Golden Mountain Guides offers comprehensive avalanche education and training courses across Colorado. Our avalanche courses are designed to equip you with the proper tools, decision making framework, and educational background to confidently explore avalanche terrain. Our Colorado avalanche education courses and avalanche training are tailored for adventurers seeking the skills and knowledge to safely navigate the backcountry during the winter and spring months.

Join us for action-packed avalanche training that combines virtual and classroom sessions with extensive field instruction, The framework taught in our Colorado avalanche courses provides a solid foundation in avalanche awareness and backcountry travel skills.

Avalanche Education Courses & Training

Avalanche level one course in Colorado

AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course

Offered in both hybrid and field settings, gain foundational knowledge in avalanche terrain navigation, snowpack assessment, and safe decision-making with our field and hybrid learning models. Learn to apply public safety bulletins and backcountry checklists for safer backcountry travel.

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

Be prepared for emergencies with our Avalanche Rescue course. Learn critical skills in search techniques, beacon use, and rescue strategies to effectively respond in avalanche situations.

A student in an avalanche education course digging after a probe strike
Multiple avalanches observed during an avalanche education course in Colorado

AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course

Advance your avalanche education with AIARE 2. Designed for backcountry users who have completed AIARE Level 1 and Avalanche Rescue, this course delves into snow science, avalanche dynamics, and complex terrain management for longer tours.

AIARE Level 1 for Ice Climbers

Equip yourself with vital avalanche safety knowledge tailored for ice climbers. Learn terrain assessment, snowpack analysis, and rescue techniques to stay safe while ice climbing in the backcountry.

ice-climber-in-an-AIARE-course-for-ice-climbers
snow-shoeing-in-colorado-avalanche-awarness

AIARE Level 1 for Snowshoers

Stay safe in the winter backcountry with this specialized avalanche course. Learn essential avalanche safety skills, terrain assessment, and rescue techniques tailored for snowshoeing adventures.

Avalanche Rescue and Wilderness First Aid

This specialized three-day course focuses on the unique medical and safety challenges associated with avalanche rescue. Learn how to assess and respond to injuries resulting from avalanches, apply first aid techniques, and manage risk in avalanche-prone environments. This course counts as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) recertification.

AIARE Avalanche Courses in Colorado

Why take an AIARE Avalanche Education Course?

It’s one thing to know the facts. It’s another to be able to implement a plan and make quick decisions when the stakes are high. Golden Mountain Guides AIARE courses are designed to do more than relay information. Instead, the AIARE framework gives students the tools they need to actually use that information to make good decisions in the mountains. We at Golden Mountain Guides believe that education is a lifelong journey, and the AIARE curriculum is available to support students from their first to their latest avalanche course.

What makes AIARE courses stand out?

  • AIARE avalanche instructors are trained educators and experienced avalanche professionals. Golden Mountain Guides avalanche professionals excel in delivering education material and creating safe learning environments for all different types of learners.
  • The AIARE framework provides a repeatable process to use every time you venture outside. These courses are designed to leave you feeling confident in your skills by providing more than just facts about snow and avalanches.
  • Time on snow. There’s no substitute for getting on (and in) the snowpack. In addition to classroom and virtual sessions, all courses have a field component offering students a chance to practice their new decision-making skills in a real-world setting.
  • Continuously evolving curriculum. AIARE makes regular curriculum updates as researchers learn more about snow science, the human brain, and education best practices. All curriculum is recognized by the American Avalanche Association (A3).
  • Support throughout your lifelong avalanche education journey. Avalanche education skills are perishable and education is a lifelong journey and Golden Mountain Guides and AIARE are there every step of the way.
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