AIARE 1: Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain
This season, we are proud to partner with Northeast Mountaineering to offer a highly discounted AIARE Level 1 course for IST participants.
The AIARE 1 is for anyone, regardless of method of travel, who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Participants may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but neither are a prerequisite for this course. Aspiring professionals will need to take the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the AIARE II or Pro 1 course. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and extricate a buried person.
A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counseled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion. A link is made to a future AIARE 2 course.
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Date: March 6th - 8th 2026
Location: The course includes approximately 1.5 days of classroom learning and 1.5 days in the field. Classroom sessions will take place in North Conway, NH (exact address provided in your confirmation email). Field venues will be selected by the instructor, with input from participants, based on weather, snowpack, and learning goals.
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Cost Options:
$275 (without rental equipment)
$325 (with rental equipment, including avalanche gear, crampons, and ice axe)
Scholarship Opportunities:
Scholarship funding is not available for this course. We offer it at $275, which is half the price of comparable courses nearby. The next lowest option is $550, and most courses are $650.
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At the end of the AIARE 1 course the student should be able to:
Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
Recognize avalanche terrain.
Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
Learn and apply effective companion rescue.
Instructional Sessions Breakdown (24 hours total including both class and field instruction).
Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
Types and characteristics of avalanches
Avalanche motion
Size classification
The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
Observations and Information Gathering
Field observation techniques
Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
Observation checklist
Avalanche danger scale
Trip Planning and Preparation
Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
Route finding and travel techniques
Decision making and Human Factors
Companion Rescue and Equipment
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Touring Setup:
This course goes into the backcountry. A touring setup is required for all participants (AT skis or splitboard with skins). If you need gear, rentals are available from White Mountain Ski Co. or Mountain Sports Lab.Required Gear:
If you don’t have access to the items below, please select the rental package, which includes the required equipment.Avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe
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Complete AIARE 1 Student Manual:Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain. (Will be provided in class)
