Unleash your potential in the backcountry. Our women-only course provide a supportive environment to build confidence and essential skills.
Season
Winter
Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
Duration
3 Days
Group Size
12
Embark on a transformative journey into the world of avalanche hazard management with our AIARE 1 course, spanning three days and totaling 24 hours of immersive learning. Designed as an essential introduction, participants will delve into the fundamentals of preparing for and executing backcountry excursions while gaining invaluable insights into decision-making processes crucial for navigating avalanche terrain. From honing essential rescue techniques to understanding the intricacies of terrain assessment, this course equips backcountry travelers with the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safe and thrive in unpredictable mountain environments.
Who should enroll in this course? The AIARE 1 is tailored for individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels who seek to explore or venture near avalanche terrain. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a novice, this course is your gateway to comprehensive experiential avalanche education. As an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited business, we take pride in offering top-tier instruction led by certified guides with extensive experience in both guiding and outdoor education. No prerequisites are required, making this accessible to all eager learners. Additionally, aspiring professionals aiming for advanced certifications, such as the Pro 1 course, must complete both the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as foundational steps towards their career goals.
By the conclusion of the AIARE 1 course, participants will emerge equipped with essential competencies. These include formulating meticulous plans for travel in avalanche terrain, adeptly recognizing potential avalanche zones, and employing the AIARE Risk Management Framework to navigate group dynamics effectively. Moreover, students will master the art of companion rescue, ensuring they possess the critical skills needed to respond swiftly and decisively in emergency scenarios. Join us in this educational program led by AMGA-certified guides, and empower yourself with the expertise to explore the backcountry confidently while prioritizing safety above all else.
Max Lurie - Alpine to the Max
With a degree in environmental science and a focus on glaciology, Max’s deep understanding of mountain environments is only matched by his passion for them. He began his career in 2012 in New Hampshire, where he became an EMT and started guiding. Moving west, he earned his American Mountain Guides Association certifications in both rock and alpine disciplines. In 2020, he founded Alpine to the Max, an AMGA-accredited guide service that now operates throughout Colorado. He also teaches professional avalanche education for Silverton Avalanche School. When not teaching or guiding, you can find him mountain biking in the desert southwest with his fiancée.
Itinerary for a three-day AIARE Level One course:
Day 1
Day 2:
Day 3:
Please note that this itinerary is a sample and may vary based on factors such as weather conditions, group dynamics, and specific course objectives set by the instructors. Adjustments may be made to accommodate the needs and progress of the participants throughout the course
Absolutely no prior experience is required to enroll in this course. However, the more preparation you invest beforehand, the richer your learning experience will be – a principle that holds true for all forms of adult education. While our mode of travel will involve skis or splitboards, it's important to note that this isn't solely a backcountry skiing course. It's highly recommended that you arrive with your skins trimmed and possess a functional understanding of your equipment. Doing so will enable you to concentrate fully on the course material without being sidetracked by gear-related issues.
The quality of educators and guides can vary significantly. At Alpine to the Max, we pride ourselves on employing instructors who are full-time, year-round guides and outdoor educators. Each of our instructors has undergone rigorous vetting by both The American Avalanche Institute for Research and Education and holds certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association.
Your learning outcomes from this course are greatly influenced by the expertise and experience of our instructors. Put simply, our instructors stand out from the competition due to their unwavering dedication to their profession, as evidenced by their professional certifications. You can trust that our instructors' commitment to their craft ensures a superior learning experience for you.
To fully engage in the course, it's essential to come prepared with clothing suitable for harsh winter conditions. This ensures you can concentrate on learning without being distracted by discomfort. Additionally, some form of snow flotation is recommended, whether it be backcountry skis, a splitboard, or snowshoes, facilitating safe travel in the snowy terrain.
For your convenience and safety, we provide avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels at no extra charge. These essential tools are available for your use during the course, ensuring that you have access to the necessary equipment without additional expense.
The course accommodates a range of group sizes, typically consisting of four to twelve participants. We maintain a student-to-instructor ratio that never exceeds 6:1. This ensures personalized attention and effective learning experiences for each student, fostering a safe and engaging environment for all participants.
While there are no specific physical fitness requirements mandated for participation in the course, it's essential to be aware that backcountry travel can be physically demanding. Participants should consider their individual fitness levels and capabilities when enrolling. Engaging in regular physical activity and endurance training beforehand can enhance your experience and overall safety during the course.
Additionally, participants should be prepared for extended periods of outdoor activity in potentially challenging weather conditions. This may include hiking or skiing in deep snow, traversing uneven terrain, and performing tasks such as digging snow pits or conducting rescue simulations. Ensuring a reasonable level of physical fitness and stamina can contribute to a more enjoyable and successful experience during the course.
Alpine to the Max is an independent certified guide with more than a decade of experience in a wide variety of terrain. No matter your current skill level, when you climb with us you get a top-notch experience that is fully customized to meet your exact desires.
