AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche Course in Mammoth
During your AIARE 1 + Rescue course, we'll cover the following topics and skills:
AIARE 1 Course Curriculum
- Mountain Snowpack
- Mountain Weather
- The Avalanche Problems
- Trip Planning
- Snow and Weather Observations
- Terrain Choice
- Human Factors and Assembling your Team
- Trailhead Departure Check
- Route Finding
- Track Setting
- Descent Choices
- What to do if you're caught in an avalanche
- What to do if your partner is caught in an avalanche
- How to use your beacon, shovel and probe
- Rescue equipment technology
- Rescue techniques for companion and small team rescue
- How terrain affects an avalanche rescue and how to use terrain to your advantage
- Visual search, transceiver search and spot probing
- Strategies for using your gear effectively
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. Of the remaining 16 hours, eight is typically devoted to planning and executing a ski tour and 4 hours 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 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 normal 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!).
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?
Why choose an AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche course in Mammoth?
-
Mammoth is an ideal location for an AIARE 1 course due to its diverse terrain, deep snowpack, and dynamic weather conditions. With open bowls, steep chutes, and tree-lined glades, participants experience a range of real-world avalanche scenarios.
Mammoth’s reliable snowfall creates a layered snowpack, perfect for learning snow stability assessment and wind slab identification. The area’s high elevation and varied slope aspects provide valuable insights into how sun exposure and temperature changes impact avalanche risk. Combined with expert local guides, Mammoth offers a comprehensive environment for backcountry avalanche education.
Why choose Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche course?:
-
Whether it's for our expert, AIARE-certified instructors, flexible online learning options, or practical 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.
*Early season courses (Nov 24-Dec 9) are snowfall and conditions dependent. We will let students know 10-14 days ahead of their course date if there is a chance it will not run. If are unable to run the course, students can reschedule to a later date at no cost. Keep in mind however, that courses fill up fast, and we may not be able to reschedule you until later in the season!
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 either the Friday after the first Field Day (for weekend courses) or Monday after the first Field Day (for weekday courses)
- Field Day 1 - AIARE Rescue - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:00-3:30pm end time.
- Field Day 2 - AIARE 1 - 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
- Field Day 3 - AIARE 1 - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:30-4:00pm end time. Course venue will be determined after Field Day 2, 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.
- Ski/Split Touring & Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
- Inyo 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
Eastern Sierra Backcountry Skiing Gear List
- Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird
- Ski Touring Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Mammoth Mountaineering
Know Before you go
Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.
Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.
Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.
Day 1: Avalanche Rescue
8:00 am Meet your guide at The Trailhead. Open with introductions, gear-up and tour into the rescue zone. We’ll begin with covering gear and fundamental skills before moving into an instructor rescue demo and participant-led scenarios.
3:00-3:30 pm We'll wind down the program to tour to the trailhead and debrief the major learning lessons of the day.
7:00-9:00 pm Webinar to cover AIARE 1 Avalanche Course content. We may choose to do this section in person depending on where participants are staying for the evening, weather and other factors that will be worked out with the team.
Day 2: AIARE 1: Observations & Snowpack Tests
8:00 am Meet your guide and review the plan for the day. The day will center around observations, assessment of weather and snowpack, and evaluating and moving through or near avalanche terrain.
3:30pm We will close the day with a margin of daylight remaining when we hit the trailhead. Safely back at the cars, we’ll review the day and debrief the decisions we made. Debriefs are very helpful for building useful experience quickly!
Day 3: AIARE 1: Backcountry Tour
8:00 am Meet your guide at the trailhead, ready with weather and avalanche hazard forecasts. We’ll review the plan for the day, including a discussion of the day’s avalanche problem, the proposed route up and options for the ascent and descent. The guide will facilitate a Trailhead Departure Check/Beacon Check.
8:30 am We’ll begin the tour, making decisions based on our trip plan, weather forecast and the avalanche advisory for the day. Along the way, we’ll make snowpack and weather observations and open discussions on where we should go and how we should travel. Your guide will provide insights and foster sound decision making as the group navigates the challenges of the terrain, snowpack and weather.
3:30 pm We will once again close the program with a margin of daylight remaining when we hit the trailhead and we’ll debrief the day. Once we’ve covered the decisions and outcomes of the day, we’ll close the course with thoughts on the best ways to move forward with your backcountry progression!
During your AIARE 1 + Rescue course, we'll cover the following topics and skills:
AIARE 1 Course Curriculum
- Mountain Snowpack
- Mountain Weather
- The Avalanche Problems
- Trip Planning
- Snow and Weather Observations
- Terrain Choice
- Human Factors and Assembling your Team
- Trailhead Departure Check
- Route Finding
- Track Setting
- Descent Choices
- What to do if you're caught in an avalanche
- What to do if your partner is caught in an avalanche
- How to use your beacon, shovel and probe
- Rescue equipment technology
- Rescue techniques for companion and small team rescue
- How terrain affects an avalanche rescue and how to use terrain to your advantage
- Visual search, transceiver search and spot probing
- Strategies for using your gear effectively
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. Of the remaining 16 hours, eight is typically devoted to planning and executing a ski tour and 4 hours 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 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 normal 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!).
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?
Why choose an AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche course in Mammoth?
-
Mammoth is an ideal location for an AIARE 1 course due to its diverse terrain, deep snowpack, and dynamic weather conditions. With open bowls, steep chutes, and tree-lined glades, participants experience a range of real-world avalanche scenarios.
Mammoth’s reliable snowfall creates a layered snowpack, perfect for learning snow stability assessment and wind slab identification. The area’s high elevation and varied slope aspects provide valuable insights into how sun exposure and temperature changes impact avalanche risk. Combined with expert local guides, Mammoth offers a comprehensive environment for backcountry avalanche education.
Why choose Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE 1 + Rescue Avalanche course?:
-
Whether it's for our expert, AIARE-certified instructors, flexible online learning options, or practical 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.
*Early season courses (Nov 24-Dec 9) are snowfall and conditions dependent. We will let students know 10-14 days ahead of their course date if there is a chance it will not run. If are unable to run the course, students can reschedule to a later date at no cost. Keep in mind however, that courses fill up fast, and we may not be able to reschedule you until later in the season!
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 either the Friday after the first Field Day (for weekend courses) or Monday after the first Field Day (for weekday courses)
- Field Day 1 - AIARE Rescue - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:00-3:30pm end time.
- Field Day 2 - AIARE 1 - 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
- Field Day 3 - AIARE 1 - 8:00am meetup with your guide at the trailhead, 3:30-4:00pm end time. Course venue will be determined after Field Day 2, 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.
- Ski/Split Touring & Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Here's what's included with your course:
- Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
- Inyo 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
Eastern Sierra Backcountry Skiing Gear List
- Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird
- Ski Touring Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Mammoth Mountaineering
Epic Reviews From Adventurers
- Rated 5 out of 5 starsSuper informative and made me feel a lot safer!
I did the avy rescue course + AIARE 1 last week. Zeb was the instructor for the first day where we focused on avalanche rescue specifics. It was super informative and made me feel a lot safer about venturing into the backcountry. Zeb was really easy to listen to and learn from. The 2nd day was out in the field with John, who was an amazing instructor. He was super patient with us and extremely knowledgeable. We've gone out and done two expeditions since finishing the course last week, and I could not be more grateful for what we learned and the experience we had with Zeb and John.
Nick C. - Rated 5 out of 5 starsHighly recommend the AIARE 1 + rescue class!
Couldn’t be happier with my experience with Blackbird Mountain Guides. Had a great weekend of learning and adventure. Highly recommend the AIARE 1 + rescue class. Andrew was an excellent teacher and guide.
Jamison L. - Rated 5 out of 5 starsAbsolutely Critical Backcountry Learning Experience
I have spent decades venturing into the backcountry, but always with a professional guide. I felt like I had a lot of hands-on knowledge, but taking the AIARE 1 avalanche course from Blackbird Mountain Guides made me realize how much more I still have to learn. Our instructor, Even Haines, was so knowledgable and open for questions that I truly learned an immense amount of information about navigating the backcountry safely. I highly recommend this course to every backcountry enthusiast, beginner to advanced. I now have some many more tools in my backcountry toolbox to help me be a better informed participant in the backcountry. Thank you
Steve T.Verified Buyer - Rated 5 out of 5 starsOnline and field portions of the program were highly educational. Terrific experience!
I completed my AIARE 1 plus Rescue course with Blackbird in early 2022. Zeb was an awesome guide/instructor - very professional and also a great guy. The program covered a lot of info over three days. Both the online and field portions of the program were highly educational. Thanks for a terrific experience!!!
Sean M.
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