San Juan Expeditions

Avalanche Courses

AIARE Avalanche 1 Course

  • Duration 3 Days
  • Avalanche Courses

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. 

As one of the only providers with 3 full days 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.

San Juan Expeditions students practicing probing during an AIARE Avy 1 course
Student skiing through pow on AIARE Avy 1 Course
Students of AIARE Avy 1 Course watch as SJE guide demonstrates how to dig a pit

Trip Details

Duration

3 Days

Difficulty

Some skiing experience necessary

Maximum Guide Ratio

1:5

Included

  • AIARE and AMGA trained/certified guide 
  • Avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel, and probe)
  • AIARE field book & student fees
  • Federal land usage surcharge (USFS/BLM)

Not Included

  • Personal skiing/riding equipment
  • Lunch/snack food 
  • Guide gratuity

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Course Schedule

The first morning of the course we will meet at the SJE office and will 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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