What to Expect in an Avalanche Rescue Course: Build the Skills That Save Lives

If you spend any time in the winter backcountry, Avalanche Rescue is one of the most essential skills you can develop. It’s also a skill that you should regularly refresh. Whether you're preparing to take AIARE 2 or just want to feel more prepared with your touring partners, the Avalanche Rescue course gives you the tools and practice to act effectively if the worst happens.

In this guide, we’ll break down what the Avalanche Rescue course covers, how the day is structured, what skills you’ll leave with, and how to prepare.

🆘 What Is the Avalanche Rescue Course?

Avalanche Rescue is a one-day, skills-based course focused entirely on companion rescue. It’s required for anyone taking AIARE 2, but it’s valuable for every skier, rider, or climber who travels in avalanche terrain, regardless of experience level.

The course is updated frequently as best practices evolve and is recommended every 2–3 years as a refresher. Even seasoned backcountry travelers benefit from revisiting and sharpening their rescue technique.

📅 Course Format: What Your Day Looks Like

Morning: Rescue Systems & Search Practice

• Overview of avalanche rescue principles

• Beacon check and gear familiarization

• Single burial beacon search

• Time benchmarks and efficiency drills

Midday: Probing and Shoveling Strategies

• Strategic probing techniques

• Shoveling methods to minimize time and effort

• Digging with partners and organizing roles

Afternoon: Scenario-Based Rescue Practice

• Small group practice rescues with real-time coaching from instructor

• Managing scene leadership and group dynamics

• Communication under stress

• Debrief and individual feedback

🧠 What You’ll Learn During Your AIARE Rescue Course

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Conduct a fast and effective beacon search

• Use strategic probing and shoveling techniques

• Lead or assist in a companion rescue scenario

• Recognize common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Evaluate your own rescue skills and know how to practice going forward

This isn’t just about knowing what to do, it’s about being able to do it quickly, under pressure, and with a team.

👥 Who Should Take This Course?

• Anyone traveling in avalanche terrain

• AIARE 1 graduates looking to hone their rescue skills for total backcountry confidence

• Skiers, splitboarders, climbers, snowmobilers, and snowshoers (All Blackbird Rescue courses are Ski/Splitboard-based)

• Students preparing for AIARE 2 (Completing AIARE Rescue is a pre-requisite)

Already taken Avalanche Rescue? If it’s been more than 2–3 years, or you haven’t practiced in a while, it’s time for a refresher.

🛠️ What You’ll Need for the Course

• Touring setup (AT skis or splitboard, skins, boots, poles)

• Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe

• Suitable layers for touring (Base, Midlayer, Shell)

• Backpack (30L+) with dedicated pocket for fast access to probe and shovel

• Goggles & helmet

• Food, water, thermos (optional), and extra gloves

If you require gear rentals, you can rent an Avalanche Kit (Backpack, Beacon, Shovel, Probe) from Blackbird, and touring equipment from local gear Shop Partners.

🎯 Pro Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Rescue Course

• Practice with your beacon beforehand, know how to switch modes

• Arrive early with your gear packed and tested

• Pay attention to fine motor tasks, shoveling speed and efficiency often matters more than search time

• Ask for coaching and feedback during rescue practice scenarios

• Take notes so you can practice later

🔁 Why Refresh Every Few Years?

Like CPR or first aid, Avalanche Rescue is a skill that fades over time. Even if you remember the steps, hesitation or inefficiency can cost valuable seconds. Regular practice builds confidence, speed, and calm under pressure.

We recommend retaking the Avalanche Rescue course every 2–3 seasons—especially if you haven’t practiced your skills recently.

📌 Final Thoughts

Avalanche Rescue is more than another checkbox on your education path, it’s the safety net for everything else you do in the backcountry. Whether you're a new tourer or a seasoned leader, this one-day course delivers high-impact skills that every rider should have dialed.

Want to dive deeper into the full avalanche education pathway? Explore the AIARE course progression.

Ready to sharpen your rescue skills? Find an Avalanche Rescue course near you:

• AIARE Rescue in Tahoe (Lift-Assisted) <-- What does Lift-Assisted mean?

• AIARE Rescue in Mammoth Lakes

• AIARE Rescue in Washington (Snoqualmie Pass & Mt Baker)

• AIARE Rescue in Oregon (Mt Hood)