Take the one-day, stand-alone AIARE Avalanche Rescue and combine it with a 16-hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course designed for the winter backcountry users. Bridge the gap between your avalanche education and medical response. Having solid rescue skills for avalanche response is crucial, but trauma related injuries account for 1/4 of avalanche related fatalities. Most people don't think about the next step in an avalanche rescue or what to do if there is any other backcountry incident miles from help. This is where your medical training needs to come in. Outside help will likely be hours away. And let's face it, accidents and medical situations in the backcountry can happen even without an avalanche. Do you have the necessary medical training and skills? The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is the first necessary step to learn about wilderness medicine and basic life support skills.

What You’ll Learn:

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• Identifying and using the gear necessary to avalanche rescue
• Efficient use of beacon, shovel, and probe
• Pre-trip gear checks
• What to do if you or a member of your party are caught in an avalanche
• Participate in realistic scenarios to practice your avalanche rescue response
• Advanced topics - Multiple burials, advanced beacon functions, and evacuation considerations
• Developing a plan for continuing practice -Traumatic Injuries Associated With Winter Backcountry Activities
• Winter Environmental Medicine
• Protocols And The ICAR Avalanche Burial Checklist
• Intro To Backcountry Communication Devices
• Winter Specific Litter Building
• Basic Documentation
• Basics Of Calling A Rescue
• Urban Vs Wilderness Medicine
• Intro To Wilderness Recreation Law & Liability
• Basic Wilderness Medicine Guidelines
• Intro To Wilderness Risk Management
• Patient Assessment In Cold Austere Environments
• Basic Life Support
• Red Flag Backcountry Medical Problems
• Wilderness Anaphylaxis Training

2026 Course Dates:

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February 20th - 22nd, 2025

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Trip Package Includes

• AIARE Certified Course Leader and DMM Professional Instructors
• AIARE Certificate of Completion
• Wilderness First Aid Certification
• CPR Certification
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Clothing, gear, goggles, helmet
• Backcountry skis, splitboards with skins, or snowshoes (rent at CAG if needed)
• Lunch, snacks, water
• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
• Instructor gratuity

Area Info

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Summit County Area, Colorado

Summit County is the heart of our operation with access to thousands of acres of ridgelines, slopes, and valleys. Summit County's high altitude makes for great snow conditions all season long and provides a wide variety of backcountry accessibility for all levels of backcountry skiers. We always plan to use a variety of zones to ensure our clients experience the best snow conditions available for the planned course days. With over 3,500 permitted acres in the Dillon and surrounding Ranger Districts, we always have the terrain and conditions needed to meet the learning objectives of the courses we offer.

About Your Guides

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Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts. Our all-season, guided operations include:

• Rock Climbing
• Mountaineering
• Hiking/Peak Accents
• Mountain Biking
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Backcountry Splitboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing
• AIARE Snow Safety

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQ’s

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How Physically Fit Do I Need To Be To Take This Course?

Colorado Adventure Guides’ priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

Do I Need To Be A Good Skier/Snowboarder To Take This Course?

This course can be taken on alpine touring skis or a splitboard. No prior backcountry experience is required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course.

Do You Offer an AIARE Avalanche Rescue as a Private Group Course?

You may book a private group course. Course dates can be requested all season long, weekends or weekdays, subject to availability. If you are interested, please let us know!

Should I Tip My Course Instructor?

Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.