The AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Safety Course is the foundation for safer, more confident backcountry travel. The course teaches participants how to recognize avalanche hazards, understand and apply the daily avalanche forecast, and choose appropriate terrain based on current conditions. Students develop practical skills in avalanche hazard recognition, terrain selection, route planning, safe travel techniques, and effective group communication and decision-making. Field-based instruction gives participants the opportunity to apply these skills in real backcountry terrain while learning how to make thoughtful decisions as conditions change throughout the day. Every student also leaves the course proficient in essential avalanche companion rescue skills, including efficient use of an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.

Washington Alpine Guides' avalanche courses are taught by owner and IFMGA Mountain Guide Ian Nicholson, who brings more than 20 years of avalanche education and professional backcountry experience to every course. Ian has taught more than 170 avalanche courses, spent five seasons working for the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) as a professional observer and forecaster, and currently works with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) as both an AIARE Pro Instructor and AIARE Instructor Trainer. His teaching emphasizes practical skills, terrain-based decision-making, and lessons drawn from thousands of days traveling, skiing, climbing, and guiding in avalanche terrain.

For friends and families who travel in the backcountry together, Washington Alpine Guides also offers Custom Family AIARE Level 1 courses designed specifically for parents and teens ages 12–17. As parents ourselves, we understand the challenge of keeping middle school- and high school-aged students engaged. These courses incorporate hands-on learning, interactive scenarios, and age-appropriate games to break up more technical topics. The result is a fun and effective learning environment where the entire family develops a common language for discussing avalanche hazards, terrain, and backcountry decision-making.

Contact us to schedule a private family AIARE Level 1 course and start building the skills to enjoy winter adventures together.

ZOOM Sessions 2026/2027: Tuesday Nights from 6:30-9:00, then on Fri Night 6:30-7:30

• Lecture/ZOOM Sessions Topics Include: Snowpack, Avalanche Phenomenon, Terrain Analysis, Stability Evaluation, Avalanche Hazard Ratings, Human Factors And Risk Assessment, Decision Making.

Field Locations: Snoqualmie Pass 

• 2026:  December 12-13, 19-20

• 2027: January 9-10, 16-17

• 2027 February 13-14

  • Duration: 2 evening lectures and 2 Days

  • Level: Beginner

  • Client Ratio: 6:1

  • Cost:   

    • $600