AIARE Level 1 - Avalanche Training
DECISION MAKING IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN
The AIARE 1 is an introduction to avalanche hazard management. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig out a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).
This is a women specific AIARE level 1 course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
The AIARE 1 is an introduction to avalanche hazard management. Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig out a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).
This is a women specific AIARE level 1 course. We always welcome femme, transgender and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a femme-centered space.
Location
Monarch Pass/Salida, CO
Date & Time
Online: Jan. 8th // Field days: Jan. 10th & 11th 2026
$645
What will you learn?
· How to develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
· Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
· Effectively use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
· Demonstrate effective companion rescue.
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be able to ski/ride blues and blacks ungroomed terrain confidently on the resort. You must be able to efficiently travel on snow on your backcountry equipment. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
Need to get to know your backcountry equipment before your AIARE course? Sign up for an Intro to Backcountry course first!
· Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
· Effectively use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
· Demonstrate effective companion rescue.
Open to both skiers and splitboarders. You should be able to ski/ride blues and blacks ungroomed terrain confidently on the resort. You must be able to efficiently travel on snow on your backcountry equipment. You need to have proper backcountry safety equipment including TRANSCEIVER, SHOVEL, PROBE, BACKPACK.
Need to rent safety equipment? It will be available to rent through us in registration. Additional $50.
Need to get to know your backcountry equipment before your AIARE course? Sign up for an Intro to Backcountry course first!
Schedule
· Pre-course learning - receive this immediately when you register. (If you register before October 31st you'll get it on November. 1 via email) Give yourself plenty of time to get through all the information and be ready to jump into your course!
· 1 night online learning - 5pm-8pm
· 2 days in the field in different locations in the Monarch Pass area - arrive early morning in town for a morning discussion on weather and mapping before meeting at the trailhead and spend the day outside
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay either on the Salida/ Poncha side of the pass that way you have easy access to our field day locations.
· 1 night online learning - 5pm-8pm
· 2 days in the field in different locations in the Monarch Pass area - arrive early morning in town for a morning discussion on weather and mapping before meeting at the trailhead and spend the day outside
Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay either on the Salida/ Poncha side of the pass that way you have easy access to our field day locations.
We respectfully acknowledge that this event is located on the traditional lands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people. We honor their enduring connection to this land, their history, and their culture. As we enjoy the beauty and resources of this region, we recognize the past and present contributions of the Ute people, and we commit to fostering respect and understanding for Indigenous communities.
Meet your instructors!
Professional, certified & experienced VNTRbirds instructors.
Janine Prout
AIARE COURSE LEAD · AIARE PRO LEVEL 2 · EMT · WFR
Janine Prout is a champion for women in the outdoor industry with a rich background in winter backcountry travel, including ski patrolling, snow cat guiding, snowmobile guiding, and non-mechanized adventures across the Western U.S. and Canada, especially in Central Colorado. She’s a fan of powder, recycled powder, and corn conditions, and she also loves mountain biking, bikepacking, and watersports.
Emma Wood
AIARE PRO LEVEL 1 · AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATOR · WFR
Emma, who grew up on the coast of Maine, has spent the last eight years guiding and teaching outdoor education across Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. A certified AIARE Instructor with a WFR, she leads rock climbing and backcountry skiing courses for NOLS and the High Mountain Institute. Passionate about inclusivity in the backcountry, Emma also enjoys sewing outdoor gear and cooking for friends when she's not exploring the mountains.
Grace Fowler
AAI PRO LEVEL 1 · AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATOR · EMT · WFR INSTRUCTOR · SAS Pro AVSAR · AMGA SPI
Grace Fowler spends her winter months immersed in the snow as a ski patroller at Breckenridge Ski Patrol. When not in ski boots, Grace spends her time teaching for Desert Mountain Medicine, worrying about her chickens, and exploring the Rockies with her wife. Grace is passionate about teaching skills that empower people to explore the outdoors safely and confidently.
Why take a course with us?
I highly recommend VNTRbirds if you're looking to gain backcountry knowledge, experience, and confidence with a group of inspiring women. VNTRbirds offers an inclusive, supportive, and enthusiastic environment, making it an exceptional course.
- Trisha
VNTRbirds and Janine were excellent teachers. Despite having no prior backcountry experience, I felt completely safe and enjoyed the process thanks to their enthusiasm and adventurous spirit. I now feel more confident and knowledgeable about traveling in the backcountry, and they provided numerous resources to ensure future success in this exciting sport.
- Katie
The guides for our backcountry basics course were fantastic! They created a welcoming environment and were highly knowledgeable about the terrain, gear, techniques, and safety. I was especially impressed with their expertise in splitboarding. I’ll definitely take another course with them soon.
- Chantel
Need help paying for an AIARE Level 1 course?
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. However, clients may request to transfer to another course or clinic (pending availability) for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack
Apply for our Scholarship!
Important Info:
· Helmets are required for all courses.
· Ages: All are welcome. Participants must be 18+ or accompanied by a parent/guardian.
· Inclusive space: LGBTQ+ welcome • BIPOC welcome • Femme-centered
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.
Please note: Credit card processing fees are collected by the payment processor and cannot be refunded by VNTRbirds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course are non-refundable. However, clients may request to transfer to another course or clinic (pending availability) for a $50 transfer fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the course start time are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
Requirements:
All participants must complete a waiver and medical history form prior to the course.
Proper backcountry equipment and safety gear, including: Avalanche transceiver, Shovel, Probe and Backcountry-specific backpack