Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is a complete introduction to the avalanche phenomenon, terrain, decision making, and rescue.
Expert Instruction You Can Trust
When winter transforms the Sierra Nevada into a breathtaking but potentially dangerous landscape, proper avalanche education becomes essential for anyone venturing into backcountry terrain. Since 1995, Sierra Mountain International (SMI) has been the trusted choice for mountaineers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking comprehensive avalanche safety training.
Our avalanche safety class is led by world-class guides who bring together over 50 years of Sierra mountaineering experience and 100+ global expeditions. Every SMI instructor holds American Avalanche Association Level 1 and 2 certifications, Wilderness First Responder or EMT medical training, and specialized mountain search and rescue qualifications. Students don’t just learn about snow science and rescue techniques—they practice these critical skills in real-world conditions under expert supervision. Our guides’ passion for outdoor education and down-to-earth personalities create a learning environment where complex concepts become accessible and memorable.
Ready to gain the skills and confidence needed for safe backcountry travel? Contact SMI today to enroll in our next avalanche safety course and join the hundreds of adventurers who trust their mountain education to our expert team.
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Overview
Our AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is for those new to travel in avalanche terrain, and is equally suited for those with prior training in need of a refresher and to glean the latest avalanche knowledge.
AIARE 1 Avalanche Course Description
Our AIARE 1 Class is a combined 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in:
- Effective preparation for the winter season
- Planning for and carrying out a backcountry trip
- Sound decision making skills
- Rescue techniques to find and dig up a buried person, if someone in their party is caught in an avalanche.
Learning Outcomes
Students in our AIARE 1 course will learn to:
- Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
- Learn to identify avalanche terrain.
- Use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
- Perform an effective rescue.
Who the AIARE 1 is for
Our AIARE 1 course is for all who plan to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. It is equally appropriate for:
- Skiers
- Snowboarders
- Snowshoers
- Mountaineers
- Ice climbers
- Winter campers
Course Format
This course is a combination of 2-days of field work, and augmented with pre-course online content that you can conduct at your own pace. It normally takes most folks a combined total of 5-7 hours to complete. While students work through the online content we are always available to answer questions and clarify anything that participants need help with. We then follow this up on the Tuesday evening before your course with a live virtual classroom to meet your instructors, review the online content, answer any questions that have come up, introduce digital mapping and relate it to avalanche safety and tour planning, demonstrate how we read and decipher the local avalanche forecast, and discuss the two field sessions.
Prerequisites:
- To be able to travel in snow and be in good physical shape.
- For the online content and virtual classroom sessions you need a computer and a reliable high speed internet connection. In addition to the computer a smartphone is recommended for using some modern digital features in the field.
Cost
$550
2026 Dates
December 13-14, 2025
December 20-21, 2025
January 10-11, 2026
January 17-18, 2026
January 31 – February 1, 2026
February 7-8, 2026
February 28 – March 1, 2026
March 14-15, 2026
March 28-29, 2026
April 11-12, 2026
SMI conducts courses for clubs, search and rescue, and all outdoor groups allowing you to customize your dates. Contact our office to arrange a course on dates of your choice.
Photos
AIARE 1 photo gallery
AIARE 1 photo gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
How does SMI’s avalanche safety course differ from other programs available?
SMI’s course stands out because our instructors bring real-world expedition experience from all seven continents directly into the classroom and field. Unlike programs taught by instructors with limited high-altitude experience, our guides have navigated avalanche terrain in diverse mountain ranges worldwide, from the Sierra Nevada to the Himalayas.
What should I bring to the field sessions, and how physically demanding is the course?
Students should come prepared with appropriate winter clothing layers, including waterproof outer shells, insulated layers, and warm accessories like gloves and hats. We recommend bringing your own avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel if you have them, though equipment can be provided for those who need it.
Can I take this course if I’m primarily a rock climber or summer hiker with limited winter experience?
Absolutely—our course is specifically designed to accommodate participants with varying winter experience levels, from complete beginners to those seeking refresher training. Many successful students come from summer climbing or hiking backgrounds and find that their existing outdoor skills translate well to winter environments.
