Book Your Adventure Today!
Silverthorne, Colorado
(970) 893-8007
info@coloradoadventureguides.com
As a top AIARE course provider in the United States, we deliver hands-on avalanche education for every level from first-time backcountry travelers to seasoned pros using proven, high-quality AIARE curriculum presented by experienced, professional instrcutors.
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is a 3-day introduction to managing avalanche hazard where you will learn a repeatable process to manage your risk and learn from your experiences in the backcountry. Students will also practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, keeping track of conditions, communicating, making decisions about hazards while in the backcountry, and learning rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.
A3 sets the national standards for avalanche education in the United States. As an A3-recognized provider, we deliver training that is consistent, credible, and aligned with best practices across the country.
Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe
Pre-trip equipment check
Survival gear checklist
Basics of route selection and terrain management
Trip planning and preparation
Rescue and emergency preparation
Group management
Learn with the top AIARE course provider in the U.S.
Avalanche education is at the core of what we do. Our program offers multiple course locations and dates throughout the season, with a clear path to continue your backcountry education.
Learn from certified avalanche educators with extensive experience traveling, teaching and working in backcountry terrain.
AIARE is the trusted name in recreational avalanche education. Its standardized curriculum gives backcountry travelers a proven educational framework and a foundation for continued backcountry education.
We maintain appropriate student-to-instructor ratios so you get more time with your instructor, more opportunities to ask questions and more meaningful feedback in the field.
Our courses take place in high quality backcountry teaching environments where you can apply what you’re learning to real terrain and decision making.
We don’t cut the course short to move more students through. Your AIARE 1 includes a minimum of 24 hours of coursework, including both pre-course learning and field instruction.
Free use of Ortovox avalanche equipment, continued access to our snow safety videos, plus discounts on demos and nearby lodging.
AIARE 1 students receive 15% off advanced AIARE courses or a guided ski/splitboard tour…plus 10% off Wilderness First Aid Courses with our partner Desert Mountain Medicine.
New to avalanche education or wondering which course is right for you? Our Complete Guide to AIARE Avalanche Courses in Colorado covers everything from AIARE 1 and avalanche rescue training to course requirements, essential gear, and what to expect during your training.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced backcountry traveler, this guide will help you take the next step with confidence.
We regularly update this guide with the latest avalanche safety information, industry trends, upcoming courses, and valuable backcountry education resources to help you stay informed, prepared, and safe in the mountains.
3 days (24+ hrs)
6 Students:1 Instructor
We run our avalanche courses out of a variety of field locations across Central Colorado and exact locations will vary based on course format.
CAG Avalanche Course Equipment List – PDF
Avalanche Beacon
Avalanche Probe
Avalanche Shovel
Medium sized backpack (approx. 40L)
Alpine Touring Skis, Telemark Skis, Splitboard or Snowshoes
Climbing Skins (must be properly fitted)
Goggles
Helmet (optional)
Hard or softshell pants
Synthetic or merino wool base layer
Softshell jacket (optional)
Down or synthetic insulated jacket
Hardshell or water/wind resistant jacket
Light gloves for uphill travel
Warm gloves
Brimmed hat or visor
Sunglasses
Neck gaitor or buff
Backcountry gear necessary for AIARE Level 1 can be rented directly from Colorado Adventure Guides at our Silvethorne, CO Basecamp. Please visit our rentals page or contact us for details.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 14 days before your course or camp to receive a refund, minus a 10% admin fee.
Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable unless we can fill your spot. If we can, you’ll receive a refund minus the 10% fee.
Rescheduling Policy
You can reschedule at least 14 days before your course or camp for a 10% admin fee.
Within 14 days, rescheduling is only possible if we can fill your spot. If we can, a 10% fee applies. If not, rescheduling is not available.
Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. It is a requirement that participants are familiar with their touring gear and have experience on their setup prior to taking this course. Alpine touring skis and splitboards are available for rent from our Silverthorne, CO basecamp.
Students on skis or boards must be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort.
Students should be able to travel off-trail on ungroomed or unmaintained terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow.
Don’t know how to use your touring gear yet? Sign up for one of our 1-day Intro to Backcountry Ski or Splitboard Courses!
Because we show the total price upfront.
Many outfitters advertise a base rate and add booking fees, processing fees, or other charges at checkout. We don’t.
What you see is the total you’ll pay- clear, transparent, and all-in from the start.
Colorado Adventure Guides is priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will be asked to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
It is recommended that you are familiar with your backcountry equipment and possess the skiing/snowboarding ability to comfortably ride steep blue and black runs at a resort to take AIARE 1.
For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. Course dates can be requested between December 1 through the end of April, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!
Your Course Leader will be in contact with you 1 month prior to the course start date with details such as meeting location and time. For field based days students will be encouraged to utilize our CAG Company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.
The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is developed for new to intermediate backcountry users or for those looking to formalize their education. This course is for experienced resort skiers/riders that have a base knowledge of how to use their backcountry touring equipment. Not quite there yet? Check out our 1-day Intro to Ski/Splitboard Courses
Our guides come from a variety of backgrounds, but they share one thing in common: extensive training and a commitment to continual learning.
Depending on the activity they lead, our guides hold certifications including:
These certifications provide an important foundation, but they’re only part of what makes a great guide. Good judgment, experience, communication, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions are skills developed over years of working outdoors.
Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated and if you had a safe, educational, and fun experience. Gratuities typically range from 15-20%.
The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is part 1 of the Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program. The Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain program is a recreational program that consists of 3 courses spanning a total of 7 days. While there is no actual certification after taking the courses you will obtain course completions. With that being said, the AIARE 1 course is a prerequisite to the AIARE 2 course and so you must attend the AIARE 1 course to continue with the program.
The Rec AIARE 1 Avalanche Course comes with a course completion rather than a certification. It is strongly encouraged that you practice and maintain the skills and knowledge covered in this course. Colorado Adventure Guides offers Avalanche Refresher Courses to help keep your backcountry knowledge and skills fresh.
Colorado Adventure Guides offers AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses based out of Central Colorado. AIARE 1 courses will be split between the classroom curriculum and in the field at various locations in Central Colorado including Summit County, Eagle County, Clear Creek County, Lake County, and Grand County. We also offer hut-based and lift-accessed courses.
Our AIARE 1 Avalanche courses have limited capacity and tend to book up months in advance. It is strongly recommended that you reserve your spot before the winter season starts.
