• Person snowboarding in deep snow with Japan Hokkaido
  • Lead guide and Founder of Guided Exposure shows a group of AIARE 1 students snow grains on a crystal card, during a snow pit lesson in the Mount Baker Backcountry.
  • AIARE 1 students get feedback on their snow profile from the Lead Guide at Guided Exposure. Mount Shuksan stand tall in the background on a stunning day in the Mount Baker Backcountry.
  • AIARE 1 participants make snowpack observations and identify layers in the snowpack.
  • AIARE 1 students practice digging while performing an avalanche rescue.
  • Splitboarders get a feeling for people while using avalanche probes at a SPlitboard AIARE 1 course at Mount Baker.
  • AIARE 1 students get experience traveling through terrain in the Mount Baker Backcountry.
  • Snowboarding in the Mount Baler backcountry is a beautiful experience. A snowboarder rides in the sunshine with Mount Baker in the background.
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AIARE 1 Mount Baker

$700.00 USD
$700.00 USD

Course Highlight

Now Offering 2 Options for AIARE 1 Courses at Snoqualmie Pass & Mount Baker!

2-Day AIARE 1 Course – Mt. Baker & Snoqualmie

This accelerated 2-day course is designed for backcountry travelers seeking foundational avalanche knowledge and rescue skills 2 field days in a weekend format. The course combines self-paced online learning, a pre-field Zoom session, and two intensive field days.

3-Day AIARE 1 Course – Mt. Baker

A comprehensive 3-day AIARE 1 course designed for those who want a more in-depth, hands-on approach. This version reduces the Zoom video session in favor of additional field time.

The AIARE 1 is for ANYONE, regardless of method of travel, who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Our AIARE 1 surpasses national standards by offering either 3 full days of in person instruction at our classroom in Glacier Washington with 3 field days in the mountains at Mount Baker, or a 2 field days supported with our virtual video sessions.

Our AIARE courses include self paced online learning modules provided by the award winning American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) with a 2 hour review with our pro AIARE Instructors. That's up to 25% more time in the North Cascade Mountains with professional mentorship than almost every course out there. That means less time sitting inside suffering from power point fatigue talking about it and more time out there doing it!  

Course Overview

  • Travel Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan for safe travel and avoid avalanche terrain.

  • Terrain Identification: Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche-prone areas.

  • Risk Management: Utilize the AIARE Risk Management Framework to make informed terrain choices within a group.

  • Companion Rescue: Execute effective companion rescue techniques.

Students can expect an introduction to avalanche hazard management, 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 up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).

  • Expert Instruction: Learn from our professional AIARE instructors who bring extensive backcountry ski experience and in depth personal local knowledge.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Benefit from a well-rounded program that combines online learning with 3 days of hands-on field time.
  • Indoor Classroom Location: Our classroom in Glacier Washington is a short 30 min drive from Mount Baker and provides indoor information gathering.
  • 2 or 3 Full Field Days at Mount Baker: Enjoy up to 25% more field time than typical courses, allowing for deeper understanding and skill application.

 

Itinerary

Day 0: Self-Guided Online Learning with a 2-hour virtual check-in.

Day 1: In-person classroom session in Glacier & Field Day at Heather Meadows

Day 2: Brief in-person classroom session in Glacier & Field Day at Heather Meadows

Day 3: Brief in-person classroom session in Glacier & Field Day at Heather Meadows

Join us for an unforgettable experience and gain the skills you need to explore avalanche terrain safely. Register now and take the first step towards becoming a knowledgeable and confident backcountry traveler.

Our custom crafted AIARE course provides several online learning resources for self paced work leading up to our in person sessions. We will have a 2 hour virtual session in the week before our course. Our specially crafted courses give you up to 25% more field time with our pro instructors in the North Cascade Mountains in Washington.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the AIARE 1 Mount Baker avalanche course?

The AIARE 1 Mount Baker course includes self-paced online learning, a 2-hour virtual check-in or review session, in-person instruction, and field days in the Mount Baker backcountry. The course focuses on avalanche terrain recognition, travel planning, risk management, and companion rescue skills.

Do I need previous avalanche training before taking AIARE 1 at Mount Baker?

No previous avalanche course is required. AIARE 1 is designed as an introductory avalanche education course for skiers, splitboarders, snowboarders, snowshoers, climbers, and other backcountry travelers who want to make better decisions in or near avalanche terrain.

Where does the Mount Baker AIARE 1 course take place?

Classroom sessions are based in Glacier, Washington, a short drive from Mount Baker. Field sessions typically take place around Heather Meadows and the Mount Baker backcountry, where students practice terrain assessment, observations, group decision-making, and rescue skills in real snow conditions.

What is the difference between the 2-day and 3-day AIARE 1 options?

The 2-day AIARE 1 option is an accelerated format with online learning, a virtual session, and two field days. The 3-day Mount Baker option adds more in-person field time for students who want a deeper, hands-on learning experience with professional instructors.

What gear do I need for an AIARE 1 avalanche course?

Students should arrive prepared for winter backcountry travel with appropriate touring equipment and avalanche rescue gear, including a beacon, shovel, and probe. You will also need clothing, food, water, and personal items suitable for full field days in mountain weather.

 

Cancellation

It is your responsibility to be familiar with our Payment, Cancellation, and Rescheduling Policies. When you book a trip with Guided Exposure, you are agreeing to our policies outlined here:

guidedexposure.com/pages/cancellation-policy