AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course for Climbers

Course Description

This avalanche rescue course is designed specifically for climbers who intend to travel in or below avalanche terrain in small teams without their skis. It will focus on the how the rope affects the rescue process and our vulnerability while climbing technical terrain. Participants are welcome to bring their skis/splitboard, as it is common to still use these tools to approach, but rescue situations will be centered around situations that do not involve the skis/splitboard.

AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day stand alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills.

Each participant will have the opportunity to receive professional coaching on their rescue skills, and will receive a rescue card acknowledging the completion date.

AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking an Avalanche Rescue course and receiving a rescue card at least every other year.

Who Should Take this Course

This version of the AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is a one-day course aimed climbers and alpinists who expect to spend time in or below avalanche terrain specifically as climbers, rather than descensionists.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the Avalanche Rescue course the student should be able to:

• Describe what to do if they or partner is caught in an avalanche.

• Identify and be able to use gear necessary for avalanche rescue.

• Set up a realistic scenario in order to practice an avalanche rescue response.

• Improve their response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers.

• Develop a plan for continuing practice.

All students will have the opportunity to get feedback from an instructor on their rescue skills and timed practice in a realistic scenario.

Students who have previously taken an AIARE 1 or an Avalanche Rescue Course will find value in having a professional help them set up realistic scenarios, practice skills in a realistic setting, receive feedback from an instructor, keep up with current best practices, and have an opportunity to practice advanced rescue skills.

Prerequisites

Students must be able to travel in the snow, and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class. There are no other prerequisites.