AIARE LEVEL 1
AIARE Level 1 - Avalanche Training
BUILDING AVALANCHE AWARENESS & DECISION-MAKING
AIARE Level 1 is an introduction to avalanche hazard management and decision-making for people who spend time in or around winter backcountry terrain. You’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, understand current conditions and avalanche forecasts, and use that information to make informed decisions about where to travel and where to stay out.
The course also covers how to prepare for a backcountry trip, make decisions as a group while in the field, and perform companion rescue skills if an avalanche occurs and someone in your party is caught.
This is a women-specific AIARE Level 1 course. We welcome women-identifying, femme, transgender, and gender non-conforming participants who are comfortable learning in a femme-centered space.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
By the end of AIARE 1, you'll have a foundation in:
· Preparing for a backcountry trip
· Understanding avalanche forecasts and current conditions
· Identifying avalanche terrain
· Making informed travel decisions
· Recognizing changing conditions in the field
· Communicating and making decisions as a group
· Basic avalanche rescue skills
· Using your avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe
The goal isn't to make you an expert in two days. It's to give you the tools, framework, and practice to start making better decisions in avalanche terrain.
COURSE FORMAT
~6 HOURS - Self-paced online learning
2 HOURS - Live virtual session
2 FULL DAYS - Hands-on field learning
Total course commitment: approximately 24 hours.
Need avalanche rescue gear?
We offer a limited number of backcountry packs, avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes for rent during registration.
COURSE SCHEDULE
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Pre-course self-paced learning — approximately 6 hours - You’ll receive access to the online learning after you register. If you register before October 31, you’ll receive access via email on November 1. This learning is required before your field days, so give yourself plenty of time to work through the material at your own pace and come ready to jump into the course.
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1 evening online session — 5:30–7:30 PM - We’ll meet virtually to get to know the group, review course logistics, and prepare for our field days.
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2 full days in the field - We’ll travel to different locations throughout Summit County. Plan to arrive early in the morning for a group discussion on weather, avalanche conditions, and mapping before heading to the trailhead. Expect to spend the full day outside putting your learning into practice.
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend staying in Silverthorne, Frisco, or Breckenridge to make getting to our field locations easier. Specific meeting and trailhead locations will be shared with participants before the course.
BEFORE YOU REGISTER
Please make sure you:
· Are comfortable skiing or riding in variable, off-piste terrain
· Have access to an AT ski or splitboard setup
· Can commit to the full online + field course
· Are prepared for full days outside in winter conditions
· Understand that you are responsible for having the required equipment
New to backcountry skiing/splitboarding?
If you're just getting started, check out our Backcountry Basics course before jumping into AIARE 1.
FEMME-CENTERED
Learn alongside women and femme-identifying adventurers.
WHY TAKE A COURSE WITH US?
Learn avalanche education in a space built for women and femme-identifying adventurers.
VNTRbirds courses combine professional avalanche education with the community, mentorship, and support we've built over years of getting women into the backcountry.
You'll learn from experienced, certified educators in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, skills are practiced, and there's no expectation that you already know everything.
EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS
Professional, certified avalanche instructors.
COMMUNITY
Leave with more than a certificate, you'll have people to keep learning with.
We respectfully acknowledge that this event is located on the traditional lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people. We honor their enduring connection to this land, their history, and their culture. As we enjoy the beauty and resources of this region, we recognize the past and present contributions of the Ute people, and we commit to fostering respect and understanding for Indigenous communities.
WHY TAKE A COURSE WITH US?
Learn avalanche education in a space built for women and femme-identifying adventurers.
VNTRbirds courses combine professional avalanche education with the community, mentorship, and support we've built over years of getting women into the backcountry.
You'll learn from experienced, certified educators in a supportive environment where questions are encouraged, skills are practiced, and there's no expectation that you already know everything.
Need help paying for AIARE 1?
We believe avalanche education should be accessible. Financial assistance is available through our VNTRbirds Scholarship Program.
[ APPLY FOR AN AIARE 1 SCHOLARSHIP → ]
IMPORTANT INFO
Age: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Helmet: Helmets are required for all field days.
Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Course commitment: Participants must complete the required self-paced online learning, live online session, and both field days.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Participants are responsible for having the required backcountry equipment for the course, including:
AT skis or splitboard
Avalanche transceiver
Shovel
Probe
Backcountry-specific backpack
Helmet
Appropriate winter clothing and gear
Need avalanche safety gear? A limited number of avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes are available to rent from VNTRbirds and can be added during registration.
All personal equipment must be in good working order.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. If space is available, participants may request a one-time transfer to another VNTRbirds course or clinic for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and are not collected by VNTRbirds. These fees cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
BEFORE YOU JOIN US
All participants must complete the required waiver and medical history form before the course.
Questions before you register?
Not sure if AIARE 1 is the right fit, wondering about gear, or just want to talk it through? Reach out! We're happy to help.
VNTRbirds@gmail.com