Avalanche Courses
Your most important backcountry skill will always be education. Let the Vail Valley’s original guiding service educate you on how to safely navigate the hazards of the winter snowpack with AIARE Avalanche Courses
We offer two courses:
AIARE Level 1 & AIARE Companion Rescue
Why Paragon Guides?
- Legacy – We have been guiding in the Vail Valley since 1978.
- Lodging – Take advantage of our discounted rates at the Riverwalk Inn and Suites located within a 10 minute walk from our office.
- Gear – Beacon, shovel, and probe will be provided at no extra cost!
- Skis – Go lightweight and experience our Dynafit, Black Crows, or Blizzard ski touring demo fleet at 15% off our daily rate!
- Venues – We utilize Vail Pass and Meadow Mountain during our field days
- Classroom – We provide free coffee and tea to keep you focused. We also have a fridge.
AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course
This 3-day, 24 hour course is a staple for any backcountry recreationalist. It combines classroom and field time to provide the student with a hands-on introduction to avalanche hazard management. This certification never expires and is based on the only domestic curriculum that has met the international standard for the mountain guiding community.
What You Learn:
Decision-making through proper planning and observation- Terrain recognition and travel techniques
- Companion rescue including beacon use
- Snowpit introduction and analysis
- AIARE Level 1 Course Information
AIARE Companion Rescue Course
This 1-day, stand-alone course is designed to keep backcountry recreationalist abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. This course has no prerequisites and can be taken at any time. It is perfect for anyone who needs to freshen up their rescue skills, looking to take the Level 2, or the beginner who isn’t quite ready for the Level 1.
What You Learn:
- Current best practices in avalanche rescue
- Develop a “muscle memory” of rescue technique that improves your response time
- Multi-burial rescue practice
- AIARE Rescue Course Information
Avalanche Course Schedule - 2019/2020
Both our AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue course offerings are listed below. All courses have a 12 student capacity.| Dates | Course and Description | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 27, 2019, Wednesday | AIARE Avalanche Rescue | $170 | CLOSED |
| Nov 29, 30, Dec 1, 2019, Fri/Sat/Sun | AIARE Level 1 | $485 | CLOSED |
| Dec 19, 2019, Thursday | AIARE Avalanche Rescue | $170 | CLOSED |
| Dec 20, 21, 22, 2019, Fri/Sat/Sun | Glide Project: AIARE Level 1 for students ages 15 - 18 | $400* Scholarships available | CLOSED |
| Dec 27, 28, 29, 2019, Fri/Sat/Sun | AIARE Level 1 | $485 | CLOSED |
| Jan 14, 15, 16, 2020, Tues/Wed/Thurs | AIARE Level 1 | $485 | CLOSED |
| Jan 18, 2020, Saturday | AIARE Avalanche Rescue | $170 | CLOSED |
| Jan 20, 2020, Monday | GLIDE Project AIARE Rescue: Teens only | $155 | CLOSED |
| Feb 1, 2, 3, 2020, Sat/Sun/Mon | AIARE Level 1 | $485 | CLOSED |
| Feb 15, 16, 17, 2020, Sat/Sun/Mon | AIARE Level 1 | $485 | CLOSED |
| Mar 6, 7, 8, 2020, Fri/Sat/Sun | AIARE Level 1 | $485 | 1 space left |
We are excited to support THE GLIDE PROJECT. For more info or to donate to youth avalanche education contact us.
Tags: aiare level 1, avalanche education, backcountry skiing, paragon guides
