AIARE Level I Avalanche Course: Three-Day Course

The level one is a 3 day (24 hour total) introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:

• Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
• Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
• Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.”
• Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.
• Learn how to use Mammut’s beacon system

Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).

A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counseled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course.

Student learning outcomes.

At the end of the Level One course the student should be able to:

• Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
• Recognize avalanche terrain.
• Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
• Learn and apply effective companion rescue.

Instructional sessions (24 hours including both class and field instruction) :

1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

• Types and characteristics of avalanches
• Avalanche motion
• Size classification
• The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

2. Observations and Information Gathering

• Field observation techniques
• Bonding tests: rutschblock, compression test,
• Avalanche danger factors; “Red Flags”.
• Observation checklist
• Avalanche danger scale
• Trip Planning and Preparation
• Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
• Route finding and travel techniques
• Decision making and Human Factors
• Companion Rescue and Equipment

Student Prerequisites :

Students must be prepared to be outdoors in full winter conditions. You may bring Snowshoes, Telemark Skiis or Alpine Touring Skis. conditions will determine if we use them. Snowshoes and hiking poles are available for rent as well as some clothing.

GEAR LIST:

Clothing

Feet

• Socks: Wool or synthetic, mid-calf or higher.
• Toe Warmers: Optional, recommended if you tend to run cold.

Legs

• Thermal Layer: Synthetic or wool long underwear. Your guide will advise if this is necessary based on the weather and conditions.
• Moving Layer: Soft shell pants recommended; uninsulated ski-specific hard shells with good ventilation are also suitable.
• Shell: Waterproof pants with full or ¾-length side zips. If using shells as your moving layer, a second pair isn’t needed.

Torso

• Base Layer: Long-sleeve wicking layer, lightweight wool or synthetic.
• Lightweight Insulation & Wind Protection: Fleece or lightweight soft shell (soft shell preferred).
• Mid-weight Insulation: Down or synthetic insulated jacket (hood preferred).
• Waterproof Shell: Single-layer jacket, no added insulation.
• Belay Jacket: Heavy-duty down or synthetic parka, large enough to fit over all other layers.

Hands

• Lightweight Liner Gloves.
• Midweight Gloves.
• Heavyweight Mittens or Gloves: A two-part system (shell and liner) with waterproofing works best.
• Hand Warmers: Optional, recommended if you tend to run cold.

Equipment

Study Materials

• AIARE Field Book: Provided by IMCS.
• Pen and Pencil.
• Notebook: Weatherized notebook recommended (e.g., “Write in the Rain”).

Movement Setup

• Boots: Ski touring, splitboarding, or insulated winter hiking/mountaineering boots.
• Skis/Splitboard/Snowshoes: Equipped with bindings that transition between walk and ski mode.
• Skins (as applicable): Sized and properly cut to fit skis or splitboard.
• Poles: Telescoping or adjustable-length; highly recommended for snowshoers.
• Helmet: Required for skiing or snowboarding.
• Backpack (35–55L): Adjustable hip belt.
  • Backcountry ski-specific packs with separate compartments for avalanche probe and shovel recommended.
  • Tube-style packs with removable brain, ice axe loops, and crampon pouch are also viable.

Avalanche Kit (AVAILABLE TO BORROW FROM IMCS)

• Beacon: Avalanche-specific rescue transceiver (Recco Receivers in clothing are not sufficient).
• Shovel: Modular, separable head and shaft for easy storage.
• Probe: Minimum 240cm (280cm recommended).

Vision Gear

• Sunglasses: With side shields.
• Goggles.
• LED Headlamp: With spare batteries (lithium preferred for cold temperatures).

Food and Hydration

• Water: 2 liters with insulation (e.g., Outdoor Research water bottle parka). Avoid CamelBaks, as tubes will freeze.
• Thermos: Small thermos for hot drinks (optional, but recommended).
• Food: Quick, high-calorie snacks (1,000–1,500 calories for the day). Avoid items that may freeze, such as fresh fruit.