The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course is essential for anyone venturing into the backcountry. Whether you're a skier, or snowboarder, understanding avalanche risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for your safety.

We'll cover the following detailed topics and skills:

• Mountain Snowpack
• Mountain Weather
• The Avalanche Problems
• Trip Planning
• Snow and Weather Observations
• How to Practice Small Team Avalanche Rescue
• Terrain Choice
• Human Factors and Assembling your Team
• Trailhead Departure Check
• Route Finding
• Track Setting
• Descent Choices

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AIARE 1 and AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche courses?

AIARE 1 is a 24 hour program, typically with 8 of those hours devoted to classroom study, or in our case, an online curriculum. Of the remaining 16 hours, 8 are typically devoted to planning and executing a ski tour, 4 are for a snow pit, observations, terrain, decision making, etc (full list below), and 4 hours are for avalanche rescue practice.

Our AIARE 1 + Rescue adds a full day of field work, which not only provides more comprehensive rescue training, but it allows us to cover the rest of critical the AIARE 1 topics in much more depth than a regular AIARE 1 course since none of the 16 hours devoted to AIARE 1 time are used for rescue practice (there is a full day for this built in!).

While an AIARE 1 is a great start to your Avy Education, with an AIARE 1 + Rescue you'll walk away with vastly superior avalanche rescue skills and more firsthand knowledge of terrain, snowpack and observations. For more benefits of the AIARE 1 + Rescue course check our blog post: What's the difference between AIARE 1 and AIARE 1 + Rescue?

What are the differences between taking an AIARE 1 at Mt Baker and an AIARE 1 at Snoqualmie Pass?

Snoqualmie Pass is an excellent AIARE 1 course location due to its accessibility, lower-elevation terrain, and variable snowpack. The area features tree-filled glades and steep slopes, giving students experience with tighter, more confined terrain like tree wells and terrain traps. Snoqualmie also has highly variable snow conditions, including frequent rain-on-snow events, which create crust layers that affect snow stability. Its weather can change rapidly, with mixed precipitation and rain being common at lower elevations, providing an opportunity to learn how to handle rain-affected snow conditions. Just an hour from Seattle, Snoqualmie is ideal for students looking for a more convenient, controlled learning environment while still dealing with complex backcountry conditions.

Mt. Baker offers a more remote and challenging backcountry environment, known for its expansive alpine terrain, steep ridgelines, and large avalanche paths. With some of the heaviest snowfall in North America, Mt. Baker has a deep, complex snowpack that allows students to experience a range of snow conditions, including wind slabs and persistent weak layers. The weather at Baker can be extreme, with frequent storms and high winds creating rapidly changing conditions, perfect for teaching advanced risk assessment in an exposed alpine setting. Located further from urban areas, Mt. Baker provides a more immersive backcountry experience, ideal for those seeking advanced training in rugged, high-consequence terrain.

Why choose Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE 1 course?:

Whether it's for our expert, AIARE-certified instructors, flexible online learning options, or practical, lift-accessed rescue training, there are many reason why students choose us. Our courses focus on real-world skills in varied terrain, making learning more efficient and applicable. Additionally, the combination of high-quality instruction and innovative course formats helps our students retain knowledge and stay prepared for real avalanche scenarios. This makes us a trusted choice for anyone serious about avalanche safety education.

For more info check out our blog post about what makes Blackbird's AIARE courses different.

This program requires at least 3 participants to run.

Here's the schedule for your course:

• 6 Hour Online Course - can be completed any time prior to the pre-field webinar


• 2 Hour Pre-Field Zoom Webinar - 7:00-9:00pm the Thursday before the field days


• Field Day 1 - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:30-4:00pm end time. Course venue will be determined after the pre-field webinar, based on weather and snow conditions


• Field Day 2 - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:30-4:00pm end time. Course venue will be determined after Field Day 1, based on weather and snow conditions

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

• Advanced Resort Riding skills - Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions


• Basic Backcountry Touring Skills - Including familiarity with equipment and avalanche gear


• Basic Fitness - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 3-5 miles and climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.

Here's what's included with your course:

• Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
• Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Permit
• Interactive Online Course with lifetime access
• AIARE Field Book (a $30 value)
• AIARE Certification/Student Fees (a $35 value)
• Group Safety Gear - Snow Science, First Aid Kits
• Wag Bags - for human waste disposal, in compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles

• Ski/Splitboard Gear
• Avalanche Gear
• Transportation
• Meals
• Winter Parking Passes
• Guide Gratuities

Washington Backcountry Skiing Gear List

• Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird

Ski/Split Touring Gear:

• For your AIARE 1 Avalanche Course at Snoqualmie Pass come prepared with your own gear or rent from:
Evo at Snoqualmie Pass
Evo in Seattle

• For your AIARE 1 Avalanche Course at Mt Baker come prepared with your own gear or rent from:
Backcountry Essentials in Bellingham