Avalanche Courses & Winter Activities

Ice picking

Avalanche Courses and Winter Activities Offerings

If you're an outdoor enthusiast in a place with inclement weather like Colorado, it's important to understand how to stay safe in cold weather. Outdoor Pursuits avalanche courses and winter activities will help you be prepared in emergency situations.

Please note: AIARE Level 1 and Companion Rescue will be offered in the spring semester.

Know Before You Go: Avalanche Awareness

Get ready for winter adventures with this engaging avalanche awareness course. You’ll learn how and why avalanches happen, how to recognize warning signs and what to do to stay safe in the mountains. It’s the perfect intro for anyone heading into the backcountry—packed with practical tips, safety tools and next steps for continuing your mountain education.

Date: Nov. 13
Time: 6-7 p.m. and 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Outdoor Pursuits Classroom
Cost: Free
Registration: Aug. 1 through Nov. 13 at 12 p.m.; limited to 30 participants per session

AIARE Companion Rescue

This AIARE course is a one-day course that should be retaken on a regular basis to keep up with best practices for rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skills with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice. This course is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking this course and renewing their rescue card at least every other year. 

At the end of this course participants will be able to:

  • Describe what to do if they or another person is caught in an avalanche
  • Identify and use avalanche rescue gear
  • Set up a realistic scenario to practice avalanche rescue responses
  • Improve their response skills and times
  • Develop a plan for continued practice
  • Participants must be able to travel in winter conditions on uneven terrain while carrying a 20 lb. pack. Previous skiing or snowboarding experience highly recommended (this course can also be completed on snowshoes if needed). Transportation not provided.

Date: Jan. 31
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Hidden Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park
Cost: $135
Registration: Oct. 20 through Jan. 26 at 12 p.m., limited to 12 participants per session

AIARE Level 1

The AIARE Level 1 course is an introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course consists of an online learning module, a 2.5 hour evening classroom session at The Rec and 2 days in the field at Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

At the end of the AIARE 1 course, participants will be able to:

  • Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Recognize avalanche terrain.
  • Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
  • Learn and apply effective companion rescue.

Dates: Jan. 17-18; Feb. 7-8; Feb. 21-22; March 14-15
Time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Hidden Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park
Cost: $535
Registration: Oct. 20 through Jan. 12/Feb. 2/Feb. 16/March 9 at 12 p.m., limited to 12 participants per session