Begin your avalanche education in the most rugged peaks in Colorado!
The AIARE Level 1 avalanche course is designed to give you a full introduction to backcountry travel. When you take your level one with San Juan Expeditions you will get hands-on experience analyzing the avalanche hazard and using your observations to make decisions in the field.
We provide both the tools for understanding the avalanche problem and the terrain management skills you can only get from observing an experienced guide.
Our course leaders are both AIARE certified instructors and AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) trained guides. So when you take one of our courses you know you will be under the mentorship of the best.
Students that are a great fit for our Avalanche Courses – Any current or future backcountry skier / rider that knows how to skin uphill and is familiar with their backcountry uphill equipment and how to use it. This person has ideally skied off-piste in untracked snow before and can safely ski single black diamond terrain inbounds. Practicing uphill to downhill transitions is highly recommend before taking this course.
Students that may not be a great fit for our Avalanche Courses – Beginner skiers and riders and anyone that has not used uphill skinning equipment before the course and those that are not familiar with how to use their gear. We require that you can ski on untracked snow in black diamond terrain inbounds. We do offer private avalanche education courses on request for those that may need extra instruction and for non-skiers / riders that may prefer to snowshoe. You must have 4 students at minimum to create a custom course with us.
Need more experience and preparation before signing up for our AIARE Avy 1 Course? Sign up for an Intro to Backcountry Skiing day with us to determine if backcountry skiing/riding in the San Juans is the right direction for you.
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Trip Details
Duration
3 Days
Difficulty
Some skiing experience necessary
Maximum Guide Ratio
6:1
Included
- AIARE and AMGA trained/certified guide
- Avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe upon request)
- AIARE field book & student fees
- Federal land usage surcharge (USFS/BLM)
Not Included
- Personal skiing/riding equipment-Rentals are available to be reserved out of our office and retail partner Cripple Creek Backcountry
- Lunch/snack food
- Guide gratuity (we recommend tipping at least 20% of your student registration)
Course Schedule
The first morning of the course we will meet at the SJE office located at 1303 Greene St in Silverton, CO. We will then go over the itinerary for the next three days and meet your guides. All course information will be shared with you by your guides and instructors.
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