Baker
Mountain Guides offers a 24-hour, hybrid AIARE Level 1 with both online learning and field sessions.
Pre-Course: Online Learning
Two weeks in advance students will receive an email with instructions on how to access AIARE's Level 1 Online Learning curriculum. The online learning curriculum takes approximately 5 hours and must be completed before students may attend the pre-course zoom class.
Pre-Course: Zoom Class
The course will meet from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Zoom the Thursday before weekend field sessions. Your instructor will provide a brief review of online learning concepts, facilitate group learning activities, and prepare students for the field sessions.
Optional: Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course
Students new to AT skiing and splitboarding are encouraged to participate in the Intro to Backcountry Skiing Course the day before their AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course field sessions. Understanding the fundamentals of backcountry travel sets you up for success on your AIARE Level 1.
Day 1: Companion Rescue and Field Observations
Plan on a full day in the field. In the morning, we’ll cover avalanche beacons and companion rescue. Students will have the opportunity to run several practice drills. In the afternoon, we’ll dig snow pits, and introduce standardized weather and snowpack observations.
Day 2: Backcountry Tour and Decision Making
Students will complete a pre-trip hazard assessment and plan a tour. Our final day will be spent skiing and snowboarding the backcountry. Students will work together to choose appropriate terrain for the current avalanche conditions under the mentorship of an instructor.
Interested in this course?
The Northwest Avalanche School is the natural evolution of Baker Mountain Guides' avalanche education program and reflects our commitment to developing the best avalanche instructors, and therefore the best avalanche instruction in the Pacific Northwest. Baker Mountain Guides' AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course is now branded as a Northwest Avalanche School program.
December - March
3 Days / 24 Hours
Mount Baker Backcountry
6 Students to 1 Instructor
2024 - 2025 Winter Season
*Please select 1st field day when booking online
New to the Backcountry?
Prepare for your AIARE Level 1 with an:
$600 / Person
Cost Includes