Breckenridge Hut Trip - AIARE Level 1 at Francie's Cabin

Gravity Haus creates best-in-class experiences that welcome our community to spend time in reverence of the great outdoors, where you’ll embrace your inner adventurer, disconnect from the grind of daily life, and develop relationships with your fellow Gravity Haus members as you create memories outside, together.

The course we selected is the standard AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course 3-Day course, offered in a unique hut based environment and field instruction format to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain.

Traveling in the backcountry requires a solid understanding of avalanche risk and the knowledge to mitigate these risks through appropriate terrain assessment and decision making. Colorado is home to one of the most complex snowpacks in the entire world, and people come from all across the globe to study the snowpack here. CAGs local team of AIARE-certified leaders and instructors have an intimate relationship with the local terrain and snowpack conditions where we operate and will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and to reduce risks. Avalanche Safety education is the core of CAGs winter operations and we are pleased to offer education in six Colorado Counties, including ski resort-based and hut-based courses.

This Level 1 courses will include 24 hours of coursework, including three days on snow plus precourse e-learning.

Owned by Summit Huts Association, Francie's Cabin was built in 1994 in memory of Frances Lockwood Bailey. Francie's Cabin is located at 11,360 ft in the Arapaho National Forest, in central Colorado, about 5 miles southwest of the town of Breckenridge.

Francie's Cabin provides extremely comfortable lodging in the wild. The Hut has 20 beds, divided among 6 rooms, and is equipped with propane cooktops, wood burning heat stove, firewood, cooking/eating utensils, mattresses, solar-powered lighting, indoor composting toilets, a wood burning sauna, toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.

• 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 3 days.
• Students should be prepared for multiple hours of learning in the cold.

• Do I need to be a good skier/snowboarder to participate? This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or a splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at a ski resort.
• When should I take my AIARE 1? The AIARE 1 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 knowledge of how to use their backcountry touring equipment.
• What kind of shape should I be in for this course? Colorado Adventure Guides’ 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 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.
• Do I get to talk to the guides before the trip starts? Yes! Your course instructors will contact you in advance to set up details. Students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.
• How big is the class? 18 attendees, plus 2 guides and a Gravity Haus host.
• Is there any prep work required? Yes, Colorado Adventure Guides will send all students and AIARE portal login to access E-Learning materials and Student Manual 1 month prior to course giving students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the material prior to the start of class.
• Where are we staying? Owned by Summit Huts Association, Francie's Cabin was built in 1994 in memory of Frances Lockwood Bailey. Francie's Cabin is located at 11,360 ft in the Arapaho National Forest, in central Colorado, about 5 miles southwest of the town of Breckenridge.
• What are the cabin facilities? Francie's Cabin provides extremely comfortable lodging in the wild. The Hut has 20 beds, divided among 6 rooms, and is equipped with propane cooktops, wood burning heat stove, firewood, cooking/eating utensils, mattresses, solar-powered lighting, indoor composting toilets, a wood burning sauna, toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies.
• What else should I pack? Everything listed here.
• Does the AIARE 1 certificate expire? The AIARE 1, 2 and Rescue certificates do not have an expiration date, however, it is strongly encouraged that you practice and maintain the skills and knowledge covered in this course.
• Should I tip my course instructors? Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.

Equipment

• Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe
• Pre-trip equipment check
• Survival gear checklist

Weather

• Understanding a mountain snowpack
• Reading and understanding the avalanche forecast
• Classifications of avalanches
• Characteristics of different types of avalanches

Trip Preparation

• Basics of route selection and terrain management
• Trip planning and preparation
• Rescue and emergency preparation
• Group management

Hazards/Rescue

• Recognizing hazardous conditions
• Managing risk and decision making
• Human factors and influence
• Companion rescue techniques

• E-Learning materials and Student Manual are sent 1 month prior to course start to be completed. If you sign up after this time, you will be sent the material immediately.

2 Weeks Prior

• Virtual pre-trip orientation meeting, where you’ll "meet" with your guides, fellow trekkers, and review all details in preparation for your trip.

Friday, February 7 - Classroom & Field Session

• Travel to hut, settle in, and learn companion rescue

Saturday, February 8 - Classroom and Field Session

• Managing uncertainty, developing a forecast, discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.

Sunday, February 9 - Field Application

• Hut breakdown, student-led tour, course close

• Food
• Lodging - 2 nights
• AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor/s (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
• AIARE Course Manual
• AIARE Field Book
• AIARE Certificate of Completion
• CAG professional ski or splitboard guide
• Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead

• Gratuity
• Backcountry skis or splitboards - available to rent via CAG’s BackCountry Demo Center
• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Clothing and gear (a recommended packing list will be provided upon booking)
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
• Meals not listed above

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Colorado Adventure Guides, 204 Ryan Gulch Road, Silverthorne, United States