AIARE 1
Come and experience AIARE's introduction to traveling safely in avalanche terrain with us in our vast bc ski terrain behind Schweitzer. This Level 1 avalanche course, run through the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), is designed to give participants a basic understanding of why avalanches occur and to develop a framework for making decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain. Additionally, the course provides instruction in beacon use and companion rescue should an avalanche occur.
The tour price excludes 6 % Idaho state tax; online and direct reservations incure a 6 % booking fee.
After booking, you may request to change your reservation time or date outside of 45 days, though we assess an administrative fee of $100 for each change. Please visit Policies for our full cancellation policy.
- Visit our desk in Lakeview Lodge at the base.
- Stop by our Summit Lodge located near Sky House.
- Give us a ring on the phone: +1 (208) 263-6959.
- Send your booking to reservations@selkirkpowder.com or use our contact form.
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Join Selkirk Powder for Level 1 avalanche and snow safety education. We will follow American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE) curriculum to study avalanche recognition, snowpack observations and data collection, trip planning and preparation, and companion rescue. This course includes one virtual classroom day of instruction and two days immersed in the backcountry.
AIARE 1 is a three-day, 24 hr course that provides an introduction to using decision-making tools to help a group manage risk while traveling in avalanche terrain.
AIARE 1 is for anyone—regardless of mode of travel—who recreates in or near avalanche terrain. (This includes skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and mountaineers.) Aspiring professionals will need to take AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue as a prerequisite for the Pro 1 course.
Prerequisites
The ability to travel in avalanche terrain is all that is necessary; please bring appropriate equipment for human-powered snow travel to class. (Other avalanche awareness classes, workshops, or the Avalanche Rescue course are great adjuncts but not at all required.)
- Rite in the Rain AIARE Decision-Making Guide (“blue book” fieldbook)
- student handbook
- certificate of completion
Instructors will have snow-study equipment like snow saw, Rutschblock cord, thermometer, snow crystal card, and loupe for use during the course.
Please bring
| Meet at our desk in Schweitzer’s Lakeview Lodge. | |
| Descend to Schweitzer Village. |
- David J.1 year agoRated 4 out of 5 starsVery Good intro to Avalanche Education
I am new to back country touring and this AIARE 1 course was a great place to start my journey on how to safely navigate the backcountry. The eight hours online instruction give me a solid foundation for the discussions that took place over the two days of fieldwork. Nothing beats hands-on training combined with a base understanding,
I also learned a lot of useful online resources, working in conjunction with my smart phone, that helped me plan my route safely. Kevin and Ben were very knowledgeable instructors who provided me a lot of great gear, technique, and safety tips along the way. Recommend!
Selkirk Powder1 year agoWelcome to the backcountry David! We're glad you participated in Kevin and Ben's Level 1 and that you've gained knowledge, skills and smart tools for future tours. with you. We'll share your review w Kevin, Ben and the staff. Thank you and may we share another skin track in the future! - Kenneth T.1 year agoRated 5 out of 5 starsTerrific AIARE education
I took this AIARE 1 course with John Reese and was thrilled with my experience. His expertise and extensive background in the field was immediately evident in his mannerism, which led to a very educational, enjoyable, and safe environment. All elements of the course were taught in a clear manner, prioritizing hands-on practice over theory. John also maintained a flexible itinerary to allow for extra practice as needed. Overall, I would recommend this course to anyone looking for a relaxed, fun, and educational introduction to avalanche terrain and backcountry skiing.
Selkirk Powder1 year agoThank you Kenneth, we'll be sure to share your review with JR. Thanks for joining us, we hope to have you back for more and, of course, have a great ski season! - Elaine I.2 years agoRated 5 out of 5 starsTake your AIARE 1 with Selkirk Powder!
My husband and I took this AIARE 1 course with Selkirk Powder. The online portion was well done and laid a great foundation for the field work. The field days were around the beautiful sidecountry of Schweitzer, on Blue Mountain. Our group worked really well together (both skiers and splitboarders) under the awesome leadership of John Reese. All the steps of decision making and risk assessment in the backcountry were applied in the field in a practical way, along with performing avalanche rescue, observing snowpack, digging pits, and doing column tests. We learned a lot in a fun environment and got to ride some untouched pow! Much respect to John and everyone at Selkirk Powder--we plan on taking a tour with these guys in the future!
Selkirk Powder2 years agoThank you Elaine, We are stoked with your review, and having JR on our staff! 'Til we see you two again, have a great and safe ski season.