Avalanche

Snowshoeing

Ski Touring

AIARE Level 1

Avalanche class

The AIARE Level 1 course is a 24-hour 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. Instructional sessions are 30% classroom and 70% field work. This is the leading introductory course for Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain. Students can expect to learn how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip in avalanche terrain, understand basic decision making in the field, recognize avalanche types and issues and learn companion rescue techniques to find and rescue a buried person. Participants must be comfortable spending significant time in cold conditions. Snowshoes and avalanche equipment can be provided by the Outdoor Program as needed for no additional charge.

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.

Prerequisites:

  • You must be a CU Boulder Rec Center member to register ​
  • Participants must have the ability to travel in winter conditions on uneven terrain.
  • Participants must be able to carry a 20lb pack
  • Previous skiing or snowboarding experience highly recommended (can complete course on snow shoes if needed). 

Spring 2021 Schedule

Course 1

  • Classroom Session: Wednesday, January 20, 5 to 9 p.m. on zoom
  • Dates: Saturday, January 23 and 24, 2021
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Estes Park/ Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Transportation not provided by CU Outdoor Program
  • Fee: $450

Registration deadline: January 18 at 8 p.m.

Register

Course 2

  • Classroom Session: Wednesday, February 3, 5 to 9 p.m. via zoom
  • Dates: Saturday, February 6 and 7, 2021
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Estes Park/ Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Transportation not provided by CU Outdoor Program
  • Fee: $450

Registration deadline: February 1 at 8 p.m.

Register

Course 3

  • Classroom Session: Friday, March 3, 5 to 9 p.m. on zoom
  • Dates: Saturday, March 6 and 7, 2021
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Estes Park/ Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Transportation not provided by CU Outdoor Program
  • Fee: $450 

Registration deadline: March 1 at 8 p.m.

Register

AIARE Awareness and Companion Rescue

AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day stand-alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while return participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course. AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking an Avalanche Rescue Course and receiving a rescue card at least every other year.

At the end of the Avalanche Rescue course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe what to do if they or a member of their party is caught in an avalanche
  • Identify and be able to use gear necessary for avalanche rescue.
  • Set up a realistic scenario in order to practice an avalanche rescue response.
  • Improve their response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers.
  • Develop a plan for continued practice

Prerequisites:

  • You must be a CU Boulder Rec Center member to register ​
  • Participants must have the ability to travel in winter conditions on uneven terrain.
  • Participants must be able to carry a 20lb pack
  • Previous skiing or snowboarding experience highly recommended (can complete course on snow shoes if needed). 

Registration opens February 1

2021 Course Schedule

Course 2

  • Date: Saturday, February 20, 2021
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Transportation not provided by CU Outdoor Program
  • Fee: $135

Registration deadline: February 10 at 8 p.m.

Register

Snowshoeing

Group snowshoeing past a yurt

Hit the winter trails with us and explore Rocky Mountain National Park  during the winter on snowshoes! You will learn how to utilize snowshoes to navigate winter trails and learn some basic navigational skills. Participants must be able to carry a 20 lb pack while hiking up to 5 miles over variable terrain consisting of ice and snow. Snow shoes, snow boots, gloves, waterproof jackets and pants can be provided Outdoor Program as needed for no additional charge.

Registration opens February 1

Intro to Ski Touring

Students skiing in a single file line

This course is designed for first-time backcountry skiers/riders and students who may need a refresher. Learn basic touring and navigation techniques while traveling shorter distances and getting 1 to 2 runs in on slopes less than 30 degrees.

This is not an avalanche education course, but those skills will be utilized during the tour. Participants must have at least one previous experience backcountry skiing and be able to ski hard blues at a ski area. Ski equipment is not provided, please bring your own. 

Registration opens February 1

Intermediate Ski Touring

This course is designed for students who have been out on several tours in the past and need to refresh their skills or are looking to get out and tour after taking an avalanche course. Tour up to 5 miles and ski slopes less than 30 degrees while fine-tuning your touring and navigational skills.

This is not an avalanche education course, but those skills will be utilized during the tour. Participants must have at least one previous experience backcountry skiing and be able to ski hard blues at a ski area. Ski equipment is not provided, please bring your own. 

Registration opens February 1