AIARE 1

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 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

• mechanical pencil or Rite in the Rain pen
• avalanche transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel
• AT or telemark skis, splitboard, or snowshoes
• appropriate outerwear and equipment for a day in the snow
• lunch, snacks, and at least 1 L of water

If you have any questions about our policies, please call us before booking: +1 (208) 263-6959.

Payment

All reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Promotions & discounts

Any promotion or discount must be redeemed only by calling reservations directly. No promotion and/or discount will be applied after the reservation has been made and full payment has been received.

Cancellations

Any cancellation made within 21 days of the scheduled tour date are 100 % non-refundable – no exceptions for any reason, not even airline delays, road closures, family emergencies, personal injury, etc. We encourage all guests to consider purchasing travel insurance with enhanced coverage (“Cancel For Any Reason” rider) through an outside provider such as InsureMyTrip.

Reservation changes

You may request date changes to your tour date outside of 21 days of your booking. Changes to your reservation are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee of $100 per person.

Tour cancellations due to mechanical issues or unsafe conditions

Selkirk Powder Company has no control over Mother Nature. We tour in sun, snow, rain, wind, or any combination of interesting weather. It is, after all, an alpine environment. Be prepared, and dress accordingly. SPC reserves the right to cancel a tour for mechanical, weather, safety, personal or any other circumstance. You will be issued a full or partial credit valid for 1 year from the original tour date. No refunds will be issued. If your tour is cancelled multiple times, your credit still expires after 1 year – no extensions will be applied.

Policy changes

SPC reserves the right at any time, and at its sole discretion, to modify any policies set out above, with or without notice other than publishing such modifications on our website. It is your responsibility to review policies on our website for updates and/or changes. Your reservation and/or use of our services following any such policy modification constitutes your acceptance of any modified policy.

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