An AIARE Level 1 course is a great place to start if you’re looking to get into backcountry exploration. These courses subscribe to data-backed curriculum prescribed by the top avalanche researchers in the world.
The AIARE Level 1 will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills you need to recognize avalanche terrain, evaluate snowpack stability, and make informed decisions when traveling in the backcountry.
In this post, we’ll discuss the key topics covered in the AIARE Level 1, how to prepare for it, and how to get the most out it. If you’re looking for a higher level treatment of avalanche courses in general, that covers the various avalanche safety courses available, head over here. Otherwise, read on.
What Exactly is the AIARE Level 1?
The AIARE series is the most popular and widely recognized avalanche safety curriculum. The AIARE is the American Institute for Avalanche Research. They’re avalanche safefty curriculum is the most popular and well-regarded training standard in the industry.
The AIARE Level 1 is the main introductory course in the AIARE series. This course is truly the ideal launch point in pursuing any kind of serious backcountry adventure.
What are the Prerequisites?
While there aren’t exactly hard requirements to signing up for your first AIARE, you’ll at least want to be familiar with your backcountry transportation of choice. There are AIARE Level 1 offerings specialized to splitboarders, skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.
You should really be very well-versed in your chosen mode of snow transportation. Traveling in avalanche territory is dangerous. Get comfortable moving over managed terrain before you try and crank up the risk factor.
Where is the AIARE Level 1 Offered?
AIARE courses are a common offering in any region where avalanches regularly occur. They’re currently available each winter through over 100 providers across North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
Officialy recognized course scheduling can be found on the AIARE website.
You can also find an extensive list of providers on the American Avalanche Association website.
Are There Alternatives to the AIARE Level 1?
If you’re not quite ready to commit to the full 3-day intensive, you can dip your toes with some shorter courses. Something like the AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course.
The AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is a 1-day exercise where a trained instructor guides you through a mock-emergency scenario in a group setting. This one is also sometimes referred to as the AIARE Companion Rescue Course.
This course is intended both as an introduction and a refresher. For newbies, it’s an invaluable opportunity to get some hours logged with some more advanced students.
If you can’t find an AIARE series in your region, similar courses are sometimes offered under different organizations. I do recommend you make sure that your avalanche safety course follows the guidelines put forth by the American Avalanche Association (A3).
Conclusion
This is widely considered mandatory for backcountry explorers. It is not recommended to embark on any trip into avalanche territory without at least one and ideally multiple companions who have undergone at least this basic training.
Completing the AIARE 1 should leave you with the skillset to safely carry out your first entry-level backcountry expedition. You should be able to plan a safe route through avalanche terrain. You should be able to effectively analyze and evaluate avalanche risk. You should be able to efficiently launch an emergency rescue, locating and surfacing a buried companion. and, you should be well versed in using the AIARE Risk Management Framework to guide your choices in the backcountry.
The AIARE 1 is by no means, a complete offering. but it will get you the base of knowledge to get started on planning and executing your first routes in a group. And it will get you on the path towards furthering your backcountry education.