 2023
- Session 4: February 18, 2023 (Lecture & Field Day)
Click the date above to register for the seminar and field-day together. Registration opens November 1, 2022. $40 CMC Members; $50 General Public
DENVER Contacts for ATA
- Brad Cotten at allcotten5@gmail.com 720/280-7498 or
- Linda Lawson at lkl14er@comcast.net 303/842-7040
Leadership Scholarship & Hybrid ATA Course
Trip Leaders may apply to The Leadership Scholarship for free tuition to the State run Hybrid ATA course. The hybrid ATA course consists of online learning modules on Coassemble, followed by an in-person field day. You must first apply for the Leadership Scholarship - it is also linked on the Hybrid Course page.
State Contact for Leadership Scholarship & Hybrid ATA
- Roberta Farrington at scholarships@cmc.org