Field trip: AIARE L1
AIARE L1 - Field Day 1 – Berthoud Pass
Expect an eight hour day in the snow. Your day will focus on avalanche rescue, snowpack & weather observations, terrain travel and terrain observations.
Contacts
- Sat, Feb 7, 2026
- CMC State
- Avalanche Education
- Adults
- Moderate
- Mileage: 2.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
- High Point Elevation: 11,000 ft
- 12 (18 capacity)
- 2 (3 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Expect an eight hour day in the snow. Your day will focus on avalanche rescue, snowpack observations, terrain travel & terrain observations and conducting a debrief.
You will learn how to use your field book in recording information about your team, noting the day's weather and avalanche hazard(s); reviewing your route - using GPS apps like Caltopo, GAIA, and onX Backcountry, and discussing your emergency equipment and protocols.
During the day, you will be recording field observations including weather, snow conditions, any snowpack tests, route conditions and notable events. Extra points for learning how to submit a useful observation to CAIC.
Be Fit to handle a physical day in the Colorado winter weather. Review the gear requirements list and make sure you have all your bases covered. Don't use the field day to test out new gear, nor let it be your first day in the snow.
The AIARE Course Leader will send out the full agenda for the day, including start times and locations a week or so prior to class.
Have Questions? Email uwesartori@mac.com
Meeting Place and Time will be sent out in an email prior to the field day. All field days are held at Berthoud Pass.
Required Equipment
Clothing: Bundle up folks. Field days will commence even during very cold and snowy weather. In Colorado, that means layers and back-ups. Hand and toe warmers. Extra gloves. Make sure your boots fit!!
Helmet for skiers and splitboarders
Ski goggles and sunglasses.
Eligible Mode of Travel: AT Skis, Tele skis, split boards, snowshoes.
Food, Drink for the day, consider hot drink, water, energy snacks, sandwiches, soup.
Sunblock, personal med kit, your normal repair kit suitable for your gear
Think 10 Essentials to keep you alive in the cold Colorado winter.
Required Avalanche Gear: - The Club has Transceiver/Probe/Shovel kits available for loan to those students who do not possess these items. If you do not presently own the gear, you may hold off on purchasing it, especially if you have not made any decisions about the extent of your backcountry winter forays, whichever winter discipline you are contemplating pursuing.
Have questions? E-mail uwesartori@mac.com