AIARE LEVEL 1 AVALANCHE COURSES
MAMMOTH LAKES, CA // EASTERN SIERRA
Our 2024/25 AIARE Level 1 schedule will be posted in July. To ensure you’re up to date with all of our programming, we recommend signing up for our eNewsletter and following us on Instagram @goldenstateguiding.
The AIARE Level 1 avalanche course curriculum is centered around backcountry trip planning and preparation, decision making in the field on an individual and group level, mitigating risk through observations, and rescue skills incorporating avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel use in the event you find yourself in a full or partial burial rescue situation. The AIARE Level 1 course is a great standalone course for those just getting into exploring the backcountry or works great as a refresher course for seasoned skiers, splitboarders, and mountaineers looking to sharpen their skills in avalanche terrain.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 we’ve opted to run our Level 1 for 3 days in the field as opposed to the traditional first day being in a classroom or online setting. We’ve found being in the field for all 3 days has been incredibly valuable for our students. It offers more hands on instruction and gives our AIARE Leaders and Instructors a better platform to answer questions and deliver the course curriculum.
All AIARE Level 1 students will be required to complete the online learning course prior to your first day in the field. Please be prepared to set aside a couple of hours prior to your first day to complete this training. Our AIARE Level 1 course curriculum is outlined below as well as whats included in the cost of the course.
***This year we are offering the option to add on our Avalanche Rescue Course each month at a discounted rate and savings of $50. Choose the bundle option at check out if you’d like to include this 1 day course***
AIARE LEVEL 1 Avalanche course INFO
Cost: $595
LOCATION: MAMMOTH LAKES, CA
Course Length: 3 Days (24 hours)
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2023/24 AIARE LEVEL 1 SCHEDULE
December 15th - 17th, 2023 (Complete)
December 15th - 18th, 2023 (Avalanche Rescue Bundle - Complete)
December 29th - 31st, 2023 (Complete)
January 12th - 14th, 2024 (Splitboard Only - Complete)
January 19th - 21st, 2024 (Complete)
January 19th - 22nd, 2024 (Avalanche Rescue Bundle - Complete)
February 9th - 11th, 2024 (Complete)
February 16th - 18th, 2024 (Complete)
February 16th - 19th, 2024 (Avalanche Rescue Bundle - Complete)
March 8th - 10th, 2024 (Complete)
March 8th - 11th, 2024 (Avalanche Rescue Bundle - Complete)
March 22nd 24th, 2024 (Sold Out)
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DAY 1
We begin our AIARE Level 1 course in the field in Mammoth Lakes. The first day in the field will cover the below topics.
Course introductions
Avalanche equipment review
Beacon and equipment trailhead check
Avalanche companion rescue review and practice
DAY 2
Our second day will begin in the field in Mammoth Lakes and will cover the below topics.
Layering and formation of a mountain snowpack
Types and characteristics of avalanches
Identifying avalanche terrain
Formal snow pit observations and informal weather and snow observations
Trip planning and preparation review for the following day
DAY 3
Our third day will begin in the field in Mammoth Lakes and will cover the below topics. We aim to have the third day conclude by 3:00 pm.
Trip planning and preparation review
Field observations
Decision making in avalanche terrain
Route finding, travel decisions and techniques
Course debrief
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COST INCLUDES
Professionally trained AIARE Leader
Beacon, shovel, and probe
AIARE waterproof field book
AIARE digital student manual
Online discount codes at our partners Weston Backcountry, Volcom, and Ridge Merino’s websites
20% off snow travel equipment rentals at Mammoth Mountaineering
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Our AIARE recreational courses are facilitated in the Mammoth Lakes region in the Eastern Sierra. Transportation and lodging are not covered in the cost of any AIARE course. Please note, a car with the ability to travel in winter road conditions is recommend for the course in case a weather system is encountered. Upon registration you’ll receive a confirmation email confirming you are registered for your course. Two weeks before your first day we’ll send a detailed itinerary outlining your AIARE course as well as an equipment list, local lodging, and gear rental locations in town. It’s highly recommended you come to the course familiar with your snow travel mode of transportation, whether that be a ski touring setup, splitboard, or snowshoes. We thank you in advance for coming prepared and look forward to a few great days in the field with you!
