Colorado Hut-Based AIARE 1 Course

Take a classic hut trip and get your Level 1 Avalanche training.

Summit County, Colorado
Group Course
Ability level: Intermediate, Advanced
Select Your Trip Package:

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

Spend a weekend in the backcountry and earn your essential avalanche training.

Imagine spending the weekend with avalanche professionals in the backcountry, learning about snow safety while sipping tea in front of a crackling wood stove, and skiing or snowboarding right to the hut and debriefing after the day outside. This Hut-Based AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course, offered by our local partners at Colorado Adventure Guides, is a 3-day experience that combines E-Learning, classroom, and field instruction to introduce participants to the hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain. Traveling in the backcountry requires a solid understanding of avalanche risk and knowledge to mitigate these risks through appropriate terrain assessment and decision making. Our AIARE certified leaders and instructors teach you how to recognize, manage, and minimize these hazards, and reduce risks. 
 
What sets our courses apart from the others? By choosing the hut-based setting, you’ll have the opportunity to pick your instructor’s brain during fireside chats in the evening. So all you need to bring are your meals, your favorite snacks, and a great attitude. We’ll take care of the rest!
 
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

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

ITINERARY

One month prior to Day 1


E-Learning materials and Student Manual are sent and are to be completed by students. Students submit questions relating to E-Learning or Student Manual. Note: private courses can be taught with a traditional classroom component for day one instead of a Zoom format.

The night before Day 1:
5:00pm – 6:00pm : 1 hour Zoom session for quick intros, to answer questions, and review gear for the weekend.

Day 1:
Morning: Meet at the trailhead. Gather Gear and skin to cabin.
Afternoon: Learning session

Classroom Field Instruction

We commence 2 full days of classroom and field instruction and practice to hone your avalanche safety skills. We turn the hut into a classroom and cover trip planning, decision-making, route-finding techniques, and more. Field instruction takes place right out the door of the hut! We will travel by skis or splitboard, and will cover snow pit analysis and tests, and companion rescue techniques in a real mountain environment.

Repeat!

Today we continue on with classroom instruction in our hut, followed by our final round of field instruction. Pack up, say goodbye to new friends, and start planning your next tour!

What’s Included

  • 2 nights of hut lodging
  • 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 
  • Two dinners and two breakfasts
  • Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
  • Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
  • Summit Huts Association Single Use Membership if in a SMA Hut
  • 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
  • Meals and not snacks not mentioned as included
  • Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
  • Guide gra­tu­ities
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Questions? Contact us!

What’s Included

  • 2 nights of hut lodging
  • 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 
  • Two dinners and two breakfasts
  • Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
  • Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
  • Summit Huts Association Single Use Membership if in a SMA Hut
  • 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
  • Meals and not snacks not mentioned as included
  • 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.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rq3xVrMYbLvy9vFf7

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FAQs

Can you tell me more about the hut I’ll be staying in?

CAG has partnered with the Summit Huts Association as well as other private hut properties to offer backcountry ski/splitboard and hut trip education! Our first hut partner is Anna's Cabin, situated at 11,700 feet elevation just south of Fremont Pass, between Copper Mountain and Leadville. This easily accessible hut offers spectacular vistas and ideal seclusion. Our 2nd hut option will be at Francie’s Cabin. This large modern hut is located just south of Breckenridge in the heart of Summit County and is easily accessed on non-motorized trails via skis or splitboard. These huts provide semi-private sleeping rooms and are perfect for beginner backcountry travelers.

I need local accommodations before or after this trip. 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/

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 18 for Francie's Cabin and 12 for Duck Lake Cabin.

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. If you need to cancel within the two week period, and we are able to fill your spot, we will refund your payment less a $50 administrative fee. If we cannot fill your spot, 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.

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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