Colorado AIARE 1 Course

Get your level 1 Avalanche training.

Summit County, CO
Group Course
Ability level: Beginner
Select Your Trip Package:

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Avalanche training is essential for anyone planning to venture into the backcountry.

Traveling in the backcountry requires a solid understanding of avalanche risk and the knowledge to mitigate these risks through appropriate terrain assessment and decision-making. Our AIARE certified leaders and instructors will teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and reduce risks. For 2025/2026 the standard AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course 3-Day course offers Day 1 in a physical classroom, along with two days of field instruction in various zones to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain.

See dates below for specific offerings, with geographic options as follows: 
•    Courses based out of the Summit County area will have a classroom in Silverthorne, CO.
•    Courses based in the Front Range will have field days between Loveland and Berthoud Passes, and a classroom in Dumont. CO.
•    Resort based courses will be based at Winter Park with lift accessed backcountry, and a classroom in the town of Winter Park.
 
This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course and be comfortable in steep blue to black terrain at the ski resort.
 
What you’ll learn:
 
•    Trip planning and preparation
•    Reading and understanding the avalanche forecast
•    Classifications and characteristics of different types of avalanches
•    Recognizing hazardous conditions
•    Understanding a mountain snowpack
•    Basics of route selection and terrain management
•    Managing risk and decision making
•    Human factors and influence
•    Efficient use of beacon/shovel/probe
•    Companion rescue techniques
•    Group management

Looking for a hut-based AIARE Level 1 course? Check out that trip and 2026 dates here.

Plans may evolve with weather & guides' judgement, we strive to find the best conditions each day

ITINERARY

One Month Prior

E-Learning materials and Student Manual are sent approximately one month prior to course start. Students submit questions relating to E-Learning or Student Manual to prepare for the Classroom portion of the course.

Classroom Presentations and Trip Planning Lesson. There are three classroom location options to complement our range of field session/course date locations. Summit County courses will have a classroom in Silverthorne. Front Range courses will have a classroom in Dumont. And Winter Park Resort courses will have a classroom in the town of Winter Park.

8:00am – 12:00pm: Classroom presentations and hands-on activities
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch
1:00 pm – 4:00: Presentations, activities and Instructor-led trip planning lesson

7:30am – 3:30pm : Field Session; Companion Rescue and Making Relevant Observations.

7:30am – 4:00pm : Student led tour and Course Close

What’s Included

  • AIARE certified course leader and instructor/s (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
  • AIARE course manual
  • AIARE field book 
  • AIARE certificate of completion 
  • CAG professional ski or splitboard guide 
  • Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
  • Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
  • Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead
  • 20% off service and 10% off rental at evo Denver store
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)

Not Included

  • Air­fare
  • Trans­porta­tion to and from designated meeting place
  • Lodging (we recommend The Pad, see FAQ)
  • Food
  • Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Questions? Contact us!

What’s Included

  • AIARE certified course leader and instructor/s (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
  • AIARE course manual
  • AIARE field book 
  • AIARE certificate of completion 
  • CAG professional ski or splitboard guide 
  • Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
  • Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
  • Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead
  • 20% off service and 10% off rental at evo Denver store
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)

Not Included

  • Air­fare
  • Trans­porta­tion to and from designated meeting place
  • Lodging (we recommend The Pad, see FAQ)
  • Food
  • Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Questions? Contact us!

Location Details

Based in Summit County, Colorado Adventure Guides (CAG) has earned access to thousands of acres of ridgelines, slopes, and secret stashes for your course or trip. With ample terrain at hand,  CAG's guide team is fortunate to have so many options to share with their clients and students as they choose a nearby destination,  based on the best, most current information, conditions, and tailored to the experience level of the group and the objectives of the trip.

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FAQs

Where will my course take place?

Great question. It depends! The field days for the AIARE courses are based on where conditions are best at the time. They operate a wide area from Loveland Pass to Vail Pass but any of the areas where the course would be held operate aren’t more than 30 minutes from anywhere in the Summit County area and guides decide the week of the course where they'll be doing the two field days after assessing weather and snow conditions leading up to the day of the class.

I need local accommodations. Do you have recommendations?

Joining CAG for a Summit based adventure? Check out our partners at The Pad, Silverthorne’s first boutique hotel/hostel, centrally-located along the Blue River, in the heart of Colorado ski country. Built for the modern traveler, their affordable, yet high-amenity, lodging in beautiful Summit County, Colorado allows our guests to prioritize experience, adventure and to focus their spending on activities and experiences in the Rocky Mountains and our community. Just ask the folks at CAG for details or book online at https://thepadlife.com/silverthorne/

What if I would like to book a private group course?

For those who would like to select all the members of their party, you may book a private group course. Private groups may select a traditional classroom component instead of Zoom, if they prefer. This option can be booked for a maximum of 6 people and a total cost of $3750. Course dates can be requested between February 1 and March 31, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!

Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?

No prior backcountry experience is required, but participants should have experience on their touring setup prior to taking this course.

How physically fit do I need to be for this course?

Colorado Adventure Guides is committed to the safety of their guests. Their guides are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to your departure you will be asked to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Are rentals available?

Yes, rental gear is available and can be rented directly through the evo Denver store for 10% off. You may also rent avalanche safety gear directly through CAG.

When and how do I meet up with the group?

For courses your instructor will contact you at least 1 week prior to course start to discuss details.

What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?

Colorado Adventure Guides guest to guide ratio is 6:1 on education courses. All groups of 6 or more are split into smaller groups to maintain the guest to guide ratio and adhere to COVID group size protocols. Maximum total number of guests is 16.

Is there a minimum age required for this trip?

We will accept par­tic­i­pants 16 years or old­er, if they are accom­pa­nied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or old­er to attend a trip on your own.

What if I need to change the dates of my course/trip?

Rescheduling will be honored 14 days prior to any course or camp start date. An administrative fee of 10% will be assessed for all rescheduling. This allows us the time to contact those who have been put on the wait-list.

What if I need to cancel?

evo will refer to the Colorado Adventure Guides cancellation policy. If you need to can­cel your course, 14 days advance notice of cancellation is required. This allows CAG the time to contact those who have been put on the waitlist. If you need to cancel within the two week period, and CAG is able to fill your spot, you will receive a refund less a $50 administrative fee. If your spot cannot be filled, you will be charged the full amount. Notice of cancellation more than 14 days in advance will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.

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