Avalanche

Ski Touring

Know before you go Avalanche Awareness Course

This one hour awareness course will provide insight to the destructive power of avalanches, help you to understand when and why they happen, and provide information on how you can have fun in the mountains and avoid avalanches. This course is a great way to get ready for the backcountry season by learning some tips and tools to stay safe and options for continuing your training and education.

  • Date: Tuesday, November 11
  • Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Location: Zoom
  • Registration deadline: October 29 at 8 p.m.
  • Fee: Free

Register

AIARE Level 1

The AIARE Level 1 course is an introduction to avalanche hazard management. This course consists of an online learning module, an evening class at the Rec Center and 2 days in the field at Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Instructional sessions are 30% classwork and 70% fieldwork.

Students can expect to learn how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip in avalanche terrain, 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. If needed, the Outdoor Program can provide snowshoes and avalanche equipment for no additional charge. Transportation is not provided by CU Outdoor Program.

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 2022 Schedule

Session I

  • Zoom Session: Wednesday, January 12, 6 to 10 p.m. 
  • Dates: Saturday to Sunday, January 15 to 16, 2022
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Registration deadline: January 5 at 8 p.m.
  • Fee: $475

​Session II

  • Zoom Session: Wednesday, February 9, 6 to 10 p.m. 
  • Dates: Saturday to Sunday, February 12 to 13, 2022
  • Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Registration deadline: February 2 at 8 p.m.
  • Fee: $475

      ​Session III

      • Zoom Session: Wednesday, March 2, 6 to 10 p.m. 
      • Dates: Saturday to Sunday, March 5 to 6, 2022
      • Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
      • Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
      • Registration deadline: February 23 at 8 p.m.
      • Fee: $475

        *Registration opens December 1, 2021.

        AIARE Companion Rescue Course

        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). 

        2021 Course Schedule

        • Date: Saturday, December 4, 2021
        • Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
        • Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
        • Registration Deadline: November 29 at 8 p.m.
        • Fee: $155

        Register

        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. 

        No fall offerings.

        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. 

        No fall offerings.