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. |