AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety Course: Front Range Zone (Loveland Pass or Berthoud Pass)

Learn to safely travel in avalanche terrain with our 3-Day AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course in the Front Range Zone. This course combines online learning, classroom instruction in Dumont, and two full days in the field at Loveland Pass or Berthoud Pass. Led by AIARE-certified instructors, you will gain the skills and knowledge to recognize, manage, and reduce avalanche risk while traveling in Colorado’s complex mountain snowpack. Students also have access to complimentary Ortovox avalanche gear, including beacon, shovel, probe, and pack. The course covers equipment use, snowpack and weather interpretation, route planning, terrain management, hazard recognition, and companion rescue techniques.

The course begins with e-learning and review of the student manual about one month before the classroom session. Day One focuses on presentations, hands-on activities, and instructor-led trip planning. Day Two and Day Three are spent in the field practicing companion rescue, field observations, and student-led tours, with course wrap-up on the final day. Trips are limited to a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio to ensure individualized attention. All participants must be at least 16 years old and able to travel on snow using skis, splitboard, or snowshoes. Clothing, lodging, backcountry equipment, food, and transportation to the meeting point are not included, but rentals are available for avalanche gear and alpine touring equipment. Colorado Adventure Guides provides expert instruction across Summit, Eagle, Clear Creek, and Grand Counties, ensuring students learn in safe, appropriate terrain with experienced guides.