Level 1 Avalanche Classes

Snow study during avalanche safety workshop.

The AIARE level one is a 24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:
1. Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
2. Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
3. Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing ?answers.?
4. Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.

Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).

A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools.
Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain. There are no other prerequisites:
At the end of the Level One course the student should be able to:
1. Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
2. Recognize avalanche terrain.
3. Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain
4. Learn and apply effective companion rescue.

Class subjects include:
1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
2. Observations and Information Gathering
3. Avalanche danger factors; ?Red Flags?.
4. Trip Planning and Preparation
5. Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
6. Route finding and travel techniques
7. Decision making and Human Factors
8. Companion Rescue and Equipment

Here is a suggested clothing and equipment list:
1. Sleeping bag
2. Note pad and pencil or pen
3. Lunches and snacks Friday, Saturday and Sunday
4. Breakfasts for Saturday, and Sunday
5. Hot drinks-coffee/tea/cocoa
6. Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe poles
7. Any specific evening beverages you desire
8. Headlamp
9. Hut slippers

TO REGISTER: Registration is on a first come-first served basis. So please register early!
FULL PAYMENT ($215) IS DUE TO HOLD YOUR SPACE.
NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS (You may resell your space if necessary.) QUESTIONS? CALL SCOTT MESSINA at office 970-925-4554, or CEL PHONE
970-948-3111 or email: guides@sopris.net or scott@huts.org