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AVALANCHE LEVEL 1
"I wanted to say thanks for a great class. It was great to learn not only the fundamentals of avy work, but to be able to put them into practice under your watchful eye. It was really helpful to work under “High” avy danger to see how to make the right decisions for a safe and fun day. I would recommend your course to anyone looking to head to the backcountry.Thanks so much and hope to see you in the backcountry soon!"
Nick Stiritz, Avalanche 1 course, 1/25/08
LEVEL 1: DECISION MAKING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN
 Join us for an introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, avalanche terrain, decision making, travel techniques, human factors, and companion rescue. These intensive 24 hour courses can be considered "stand alone" courses. They are appropriate for all types of recreationists: skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and mountaineers. Instructor-student ratio is 5:1. At the end of this course you should be able to: plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain; recognize avalanche terrain; describe a framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain; and apply effective companion rescue.
2011 DATES:
Option 1
(Thursday & Friday, 6-9:30 pm in Seattle. Saturday & Sunday at Stevens Pass, 8-5 pm)
Thursday & Friday night lectures at Feathered Friends in Seattle
January 6-9
January 13-16
February 10-13
March 10-13
Cost: $300 (15 student limit)
CUSTOM DATES AVAILABLE- Call for details
Option 2
(Split-Weekend Option - 3 Full Days - a lot can change in a week!) Classroom sessions in Leavenworth and field sessions at Stevens Pass
January 22-23 & 29
Cost: $325 (15 student limit)
Option 3
3-Day Course in Mt Rainier National Park. Classroom sessions in Ashford at the Nisqually Lodge and field sessions above Paradise - Mazama Ridge, Paradise Glacier/Muir Snowfields, and surrounding areas. Tons of touring and terrain options, cozy lodging in Ashford, and 3 full days!
February 18-20
March 4-6
Cost: $325 (lodging not included) (10 student limit)
CUSTOM DATES AVAILABLE- Call for details
Intro to Backcountry Touring Extension: "Putting it All Together." Add a day to your Level 1 Course to hone your trip planning, and work on travel techniques and terrain selection (not available for CPC course students)
Dates (1 day): Custom Dates
Cost: $150 (for L1 course students, min. 3)
Level 1 Course curriculum includes:
- Weather
- Snowpack
- Avalanche phenomenon
- Terrain Selection
- Human factors
- Decision making
- Avalanche danger ratings
- Self-rescue/Companion rescue
- Trip Planning and Preparation
- Travel Techniques
- Bonding Tests/Test Profiles
COST INCLUDES: Student handbook, AIARE field book, all lectures and field instruction.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Transportation to course venues, all personal equipment (ie: beacon, shovel, probe, ski gear, etc.) A detailed equipment list will be sent to all participants.
COURSE ITINERARY:
Please call for details (206) 937-8389
QUALIFICATIONS: Beginner/Intermediate skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding ability required. NOTE: You must have ski touring equipment, a "split" snowboard, or snowshoes to travel on during the course. Please make an effort to familiarize yourself with any equipment new to you. You must attend the entire course in order to qualify for an AIARE Level 1 certificate of completion.
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AIARE AVALANCHE COURSES:
Been traveling in the backcountry with friends and encountered conditions that left you scratching your head? Are you interested in building a better bridge between your base knowledge and a higher level of decision making? This course introduces snow stability analysis, and delves deeper into slab mechanics, snowpack metamorphism, and skier triggering principles. It is appropriate for ski patrollers, guides, and recreationists looking to learn the standards for observing and recording factors that influence snow stability. Student/Instructor Ratio: 5:1 
COST INCLUDES: Student handbook, AIARE field book, and all lectures and field instruction.