
Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain
The AIARE 1 is a three-day / 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management.
Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and extricate a buried person.
IMPORTANT BETA
DISCOUNTED LODGING*
2 nights at The Bunkhouse at Northeast Mountaineering for $40
*As space permits. Requires additional online reservation at The Bunkhouse.
COURSE DETAILS
Length: 3 Days [24 Hours]
Guide-to-Client: 2:12
Price: $495 per person
Type: Educational
We also run courses in the Adirondacks. Click HERE for more info.
2022-2023 DATES
Dec 17-19
Dec 20-22
Dec 27-29
Dec 30 - Jan 1
Jan 4-6
Jan 7-9
Jan 14-16
Jan 21-23
Jan 27-29
Feb 4-6
Feb 7-9
Feb 18-20
Feb 21-23
Feb 25-27
Mar 6-8
Mar 10-12
RENTAL GEAR
For this course, you will need an Avalanche Beacon, Probe and Shovel. These items may be rented for $50. We also have Alpine Touring Ski set-ups available for rent, on-site!
Most of the required equipment is available for rent from our affiliate mtnGEAR. AIARE Participants will receive an exclusive rental discount of 50% beacon, probe and shovel and an additional 20% discount on all rental equipment and clothing.
AIARE 1 COURSE OBJECTIVES
Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of the AIARE 1 course the student should be able to:
- Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
- Recognize avalanche terrain.
- Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
- Learn and apply effective companion rescue.
Instructional sessions (24 hours including both class and field instruction).
- Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
- Types and characteristics of avalanches
- Avalanche motion
- Size classification
- The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
- Observations and Information Gathering
- Field observation techniques
- Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
- Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
- Observation checklist
- Avalanche danger scale
- Trip Planning and Preparation
- Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
- Route finding and travel techniques
- Decision making and Human Factors
- Companion Rescue and Equipment
Course Itinerary
SKIING, RIDING OR SNOWSHOEING
For this course we will be accessing the backcountry. If you own a touring setup or split board you are welcome to skin with the instructor and consequently ski or ride out at the end of the day. If you ski but do not own an Alpine Touring set up, we have these available for rent. If you do not ski or ride, please plan to snowshoe - which can be rented from mtnGEAR.
DAY 1
8:00: Meet at Classroom (Outlined in your confirmation email)
8:00-9:00: Introductions, Ice Breaker, Agenda, Course Goals, Logistics
9:00-10:00: Decision Making, Case Study
10:00-10:50: Avalanche Types & Character
10 minute break
11:00-12:00: Avalanche Terrain
12:00-12:45: Lunch Break
12:45-1:30: Companion Rescue, Indoor
1:30-4:30: Field Session, Trailhead Function Checks, Companion Rescue
4:30-5:00: Logistics for Day 2, Homework Assignments
DAY 2
8:00-8:30: Review of Day 1 Homework
8:30-9:30: Formation of Layers in the Mountain Snowpack
9:30-10:30: Field Observation Techniques and Recording
10 minute break
10:40-11:5:0 Planning and Prep (demo Trip Plan, Communication Checklist)
12:30-1:00: Travel Wisely
1:00-4:30: Field Session (location TBD), Range Checks, Observational Outing
4:30-5:00: Review Obs, Logistics for Day 3, map preview, homework assignments
DAY 3
8:00-4:00: Meet at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Morning Trip Planning Session, Tour
4:00-5:00: Review the tour, debrief the course, course close