The AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is for everyone, whether you are just learning how to use your transceiver, an aspiring professional, or a backcountry traveler with many years of backcountry experience.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day stand alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis to maintain best practices/skills in rescue techniques and developments in equipment. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue and advanced scenario practice to help improve their skills. Each participant will have an assessment of their rescue skills and will receive a rescue card acknowledging completion. And when you are ready to ramp up your skills and knowledge this course provides a solid foundation for the AIRE Rec 1 course. This course is offered through our partners at Mountain Madness.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the AIARE Rec 2 and Pro 1 courses. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking an Avalanche Rescue Course and receiving a rescue card at least every other year.
Note: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgment.
1
Course will cover the following:
- Personal protective and avalanche rescue equipment - Demonstrating avalanche rescue - Single burial scenarios - Patient considerations and evacuation - Scenario practice and feedback - Advanced topics covered depending on student need and interest
The Washington Cascades are part of the greater Cascade Mountain Range, extending from northern California to British Columbia. Mountain Madness offers a range of courses in several destinations, with this AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course being hosted at Stevens Pass - 1.5 to 2 hours from Seattle and located where the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest begins.
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure packet upon registration. Every year Mountain Madness reviews our lists and assess feedback from our clients and guides for updating these lists, giving you the most complete and up-to-date guidelines. Feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. For a successful trip, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
Prior to departing on your trip, Mountain Madness staff will contact you to discuss the particulars of your course or climb. This typically happens about 10 days out. At this time you can review the equipment you have selected. Before purchasing any equipment, you are welcome to call us and ask for recommendations. We know that selecting the right gear can be a challenge and we are happy to help.
If you are interested in rentals, please feel free to contact the evo Seattle store to inquire about items and availability (your package includes 10% off rentals).
Ski / Snowboard & Avalanche Safety Gear
Ski Clothing
Other Important Items
FAQ
FAQ
What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
Mountain Madness has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be shared prior to the trip. All participants must fill out a pre-trip COVID-19 questionnaire/agreement. Classroom lectures will be held via Zoom instead of in person. In the field, a face covering must be worn at times when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
No, you do not need prior training to take this course. If you haven’t already taken an AIARE 1 Course, that is recommended in conjunction with Avalanche Rescue.
How physically fit do I have to be for this course?
This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
Who are the guides?
Mountain Madness guides are highly experienced instructors that have been trained by the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). They are the best, most highly trained instructors!
Are rentals available?
Yes, rental gear is available and can be rented directly through the evo Seattle store, as well as Mountain Madness. Please inquire for pricing.
What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to the Mountain Madness cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your trip, please submit your notification in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
More than 90 days from trip departure — non-refundable $200 registration fee.
89 days or less from trip departure – 100% of trip cost
What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
All date changes must be received in writing. Changes are determined at MMI’s discretion and if approved, must be accompanied by a new trip registration. Any change from scheduled trip departure can be extremely difficult and is subject to all incurred expenses as assessed by MMI. All date changes are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for one year from written change notification and receipt of new registration. A $200 date change fee will be assessed for all domestic trips.
When and how do I meet up with the group?
You will receive detailed instructions regarding when and how to meet the group from Mountain Madness.
What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
There is a maximum of 12 guests for this course, with groups being split into 2 groups due to COVID.
Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
We will accept participants 15 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.
I need accommodations in Seattle. Do you have recommendations?
Yes, there are plenty of options, depending on your preferences. Near Sea-Tac Airport: Cedarbrook Lodge (4-star), Double Tree Hotel Seatac (4-star), Hampton Inn Seatac (3-star), Hilton Garden Inn Seatac (3-star). Near Mountain Madness: Georgetown Inn (2.5 star), The Grove (2-star).
Testimonials
The experience was awesome--great course, both professional and a lot of fun. Appropriate measures for Covid-19 were put in place.
Evan
Trip Guest
I’ve climbed all over the world with MM and couldn’t recommend them higher. Their guides are world class and are knowledgeable, appropriately cautious but eager to get you to the summit, amiable and yet able to challenge you to do things you didn’t think you could! Their front office is easy to communicate with and keeps you up to speed with everything throughout the whole process from pre-climb to post-climb. If you’re thinking about climbing, I would strongly and without reservation recommend mountain madness.
Andrew
Trip Guest
Jake was an awesome guide, super informative. MM was fantastic, had good options for renting gear, easy to work with.
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