Avalanche Education Course
AIARE L1
AIARE L1 Decision Making Framework introduces the student to a risk management methodology to use when planning activities that engage avalanche terrain. From professional guides, ski operators, department of transportation, winter recreational organizations and clubs to the weekend backcountry winter warrior, the AIARE Framework is a proven approach to reduce exposure and vulnerability to the avalanche hazard.
Contacts
- Tue, Jan 13, 2026 - Thu, Jan 15, 2026
- Committee: CMC State
- Members: $595.00
- Availability: 12 (12 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
AIARE L1
This 24-hour course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazard. You will learn how to use a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. You will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, keeping track of, communicating, and making decisions about hazards while in the backcountry, and learn rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
Who Should Take this Course AIARE L1 is for anyone, regardless of their mode of travel - skis, snowshoes, split-board - who wants to recreate near or in avalanche terrain. There are no pre-requisites for this course.
AIARE Instructor Team
AIARE Course Leader: Karin Pocock
AIARE Instructor(s): Andrew Waltz
In an AIARE L1 course, you’ll spend time learning and building skills; both in the classroom and in the field:
- A repeatable process for managing risk in the winter backcountry
- Identifying avalanche hazard
- Developing a plan for travel in avalanche terrain
- Identifying avalanche terrain
- Build habits to maintain awareness, communicate with your group, and make decisions
- Learn and practice avalanche rescue skills
Families: If you are a CMC member and interested in having your family sign up for this course, reach out to us directly.
Club Membership is required to participate in this course. If you are not currently a member, please sign up for membership prior to registering with this course. Benefits of club membership include gear and event discounts as well as access to more classes, trips and events that enhance your experience of backcountry and mountaineering adventures.
Cancellations & Rescheduling: Participants should understand and appreciate that these courses are held during the winter season where poor weather and driving conditions may require cancellation or rescheduling of this course. Please refer to the CMC's cancellation policy (see link above) prior to enrolling in the course. While this policy provides our primary guidance for such contingencies, the course leadership will attempt to accommodate enrollee's completion of the course during the current season based on class and instructor availability.
Consider overnighting in either Georgetown or Winter Park for the field days. Get more rest and save drive time on I-70
Have questions? Email - uwesartori@mac.com
Badges you will earn:
AIARE 1 Course
| Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIARE L1 - Classroom | |||
| Colorado Mountain Club Basecamp |
Tue, Jan 13, 2026
Registration closes Jan 7
|
12
participants
2 instructors
|
|
| AIARE L1 - Field Day 1 | |||
| Berthoud Pass |
Wed, Jan 14, 2026
Registration closes Jan 7
|
12
participants
2 instructors
|
|
| AIARE L1 - Field Day 2 | |||
| Berthoud Pass |
Thu, Jan 15, 2026
Registration closes Jan 7
|
12
participants
2 instructors
|
|
- 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 are a good idea. Make sure your boots fit!!
- Helmet for skiers and split- boarders
- Ski goggles and/or sunglasses.
- Approved Modes of Travel: AT Skis, Tele skis, split boards, snowshoes.
- Food 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: Transceiver, Probe & Shovel 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.
You must register for this course to see course materials.