AIARE level 1 Avalanche Course
Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain
This 3 day course covers the fundamentals of avalanche hazard management, avalanche rescue and decision making in avalanche terrain. The Level 1 can be a stand-alone course or can be used to flow into the AIARE Level 2 course. As the first course in a series, the AIARE Level 1 meets requirements for many mountain professional training schemes.
At its core, this Level 1 course is designed to help you build a framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain. We will combine classroom and field sessions to build the tools you need to plan and execute a day in avalanche terrain. This will include utilizing weather and avalanche resources, making field snowpack observations, understanding the pitfalls of human decision making patterns, and implementing route and terrain selection options. This course is a must for all skiers, snowboarders, alpinists and anyone spending time in avalanche terrain.
Course Curriculum
Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena
• Types and characteristics of avalanches
• Avalanche motion
• Size classification
• The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering
• Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment and selection
Observations and Information Gathering
• Avalanche Danger Scale/avalanche bulletins
• Field observation techniques
• Red flags
• Observation checklist
• Snowpack and weather history
• Weather forecasts
• Real time remote weather data
• Snow profile (snow pit)
Trip Planning and Preparation
• How to create a route plan for a day in avalanche terrain
• Route finding and navigation preparation
• Use of available resources and checklist
Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain
• Decision making framework (theme of the course)
• Identifying the right questions
• Terrain selection and travel techniques
• Likelihood versus consequence
• Human factors
• Case studies
Companion Rescue
• Visual clues
• Transceiver search
• Probing and digging
• Communication and leadership
• Rescue scenario
AIARE
AIARE avalanche curriculum is a result of collaboration between Canadian, Swiss, and American mountain guides. AIARE sets curriculum standards for avalanche education from recreational to professional levels. The curriculum is always evolving with the changes in the world of avalanche research and education. All AIARE instructors are trained and required to stay current for the level of course they are teaching. More information can be found at www.avtraining.org.
Chamonix Experience is one of two recognized AIARE course providers in Chamonix and in Europe.
(see AIARE web site)
* This course is lead by AIARE qualified IFMGA guide Miles Smart. For more information about Miles please look at our “About us” page.
Course Details
Duration: 3 days
2010 / 2011 Dates:
December, January & February
Exact dates to be confirmed shortly
Group Size: 4-6
Ratio: 1:6
Included: Guide fee, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, group technical equipment, course manual.
Not included: Personal equipment, mountain rescue insurance, lifts, accommodation, food, transports.
Equipment: You should have alpine ski- or snowboard gear, sun glasses and/or goggles, ruck sack, warm clothes, packed lunch and something to drink. You do not need to bring ski touring gear or glacier gear. For further questions please contact our office.
Price: 290€ per person.
For whom: Skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers and snowshoers who wish to increase their knowledge about avalanches . We strongly recommend anybody who spends time in the mountains winter time to do this course.You should be able to comfortably ski or board down any red run to join this course.
