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.

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.
Location
Monarch Pass, CO
​​​​Date & Time
Online: Mar. 6th // Field days: Mar. 8th & 9th 2025
$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!
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 on Monarch Pass - meet early at the trailhead and spend the day outside.

Looking for a place to stay?
We recommend that you stay in Salida or Poncha Springs that way you have easy access to our field day locations.
MEET YOUR 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.

Jess Lewis
LOST WONDER OWNER ·AIARE PRO LEVEL 1 · AIARE AVALANCHE EDUCATOR · WFR
Jess was raised by mountain guides and has been working and playing in mountain ranges across the world her whole life. She has been guiding for more than a decade, both internationally and domestically, and loves connecting people to beautiful and wild landscapes. Jess excels at creating spaces in which people feel equally challenged and supported, and connecting women into an incredible outdoor community of likeminded individuals. Jess is an AIARE Avalanche Instructor, AMGA Apprentice Rock and Alpine Guide.
Why take a course with us?

This is an amazing women owned and run organization, empowering women and nonbinary folks in the outdoors. I learned so much in my Level 1 course, in a supportive environment! Can't wait to be a part of more vntrbirds meet ups, clinics, and courses. I would highly recommend them for avalanche education!
- Mayla

The guides were so welcoming and cultivated such a pressure-free and inclusive learning setting. It was a supportive environment while being a safe-space for leaning, asking questions, and working through obstacles. I learned so much about the actual rescue process for avalanches and feel so much more prepared to head into the backcountry as a confident member of any team!
- Rachel

This course was incredible, you learn so much with a combination of both online and in the field exercises. The guides were incredibly patient with everyone and always engaging the group to ensure a dynamic learning experience. I highly recommend this company for your backcountry avalanche awareness needs!
- Kayla
Need help paying for a AIARE L1 course? Apply for our outdoor scholarship!

HELMETS ARE REQUIRED.

Cancelation policy:
· Notice of cancellation more than 14 days in advance will receive a full refund less a 10% administrative fee.
· Notice of cancellation less than 14 days in advance will receive no refund. Clients may have the option to transfer to another course or clinic with a $50 transfer fee (if available).
There is a processing fee on credit card transactions that is not collected by VNTRbirds. Please note that because this fee is not collected by us, we are unable to refund this fee in the event that a refund is requested.

All participants will be required to fill out a waiver and a medical history form before the event.
• ALL AGES WELCOME*  • LGBTQ+ WELCOME • BIPOC WELCOME •

*Must be 18 & older or accompanied by parent or guardian.

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