AIARE level 1 Avalanche Course, Chamonix

At its core, this three day course is designed to help you build a framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain. We will combine classroom and field sessions to build the tools you need to plan and execute a day in avalanche terrain.

This will include utilizing weather and avalanche resources, making field snowpack observations, understanding the pitfalls of human decision making patterns, and implementing route and terrain selection options. This course is a must for all skiers, snowboarders, alpinists and anyone spending time in avalanche terrain.

The Level 1 can be a stand-alone course or can be used to flow into the AIARE Level 2 course.As the first course in a series, the AIARE Level 1 meets requirements for many mountain professional training schemes.

Course Curriculum:

Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

• Types and characteristics of avalanches

• Avalanche motion

• Size classification

• The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

• Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment and selection

Observations and Information Gathering

• Avalanche Danger Scale/avalanche bulletins

• Field observation techniques

• Red flags

• Observation checklist

• Snowpack and weather history

• Weather forecasts

• Real time remote weather data

• Snow profile (snow pit)

Trip Planning and Preparation

• How to create a route plan for a day in avalanche terrain

• Route finding and navigation preparation

• Use of available resources and checklist

Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain

• Decision making framework (theme of the course)

• Identifying the right questions

• Terrain selection and travel techniques

• Likelihood versus consequence

• Human factors

• Case studies

Companion Rescue

• Visual clues

• Transceiver search

• Probing and digging

• Communication and leadership

• Rescue scenario

AIARE avalanche curriculum is a result of collaboration between Canadian, Swiss, and American mountain guides. AIARE sets curriculum standards for avalanche education from recreational to professional levels. The curriculum is always evolving with the changes in the world of avalanche research and education. All AIARE instructors are trained and required to stay current for the level of course they are teaching. More information can be found at www.avtraining.org

This course is lead by AIARE qualified IFMGA guide Miles Smart

Course Details:

Duration: 3 days

2009 / 2010 Dates:

December 19 - 21

January 08 - 10

February 07 – 09

Group Size: 4-6

Ratio: 1:8

Included: Guide fee, avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, group technical equipment, course manual

Not included: Personal equipment, mountain rescue insurance, lifts, accommodation, food, transports.

Price: 270€ per person

For whom: Skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers and snowshoers who wish to increase their knowledge about avalanches . We strongly recommend anybody who spends time in the mountains winter time to do this course.You should be able to comfortably ski or board down any red run to join this course.

Founded in 2001 by Russell Brice, the Chamonix Experience team has expanded to include Martina, Elizabeth and Anne in the office and 20-25 fully qualified IFMGA mountain guides working for us on a regular basis. All mountain lovers, we have skied, climbed and hiked many of the routes around the area and spend our lunch hours and days off exploring more in the Mont Blanc range and the rest of the world!

You find our office at the Alpcenter in Argentiere. During the winter and summer seasons we are open seven days a week to assist you with any last minute bookings or changes. In between seasons we are more or less open Monday to Friday during normal office hours.