Rec L1 Hut-Based Avalanche Course

  • AE/AAG has partnered up with the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association to offer the Recreational Level I Avalanche Courses in the ideal backcountry learning environment. These two-night, three-day courses enable all participants to experience backcountry conditions within the Hut system by using the backcountry huts as a base for the course and fieldwork. The course includes a loaner kit of Beacon, Shovel, and Probe, course registration fees, field and course handbooks, hut fees for Friday and Saturday nights. Participants are responsible for their own food for the duration of the course although group meals are encouraged and should be coordinated by the participants.


    The 
    Recreational Level I Course is a 3 day / 24 credit hour introduction to managing avalanche hazards and terrain. 

    The course will:

    • Provide a basic understanding of avalanches.

    • Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain.

    • Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing "answers."

    • Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.

    Students can expect:

    • To develop a good understanding of how to prepare for and carry out a trip.

    • To understand basic decision making while in the field such as terrain and route options.

    • To learn techniques required to rescue a buried person with beacon, shovel, and probe

  • Location: Meet at Aspen Expeditions' backcountry center at Aspen Highlands.

    Maximum Guide Ratio: 6:1

    Fitness Level: All courses are designed for the groups physical ability and needs.

    Includes: AIARE instructor/AMGA trained/certified ski guide, use of avalanche beacon, shovel, probe & ski pack, AIARE dues, AIARE field book, 3% USFS land use surcharge

    Not included: Personal skiing equipment (Alpine Touring (AT) ski, or snowboard equipment (available for rent at 50% discount), single ride lift tickets $41 - (often the instructors use Aspen Mountain to gain access to higher elevation snow which would require a lift ticket for a one time gondola ride), lunch/snack food.

    Avalanche Course participants will receive the following discounts: 50% discount on AT demo ski equipment and 10% off avalanche gear through Cripple Creek Backcountry.

  • Weekend course;

    • Day 1 - 8:30 am: Meet in Leadville, CO
    • Day 2 - Field Day at the hut
    • Day 3 - Field Day at the hut
    • BACKCOUNTRY SKIING EQUIPMENT LIST

      SKI EQUIPMENT

      The following items are provided for your day tour:

      • Day-tour backpack: (airbag available)
      • Avalanche Transceiver
      • Probe
      • Avy shovel: metal blade is a must

      CLOTHING

      • Socks: Wool or synthetic ski socks
      • Base layers: Synthetic, wool or silk bottom, underwear and top
      • Mid Layer: Synthetic or wool zip shirt
      • Hard Shell or Softshell pants: A pair with side vents are best.
      • Insulated vest or jacket: down or synthetic.

      OTHER ITEMS

      • Water bottle
      • Small thermos: (Optional)
      • Sunscreen and lip balm: water/sweat-proof
      • Headlamp
      • Toiletries, Personal first-aid kit: for your personal meds/needs
      • Camera or Smartphone
      • Lunch/Snack food
    • Prep

      Aspen Expeditions' will provide you with a pack w/probe, shovel & avalanche beacon if your don't have your own gear. If you need alpine touring ski equipment (AT skis, skins, boots) we can arrange to set you up at Aspen Highlands shop or the night before between 3:00-5:00 pm.

      Participants will travel through the winter backcountry for field days on skis, splitboard with skins, or snowshoes. Come dressed appropriately with warm layers for moderate physical exertion in cool and wintry weather.

      THE FIRST STEP

      It is suggested that you maintain a good level of physical fitness. Maintain and build heart and lung endurance with cardiovascular activities such as swimming, cycling, running and hiking. Hike up hill, up stairs or do squats to prepare your legs for mountain travel.

      THE NEXT STEP

      Follow an avalanche course with a day of lift-served and/or backcountry ski ski day, a backcountry ski tour, a backcountry ski camp, hut trip or international ski trip.

    • POLICIES

      Booking/Cancellation policy:

      AE requires a full credit card or cash/check payment to hold your reservation. If you choose to cancel within 7 days of a scheduled trip, you will be charged full price. Within 7-14 days of your trip, we would be happy to work out a date to reschedule. If you choose to cancel 2 weeks or more (3 weeks or more for multi-day trips of 5+ people) prior to your scheduled trip, you will receive a full refund. If your guide decides that weather makes your scheduled trip a no-go, we will work with you to reschedule, give you a credit, or refund your trip. Travel Guard insurance is available via our website homepage.

      Risk Management

      Please note: AEW's number one priority is your safety. Many conditions affect our guides' decisions in the mountains, including client fitness and comfort, weather conditions and route conditions. There are inherent hazards in mountain travel such as inclement weather, avalanches, rock fall, ice fall that our guides manage yet cannot eliminate. The combination of our guides' formal training and wealth of experience assures that their sound decision create an enjoyable and safe mountain experience. Aspen Expeditions reserves the right to turn around or change routes without refunds or credits under any conditions.




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