Level 1 Avalanche Safety Course and More!

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 is a Professional Member of the American Avalanche Association, 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? Use the “Book Now” button below, or 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 online content and field work. The online content is conducted 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 with one evening in a live virtual classroom to review the online content, answer any questions that have come up, 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.

Equipment & Gear Requirements

What We Provide:

  • Premium Safety Gear: Use of state-of-the-art avalanche transceivers, probes, and shovels is fully included in your course tuition. (You are welcome to bring your own if you already own them).

What You Need to Bring:

  • Snow Travel Setup: A dedicated method for traveling over snow (skis with skins, splitboard with skins, or snowshoes).
  • Alpine Clothing: Technical layers designed to keep you comfortable outdoors in variable winter conditions.
  • Personal Essentials: Daily trail lunches, high-energy snacks, water, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses.

A comprehensive, itemized equipment checklist will be automatically emailed to you upon course registration.

Physical Fitness Demands

Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable maintaining an active pace in variable mountain environments. You will spend the day moving through winter terrain while:

  • Carrying a daypack loaded with your personal layers, food, water, and safety gear.
  • Using winter flotation (skis/skins, splitboard/skins, or snowshoes) on uneven, snow-covered slopes.
  • Managing changing weather conditions and fluctuating temperatures typical of high-altitude environments.

Cost

$650

Dates

December 12-13, 2026
January 2-3, 2027
January 16-17, 2027
January 30-31, 2027
February 6-7, 2027
February 13-14, 2027
February 20-21, 2027
March 6-7, 2027
March 27-28, 2027
April 10-11, 2027

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.

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.