aiare level 1
LOCATION: Mammoth Lakes, CA // Eastern Sierra
COURSE OUTING LENGTH: 3 DAYS (Optional - 1-Day Avalanche Rescue Add-On)
The AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course focuses on the fundamentals of safe backcountry travel, including trip planning and preparation, individual and group decision-making, risk management through snowpack and terrain observations, and avalanche rescue skills using a beacon, probe, and shovel for full or partial burial scenarios. Whether you're new to the backcountry or an experienced skier, splitboarder, or mountaineer looking to refresh your skills, this course provides a strong foundation. Unlike many programs, our AIARE Level 1 is taught over three consecutive days entirely in the field, providing significantly more hands-on instruction and real-world learning opportunities. All students must complete AIARE's required online learning course (approximately a few hours) before the first field day. A detailed course curriculum and everything included in the course are outlined below. Students also have the option to bundle our 1-day Avalanche Rescue Course at checkout and save $50.
-
LEVEL 1 ONLY (3 DAY COURSE)
2026/2027 Course Dates coming soon!
LEVEL 1 + AVALANCHE RESCUE BUNDLE (4 DAY COURSE)
2026/2027 Course Dates coming soon!
(Avalanche Rescue Bundle) -
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
-
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
-
***THREE PERSON MINIMUM
Three People per day $405Four People per day $315
Five People (+) per day $260
***Private courses available - click here to inquire***
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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!
***CANCELLATION POLICY
It’s in the best interest for all of our AIARE avalanche students to be familiar with our Cancellation Policy. Due to the high demand of avalanche courses, we must stick to our Cancellation Policy. We are happy to work with any students on solutions if a problem arises and they are unable to attend their scheduled course. Thank you in advance for understanding.
The AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course focuses on the fundamentals of safe backcountry travel, including trip planning and preparation, individual and group decision-making, risk management through snowpack and terrain observations, and avalanche rescue skills using a beacon, probe, and shovel for full or partial burial scenarios. Whether you're new to the backcountry or an experienced skier, splitboarder, or mountaineer looking to refresh your skills, this course provides a strong foundation. Unlike many programs, our AIARE Level 1 is taught over three consecutive days entirely in the field, providing significantly more hands-on instruction and real-world learning opportunities. All students must complete AIARE's required online learning course (approximately a few hours) before the first field day. A detailed course curriculum and everything included in the course are outlined below. Students also have the option to bundle our 1-day Avalanche Rescue Course at checkout and save $50.
LOCATION: Mammoth Lakes, CA // Eastern Sierra
COURSE OUTING LENGTH: 3 DAYS (Optional - 1-Day Avalanche Rescue Add-On)
-
LEVEL 1 ONLY (3 DAY COURSE)
2026/2027 Course Dates coming soon!
LEVEL 1 + AVALANCHE RESCUE BUNDLE (4 DAY COURSE)
2026/2027 Course Dates coming soon!
(Avalanche Rescue Bundle) -
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
-
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
-
***THREE PERSON MINIMUM
Three People per day $405Four People per day $315
Five People (+) per day $260
***Private courses available - click here to inquire***
-
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!
***CANCELLATION POLICY
It’s in the best interest for all of our AIARE avalanche students to be familiar with our Cancellation Policy. Due to the high demand of avalanche courses, we must stick to our Cancellation Policy. We are happy to work with any students on solutions if a problem arises and they are unable to attend their scheduled course. Thank you in advance for understanding.
BIG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING OUR AIARE AVALANCHE COURSES!
