Get the avalanche training you need so you can safely adventure in the backcountry.
Are you a skier, snowboarder, climber or snowshoer that travels in avalanche terrain? Avalanche Institute of Research and Education (AIARE) Recreational I is an introductory class with lectures and two field days that covers the phenomenon of avalanche, avalanche terrain, decision making, travel techniques, human factors, and companion rescue. These courses are designed for recreationalists looking to get out and have the necessary tools to make informed decisions about risk factors, and to be able to ask the right questions before heading out. And for those looking to up their game, it meets the requirement for our more advanced backcountry ski tours.
For professionals, such as entry level guides and ski-patrollers looking for essential skills to keep themselves, and others safe in avalanche terrain, this is the place to start before jumping into professional level courses such as the Level 2 course.
At the end of this course you should be able to:
Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain
Recognize avalanche terrain
Describe a framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain
Apply effective companion rescue
Our highly experienced instructors have been trained by the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). They are the best, most highly trained instructors!
Select your date and location (Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, or Mt Rainier) from the options below
Note: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgment.
1
THURSDAY EVENING LECTURE 6 – 9:30pm, Class will be held online via Zoom
- Welcome and Introductions - What is AIARE? - Course objectives, goals, and progression - Introduction to the AIARE Decision Making Framework (DMF) - Case study – small group and class discussion - Avalanche Types and Characteristics - Formation of Layers in the Mountain Snowpack - Avalanche Terrain Intro
2
FRIDAY EVENING LECTURE 6 – 9:30pm, Class will be held online via Zoom
- Avalanche Danger Scale - Observations and Clue Gathering - Observation Checklist - The Human Factor - Planning and Preparation - Avalanche hazard forecast - Information gathering - Trip Plans - Terrain Selection and Travel Techniques
- Group rescue scenario - Snowpack – layering, basic structure - Compression Test and Rutschblock Test - Observation checklist and obvious clues - Quick Tour - In Lodge: Trip Plans and using the DMF
4
SECOND FIELD DAY, SUNDAY Sunday, 8:30am – 5pm
- Full Day Tour - Travel techniques and group management - Terrain selection - Active tests and information gathering - Observation checklist - Using the DMF - Avalanche Course debrief - Question and answer time - Course evaluations
Trip Package Includes
AIARE 1 certification
Professional guiding and instruction
Climbing/backcountry permits
20% off service and 10% off rental at evo Seattle store
The Washington Cascades are part of the greater Cascade Mountain Range, extending from northern California to British Columbia. To offer flexibility and a diverse range of options to clients, Mountain Madness offers courses in several destinations. Closest and most convenient to Seattle is Snoqualmie Pass, while Stevens Pass and Mount Rainier go a bit deeper and farther east into the mountains.
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure packet upon registration. Every year Mountain Madness reviews our lists and assess feedback from our clients and guides for updating these lists, giving you the most complete and up-to-date guidelines. Feel free to call us if you have questions or need help locating any of the items on the list. For a successful trip, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
Prior to departing on your trip, Mountain Madness staff will contact you to discuss the particulars of your course or climb. This typically happens about 10 days out. At this time you can review the equipment you have selected. Before purchasing any equipment, you are welcome to call us and ask for recommendations. We know that selecting the right gear can be a challenge and we are happy to help.
If you are interested in rentals, please feel free to contact the evo Seattle store to inquire about items and availability (your package includes 10% off rentals). Equipment can also be rented directly from Mountain Madness.
Ski / Snowboard & Avalanche Safety Gear
Ski Clothing
Other Important Items
FAQ
FAQ
What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
The deposit due at time of booking is $300. This includes a $75 non-refundable registration fee. Your balance will be due 60 days prior to your course start date. If you book your trip within 60 days of the course start date, full payment will be due.
What COVID-19 policies do you have in place?
Mountain Madness has a detailed COVID-19 Operations Plan which will be shared prior to the trip. All participants must fill out a pre-trip COVID-19 questionnaire/agreement. Classroom lectures will be held via Zoom instead of in person. In the field, a face covering must be worn at times when social distancing cannot be maintained.
Do I need any prior training to participate in this course?
No previous training is required to take this course.
How physically fit do I have to be for this course?
This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
Who are the guides?
Mountain Madness guides are highly experienced instructors that have been trained by the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). They are the best, most highly trained instructors!
Are rentals available?
Yes, rental gear is available and can be rented directly through the evo Seattle store, as well as Mountain Madness. Please inquire for pricing.
What if I need to cancel?
evo will refer to the Mountain Madness cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your trip, please submit your notification in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
More than 60 days from trip departure — $75 fee registration fee.
60 days or less from trip departure – 100% of trip cost
What if I need to change the dates of my trip?
All date changes must be received in writing. There will be a fee of $100 for date changes. Any date change can be difficult and is subject to all additional incurred expenses as assessed by Mountain Madness. Changes will be made at the sole discretion of Mountain Madness and may not be possible. Date changes are for credit only (no refunds) and valid for one year from written change notification.
When and how do I meet up with the group?
You will receive detailed instructions regarding when and how to meet the group from Mountain Madness.
What is the maximum number of guests on the trip?
There is a maximum of 10 guests for this course. The guest:guide ratio is 5:1, with groups of 10 being split into 2 groups due to COVID.
Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
We will accept participants 15 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.
I need accommodations in Seattle. Do you have recommendations?
Yes, there are plenty of options, depending on your preferences. Near Sea-Tac Airport: Cedarbrook Lodge (4-star), Double Tree Hotel Seatac (4-star), Hampton Inn Seatac (3-star), Hilton Garden Inn Seatac (3-star). Near Mountain Madness: Georgetown Inn (2.5 star), The Grove (2-star).
Testimonials
The experience was awesome--great course, both professional and a lot of fun. Appropriate measures for Covid-19 were put in place.
Evan
Trip Guest
I’ve climbed all over the world with MM and couldn’t recommend them higher. Their guides are world class and are knowledgeable, appropriately cautious but eager to get you to the summit, amiable and yet able to challenge you to do things you didn’t think you could! Their front office is easy to communicate with and keeps you up to speed with everything throughout the whole process from pre-climb to post-climb. If you’re thinking about climbing, I would strongly and without reservation recommend mountain madness.
Andrew
Trip Guest
Jake was an awesome guide, super informative. MM was fantastic, had good options for renting gear, easy to work with.