AIARE Level 1 | 2-Day Classroom & Field Training - Vail

Join Gravity Haus for a weekend of education, on-snow instruction, private dining and recovery as you pursue your Level 1 AIARE certificate. This intimate educational experience takes place on backcountry terrain and in the private Member Lounge at Gravity Haus Vail as you focus on managing avalanche hazards, learning repeatable processes to manage your risk, practice preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, and learning rescue techniques if an avalanche occurs and someone is caught.

This 24-hour course is an introduction to managing avalanche hazards. 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.

Additionally, students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry 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).

• Students should be able to SAFELY ski/ride a black diamond in any snow conditions.
• Students know how to use their backcountry ski/ride gear. Splitboarders should know how to assemble and disassemble their gear.
• Students are fit enough to travel in the backcountry for multiple hours for 2 days.
• Students should be prepared for multiple hours of learning in the cold.
  

• What gear can I train on? This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboards.
• How big is the class? 6:1 ratio of students to guides.
• Is there any prep work required? Yes, Paragon will have pre-work for all attendees and you'll be required to attend the virtual session (see full schedule below for details). Online coursework is mandatory.
• Where are we staying? We encourage you to use your discount at Gravity Haus Vail to stay overnight. Simply open your app to book! Accommodations are not included in the package price.
• What gear do I need? Analog Compass (available at all sports stores/online), beacon, probe, shovel, backcountry backpack, touring skis or splitboards, bindings and skins.
• What else should I pack? Swimsuit if you'd like to use the Dryland recovery amenities after each day (complimentary access), warm clothes layers, hats, mittens, sunglasses, warm socks, waterproof shoes and your backcountry boots.
• Parking: Public parking garage across from GH Vail.
  

• Decision-making through proper planning and observation
• Terrain recognition and travel techniques
• Companion rescue including beacon use
• Snowpit introduction and analysis
• Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain
• Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain
• Effectively use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting
• Demonstrate effective companion rescue

Online Learning - On Own - Expect online learning to take 5-10 hours to complete. Online coursework is mandatory at students own speed. Access to online coursework will be given at a minimum two weeks before (or as soon as you register, if within that window) the field days and must be completed before the virtual classroom.

Tuesday, December 10

• 5:30-7 pm Online Class via Zoom - students will receive a link to the Zoom course a few days in advance.

Saturday, December 14

• 7:30 am - Breakfast Burritos & Trip Planning - Meet in the Vail Member's Lounge ready for the field. Boots can be worn in the car or put on at the trailhead. We will review the avalanche forecast then head into the field. Location TBA according to the snowpack.
• 8:30 am - Field Training (brown bag lunch and NA drinks by Slope Room will be provided)
• 4 pm - Field Training Ends, return to GH Vail
• Dinner and Evening on own - HOMEWORK THIS EVENING. After that, relax in the hot tubs, steam room, sauna or salt lounge in Dryland Spa, hang at the bar, or get some early sleep for tomorrow!

Sunday, December 15

• 7:30 am - Breakfast Burritos & Trip Planning. Meet in the Vail Member's Lounge ready for the field. We will review the avalanche forecast and review tour plans before leaving for Vail Pass. Boots can be worn in the car or put on at the trailhead.
• 8:30 am - In-Field Training (brown bag lunch and NA drinks by Slope Room will be provided)
• 3 pm - Field Training Ends, return to GH Vail
• 3:30/4 pm - Debrief in the Member's Lounge at GH Vail
• Depart or stay over and relax in the hot tubs, steam room, sauna or salt lounge in Dryland Spa, hang at the bar, or get some sleep!

• AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor/s (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
• AIARE Course Manual - online version
• AIARE Field Book
• AIARE Certificate of Completion - certificate will be available via AIARE upon course completion
• Transportation from Gravity Haus Vail to the field
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

• Lodging - We encourage you to use your discount at Gravity Haus Vail. Simply open your app to book!
• Gratuity
• Parking
• Backcountry skis or splitboards plus avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe, pack) - available to rent from Paragon (additional fee applies)
• Clothing and gear (a recommended packing list will be provided upon booking)
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
• Meals not listed above

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Gravity Haus Vail, 352 East Meadow Drive, Vail, United States