Avalanche Courses
2 Day Course
This is a Custom Avalanche Course provided by an IFMGA Guide.
This is not an AIARE course.
This 2 day course (with optional pre-course homework) is designed around the American Avalanche Association learning standards; however, is geared towards skiers and climbers who are looking to gain more focused time in the field learning about how avalanches behave in avalanche terrain. This course is equally valuable for those who have taken an AIARE course in the past, or have never taken an AIARE course.
- Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip,
- to grapple with 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).
Who would benefit from this Course
This course is for ANYONE, regardless of method of travel, who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. The course is designed around the American Avalanche Association learning standards; however, is geared towards skiers and climbers who are looking to gain more focused time in the field learning about how avalanches behave in avalanche terrain. This course is equally valuable for those who have taken an AIARE course in the past, or have never taken an AIARE course.
Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course; however, this program can be customized to aspiring guides and avalanche professionals.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
- Effectively use a note taking system to aid in decision making .
- Carry out a backcountry tour or climb while in or near avalanche terrain.
Prerequisites
Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class. There are no other prerequisites.
Avalanche Rescue Course
Course Description
This is not an AIARE course. This is a one-day stand alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear.
New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills.
Each participant will have the opportunity to receive professional coaching on their rescue skills.
Who Could Benefit from this Course
Everyone traveling in avalanche terrain. The Rescue Course is a one-day course aimed both at new and experienced recreational backcountry travelers and aspiring avalanche professionals.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of the Avalanche Rescue course the student should be able to:
- Describe what to do if they or a member of their party is caught in an avalanche.
- Identify and be able to use gear necessary for avalanche rescue.
- Set up a realistic scenario in order to practice an avalanche rescue response.
- Improve their response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers.
- Develop a plan for continuing practice.
All students will have the opportunity to get feedback from an instructor on their rescue skills and timed practice in a realistic scenario.
Students who have previously taken an Avalanche Rescue Course will find value in having a professional help them set up realistic scenarios, practice skills in a realistic setting, receive feedback from an instructor, keep up with current best practices, and have an opportunity to practice advanced rescue skills.
