AIARE 1 - Level 1 Avalanche Training

The AIARE 1 is an introduction to avalanche hazard management and takes place over two field days. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in the following:

• How to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip
• Understanding basic decision making while in the field
• Learning fundamental avalanche companion rescue techniques

Additionally, students can expect to begin a life-long relationship with the art of risk management in avalanche terrain.

How we season our AIARE 1

Being that our permit areas are so close to Portland and Hood River, our AIARE 1 course is designed to accommodate a 2-day time commitment while being a bit more adventurous than your average. We eschew the common ski area-adjacent terrain in favor of more peaceful, less crowded locations within the Mount Hood National Forest. On this program, your avalanche education is given the priority focus. We offer weekend courses as well mid-week courses.

Pre-Requisites

There are no pre-requisites to taking the AIARE 1. If you're skiing/splitboarding, we ask that you are able to ski/ride confidently at a blue run level at the resort and have basic familiarity with your gear.

We believe that the best experience for people new to backcountry touring is to take our 1-day Backcountry Skills course before taking the AIARE 1. This will help prepare you to make the most of your education and have more fun on your AIARE 1!

Pre-Course Material

You will be given access to the AIARE online material in advance of your course and you must complete the education prior to your first field day. You will also be supplied with an AIARE Field Book, included in the cost of your course.

Additionally, this course will have short video call a few days ahead of time that will allow participants to get to know each other and their instructor, as well as to get some early practice in realistic trip planning and applying the AIARE Framework. We will limit this call to no more than one hour in length.

Leave No Trace Considerations

An important aspect to backcountry travel is practicing Leave No Trace. Following the 7 Principles will help preserve the natural environment for yourself and others. Be prepared to practice touring-specific LNT in the following ways and more:

• Radio usage, for safety and noise reduction
• Managing your food; reducing the chance of littering through snack packing, preventing birds from scooping your calories
• Eco-friendly waxes
• What to do with “skin savers”
• Assessing snowpack depth/coverage from home

You will learn more about these and other touring-specific LNT practices on your course, generally as add-on moments as we move through the backcountry.

Equipment & Logistics

Please see our Ski Touring Packing List page for a complete list of what you should bring on your course.

A sno-park pass is required to park at any sno-park located on the Mt. Hood National Forest. We will provide you with a sno-park pass for free if you do not have one.

Gear rental discount

We’ve partnered with Next Adventure to help you gear up for success in your course! As a valued student, you’ll receive 15% off gear rentals and purchases with Next Adventure. See your enrollment email for further details.

Next Adventure offers a wide range of gear rentals, including skis, splitboards, snowboards, and more, so you’ll be ready to hit the backcountry with confidence.

Exclusions apply: watercraft, electronics, sale items, and select other items are not eligible for this discount.