Expand your backcountry skillset with this AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day, stand-alone course, offered by our partners at Colorado Adventure Guides, that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course. AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current with a Rescue course at least every other year.
This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required, but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort.
What you'll learn:
· What to do if you or a member of your party is caught in an avalanche
· Identify and use gear necessary for avalanche rescue
· Respond to a realistic scenario in order to practice an avalanche rescue
· Improve response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers
· Develop a plan for continued practice
Note: Choice of location and itinerary are subject to change due to weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgment.
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We will meet at the CAG office or a convenient rendezvous point, gear up, and head to the field. We will spend the day in field instruction where we turn the backcountry into an experiential classroom to hone your backcountry skills.
Trip Package Includes
AIARE Certified Course Instructor/s (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
AIARE Rescue Card
CAG professional ski or splitboard guide
Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
Transportation from designated meeting place to the Trailhead
10% off rentals and demos from evo Denver
20% off coupon code for evo.com (exclusions apply)
Trip Package Does Not Include
Airfare
Accommodations
Food
Transportation to and from designated meeting place
Based in Summit County, Colorado Adventure Guides (CAG) has earned access to thousands of acres of ridgelines, slopes, and secret stashes for your course or trip. With ample terrain at hand, CAG's guide team is fortunate to have so many options to share with their clients and students as they choose a nearby destination, based on the best, most current information, conditions, and tailored to the experience level of the group and the objectives of the trip.
Below is a list of required and recommended equipment for your adventure. Dressing properly and having the correct equipment will help Colorado Adventure Guides provide a safer and more fun experience for your group. Though we cannot control the weather, we can make sure that you are prepared for whatever conditions we encounter in this mountain environment. Remember, the weather can change quickly and drastically.
Our guides recommend wearing technical clothing on all higher level hikes and winter activities, but is never a bad idea regardless of which activity you participate in. Technical clothing (polypro, merino wool, etc) is designed to help regulate body temperature and keep perspiration off of the skin. Not only is it safer, it dries faster, and is much more comfortable during exercise. When possible, please try to avoid wearing cotton like hoodies, denim jeans, cotton socks, etc.
Colorado Adventure Guides strives to be as environmentally conscious as possible. We strongly urge you to bring your own hydration system or Nalgene bottles and fill them before heading to the trailhead. This reduces plastic pollution and the chance of accidentally leaving litter behind. Plus, our water is fresh and delicious up here in Summit County!
Required Equipment
Recommended Clothing
FAQ
FAQ
Where will my course take place?
Great question. It depends! Your course may take place in one of the following four destinations, depending on the best, most current information and conditions: 1) North London Mill Project (NoLo), Mosquito Pass, Park County, CO. 2) Meadow Mountain Ski Area Location, Minturn, CO. 3) Dillon Area, Summit County, CO. 4) Front Range Zone, Clear Creek County, CO.
I need local accommodations. Do you have recommendations?
Joining CAG for a Summit based adventure? Check out our partners at The Pad, Silverthorne’s first boutique hotel/hostel, centrally-located along the Blue River, in the heart of Colorado ski country. Built for the modern traveler, their affordable, yet high-amenity, lodging in beautiful Summit County, Colorado allows our guests to prioritize experience, adventure and to focus their spending on activities and experiences in the Rocky Mountains and our community. Just ask the folks at CAG for details or book online at https://thepadlife.com/silverthorne/
What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
Colorado Adventure Guides has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be shared prior to the trip. All group activities will observe public health codes applicable to the area of operations. Current COVID-19 guidelines can be viewed here https://www.coloradoadventureguides.com/keeping-up-with-covid/
Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
No prior backcountry experience is required, but participants should have experience on their touring setup prior to taking this course.
How physically fit do I need to be for this course?
Colorado Adventure Guides is committed to the safety of their guests. Their guides are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to your departure you will be asked to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. 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.
Are rentals available?
Yes, rental gear is available and can be rented directly through the evo Denver store for 10% off. You may also rent avalanche safety gear directly through CAG.
When and how do I meet up with the group?
For courses your instructor will contact you at least 1 week prior to course start to discuss details.
What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
Colorado Adventure Guides guest to guide ratio is 6:1 on education courses. All groups of 6 or more are split into smaller groups to maintain the guest to guide ratio and adhere to COVID group size protocols. Maximum guest totals would be 18 people.
Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
We will accept participants 16 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.
What if I need to change the dates of my course?
Rescheduling will be honored 14 days prior to any course or camp start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling. This allows us the time to contact those who have been put on the wait-list.
What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to the Colorado Adventure Guides cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your course, 14 days advance notice of cancellation is required. This allows CAG the time to contact those who have been put on the waitlist. If you need to cancel within the two week period, and CAG is able to fill your spot, you will receive a refund less a $50 administrative fee. If your spot cannot be filled, you will be charged the full amount. Notice of cancellation more than 14 days in advance will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.
Testimonials
Anne was amazing!! She was incredibly knowledgeable.I am so grateful I got to do my Avi 1 with her, Dave and Abe, can't wait to get out there this winter to practice what we learned!
Kristy
Trip Guest
The whole Colorado Adventure Guides crew was knowledgeable, professional, and fun. I’m sitting at home studying the material and checking out all the great resources they shared. Excited to keep the education going! Thanks for a great experience!
Ruthie
Trip Guest
Anne and Justin were extremely informative and taught in a way that was easy to learn and applied it to real life scenarios.
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