AIARE Avalanche 1 Course at Tailgate Alaska

We are working with American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education guide Mark Kelly to put on an Avalnche 1 course during Tailgate Alaska. We need to determine interest in this before we commit to having the classes. Mark came to Tailgate last season and gave beacon tests - offering free heli runs to anyone who can find 3 transceivers in 10 minutes.

AIARE Level 1: Skills You Need to Survive

A powerful introduction to avalanche awareness and skills

Learn how to travel in and around avalanche terrain. Gain insight into decision-making strategies, develop crucial planning and travel techniques, comprehensive rescue skills, and learn about the human factors involved in avalanches. This action-packed 24 hour, 3-day course is a combination of classroom and field instruction. We will try to plan the classes around weather, so you do not lose any AK bluebird.
10 things you’ll learn about traveling in avalanche terrain:

* Types of avalanches and their characteristics
* How avalanches form and release
* Primary start-zone factors
* Identifying avalanche terrain
* Ways to spot and avoid common trigger points
* Trip planning, preparation, and navigation
* Travel techniques
* Group decision-making skills
* Avalanche rescue techniques
* Weather, terrain, and snowpack considerations

You’ll also learn how avalanche beacons work, how to dig and analyze a snow pit, how to use the Decision Making Checklist, and many other critical backcountry tools.

Tailgate Alaska Avy1 will cost $300 (a discount from their regular rates) and includes the AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course Handbook and avy rental gear (beacon,probe, and shovel). Course participation is limited to 30 students per course, so be sure to reserve your spot well in advance.

Please leave a comment or email us for more info