Description

Golden Mountain Guides offers AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses in Colorado. Our AIARE 1 courses are offered in a hybrid format to make it an easy introduction to managing and mitigating avalanche hazards through a repeatable process. Students can expect to develop and practice the skills and decision-making process to conduct a backcountry trip and learn how to locate and rescue a buried avalanche victim.

Explore the enchanting and dynamic world of winter backcountry landscapes while equipping yourself with essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in avalanche terrain. Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is your gateway to understanding the fundamental principles of avalanche safety, risk assessment, and rescue techniques.

We offer a hybrid course format, which includes 2 days in the field and 1 evening Zoom call during the week of the course.

Following the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) curriculum, this comprehensive course provides a solid foundation for beginners and those looking to refresh their avalanche education. Over the hybrid course, you’ll delve into topics such as snowpack analysis, weather assessment, terrain evaluation, and human factors, all of which are critical in avoiding avalanche hazards.

Our experienced and certified instructors will guide you through hands-on field exercises and virtual learning sessions, offering a well-rounded learning experience. You’ll learn to use avalanche transceivers, shovels, and probes, practice companion rescue techniques, and develop the skills necessary to navigate avalanche-prone terrain safely.

Upon successful completion of the AIARE 1 Avalanche Course, you’ll gain the confidence to venture into winter wilderness areas while making sound decisions to minimize avalanche risks. This course is suitable for winter enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge of avalanche safety. Join us for an engaging and informative journey into the world of avalanche education. Your safety and the safety of others in the backcountry start here.

Dates/Price
Course Dates Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Course DatesDecember 13-14, 2025 (Full) Price$619 LocationHybrid - I70 Corridor and Online Course Length2 days + online Difficulty Rating3/10
Course DatesOnline Dates- Dec 2nd, 6-8pm and Dec 11th, 6-7pm Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Course DatesDecember 27-28, 2025 (6 spots left) Price$619 LocationHybrid - I70 Corridor and Online Course Length2 days + online Difficulty Rating3/10
Course DatesOnline Dates-Dec 16th, 6-8pm and Dec 23rd 6-7pm Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Course DatesJanuary 10-11, 2026 Price$619 LocationHybrid - I70 Corridor and Online Course Length2 days + online Difficulty Rating3/10
Course DatesOnline Dates-Dec 30th, 6-8pm and Jan 8th, 6-7pm Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Course DatesJanuary 24-25, 2026 Price$619 LocationHybrid - Estes Park and Online Course Length2 days + online Difficulty Rating3/10
Course DatesOnline Dates-Jan 13th, 6-8pm and Jan 22nd 6-7pm Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Course DatesFebruary 7-8, 2026 Price$619 LocationHybrid - Estes Park and Online Course Length2 days + online Difficulty Rating3/10
Course DatesOnline Dates-Jan 27th, 6-8pm and Feb 5th, 6-7pm Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Course DatesFebruary 21-22, 2026 Price$619 LocationHybrid - Estes Park and Online Course Length2 days + online Difficulty Rating3/10
Course DatesOnline Dates-Feb 10th, 6-8pm and Feb 19th, 6-7pm Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Course DatesMarch 14-15, 2026 Price$619 LocationHybrid - Estes Park and Online Course Length2 days + online Difficulty Rating3/10
Course DatesOnline Dates-Mar 3rd, 6-8pm and Mar 12th, 6-7pm Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Course DatesApril 4-5, 2026 Price$619 LocationHybrid - Estes Park and Online Course Length2 days + online Difficulty Rating3/10
Course DatesOnline Dates-Mar 24th, 6-8pm and Apr 2nd, 6-7pm Price Location Course Length Difficulty Rating
Highlights
  • Learn from a pro! Our guides/instructors have undergone rigorous training and certification to be able to teach you
  • Hands-on experience in a fun and relaxed learning environment
  • Day 1 in the classroom, Day 2+3 in the field
  • Learn how to use your avalanche rescue gear and simulate live rescues
  • Tons of practice!
Price Includes

Includes:

  • A professionally trained and/or certified AMGA/IFMGA guide or instructor
  • Any needed avalanche rescue gear
  • Professional guiding and instruction throughout the entire day
  • Resources to further your ski touring/winter mountaineering journey

Excludes:

  • Transportation. You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from a designated meeting area
  • Gratuity
  • Personal items such as food, clothing, backpack, etc.
  • Entrance fees and parking fees (where necessary)
Topics Covered
  • How to develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain
  • How to identify avalanche terrain
  • How to effectively use the AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting
  • Companion rescue
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