Sharpen your rescue skills and build confidence in the mountains - Master companion rescue with our AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course.
Season
Winter
Skill Level
Beginner
Duration
1 day
Group Size
12 participants
Mastering companion rescue is essential for anyone venturing into avalanche terrain. This AIARE Avalanche Rescue course, designed for both new and experienced backcountry travelers, provides the tools you need. New participants will learn the basics of using avalanche safety gear, search techniques, and efficient digging. Returning participants will refine their skills with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice, all under the guidance of AMGA certified guides. Earning your rescue card signifies your ability to perform these maneuvers confidently in a critical situation. This course is not only crucial for backcountry safety but also a prerequisite for AIARE's more advanced programs. Invest in your safety and the safety of your companions.
Max Lurie - Owner of Alpine to the Max
Max Lurie is an American Mountain Guides Association certified Rock and Alpine Guide, as well as an accomplished alpinist. Max has been climbing since 2004 and traveling to the greater ranges in pursuit of his passion.
As an independently certified climbing guide based in Boulder, CO, Max provides custom education and mountain experiences in the Colorado Front Range and beyond. All of the climbing instruction offered through Alpine to the Max is customized to your goals, objectives, and skill level.
This comprehensive and hands-on avalanche companion rescue course is designed to equip backcountry enthusiasts with the essential skills and knowledge to respond effectively in the critical moments following an avalanche incident. Participants will gain an understanding of avalanche rescue principles, triage, and the practical techniques required to locate, extricate, and provide initial care to buried companions. Spend a day running through field exercises, and realistic scenarios, this course emphasizes the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and swift action in avalanche rescue situations.
Course Objectives:
Course Content:
Anyone who recreates in avalanche terrain should take this course. This includes backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, climbers, and hikers. You owe it to your backcountry partners to have the skills and knowledge to get them out of an avalanche should one occur.
No prior experience is necessary to take this course. However, taking the AIARE Level One course is strongly recommended in conjunction with the AIARE Companion Rescue course.
You'll need appropriate winter clothing, avalanche rescue gear (transceiver, probe, shovel), a backpack, and food/water. We can provide rental gear if needed, at no additional cost. Skis or a splitboard are preferred modes of travel in the backcountry, but snowshoes are also acceptable.
This course focuses on what to do after an avalanche occurs, if someone gets caught and carried. The AIARE Level One course focuses on preventing that from happening in the first place. Both are necessary skills before traveling independently in avalanche terrain.
Upon completion, there is no official certificate other than the knowledge and skills you gain from this course.
Alpine to the Max is an independent certified guide with more than a decade of experience in a wide variety of terrain. No matter your current skill level, when you climb with us you get a top-notch experience that is fully customized to meet your exact desires.