Golden Mountain Guides offers AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses in Colorado. Our AIARE 1 courses are a three day introduction to managing and mitigating avalanche hazard through a repeatable process. Students can expect to develop and practice the skills and decision making process to carry out a backcounty trip and learn how to locate and rescue a buried avalanche victim.

Explore the enchanting and dynamic world of winter backcountry landscapes while equipping yourself with essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in avalanche terrain. Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is your gateway to understanding the fundamental principles of avalanche safety, risk assessment, and rescue techniques.

We offer traditional, 3-day in person courses, and a hybrid offering. The hybrid will be 2 days in the field, and 1 evening zoom call during the week of the course.

Following the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) curriculum, this comprehensive course provides a solid foundation for beginners and those looking to refresh their avalanche education. Over three days, you’ll delve into topics such as snowpack analysis, weather assessment, terrain evaluation, and human factors, all of which are critical in avoiding avalanche hazards.

Our experienced and certified instructors will guide you through classroom sessions and hands-on field exercises, offering a well-rounded learning experience. You’ll learn to use avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes, practice companion rescue techniques, and develop the skills necessary to navigate avalanche-prone terrain safely.

Upon successful completion of the AIARE 1 Avalanche Course, you’ll gain the confidence to venture into winter wilderness areas while making sound decisions to minimize avalanche risks. This course is suitable for winter enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge of avalanche safety. Join us for an engaging and informative journey into the world of avalanche education. Your safety and the safety of others in the backcountry start here.