AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course – Stanley

Learn the key elements of making sound decisions while traveling in avalanche terrain.

This AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course – Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain course will teach you trip planning and preparation, interpretation of the avalanche bulletin, observational techniques for snowpack, weather, and avalanches, terrain analysis, travel techniques, and decision-making fundamentals. Students will also learn the elements of avalanche rescue and practice using realistic scenarios. This course follows the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) curriculum and is taught by AIARE Qualified Instructors. In addition to the field learning, this course requires 5-7 hours of online learning.

Is this course right for me? This course is targeted for new backcountry skiers and riders who are familiar with their equipment. Participants must have enough backcountry touring experience to feel comfortable moving around in winter backcountry conditions and be able to ski and ride black diamond runs in-bounds at a resort. If you are unfamiliar with your equipment or uncertain about your skiing and riding ability, please consider taking an Intro to Backcountry Course or contact lindsay@sawtoothguides.com with questions. Without these skills it is difficult to absorb the curriculum of a Level 1 Avalanche Course.

Our nationally recognized instructors and unmatched learning environment (i.e. incredible ski terrain!) will provide the best possible education experience during your AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course. This course is based in Stanley. We also offer courses based in Ketchum/Sun Valley and Boise. Let us teach you how to minimize your risk while maximizing your skiing or riding!

Learning Outcomes

PREPARE for backcountry travel by tracking conditions, investigating trip options and practicing rescue during realistic scenarios.
Develop a trip PLAN utilizing the current avalanche advisory.
Apply the RIDE SAFELY checklist to monitor conditions and communicate associated hazard and risk with your group.
Apply the RIDE SAFELY checklist to recognize avalanche terrain and choose terrain that matches the current conditions and skills of the group.
Contribute to a TEAM that travels and decides together, listens to every voice, challenges assumptions and respects any veto.
Routinely instigate and participate in a group DEBRIEF to intentionally develop experience.
Create a plan for continuing development of skills and experience.

Course Schedule

Prior to the course: 5-7 hours of online learning prior to the course

Day 1:

Course Introduction and Outcomes
Introduction to the AIARE Risk Management Framework
PREPARE:
- Track the Season’s Changes
- Investigate Trip Options
- Avalanche Rescue
Field: Avalanche Rescue

Day 2:

PLAN:
- Assemble Your Group
- Anticipate the Hazard
- Plan Your Route
- Discuss Your Emergency Plan
RIDE SAFELY Checklist
Field Ski Tour: Observational Techniques, Snowpack Tests, Avalanche Terrain

Day 3:

Field Ski Tour: Putting It All Together – Practicing the AIARE Framework
Course Wrap Up and Evaluation
Course ends 4:30pm

Details

Difficulty:

Good fitness
Advanced downhill ski skills: Ability to regularly ski black diamond runs at a ski resort
5 days of previous backcountry skiing experience or completion of either of SMG’s Sun Valley Intro To Backcountry or Bogus Basin Intro To Backcountry courses.
Proficiency using backcountry skiing equipment (skins, bindings, boots, etc…i.e. the course will not be your first time using your gear in the backcountry)

Duration: 3 days/24 hours

Meeting Time: 8am

Meeting Location: Classroom sessions will be at our Stanley office. Field sessions will be held at a combination of locations on Galena Pass and Banner Summit.

What We Provide:

Highly trained, professional, and fun AIARE avalanche instructors
AIARE Level 1 Course Manual and Field Notebook
Avalanche rescue equipment if needed

What You Need:

Alpine touring, telemark, or split-board equipment. Our curriculum is designed around skiing and riding so we cannot accommodate snowshoes in this course.
Backcountry skiing clothing and equipment
Be sure to read our Preparing For Your Avalanche Course page
Review the full equipment list
Food and lodging for Stanley courses
- In Stanley, we recommend the Stanley Town Square or Lower Stanley Cabins and Motel

Why take your avalanche course from Sawtooth Mountain Guides?

Experience. We began teaching avalanche courses nearly 30 years ago!
Instructors. Our instructors are highly-trained and nationally-recognized avalanche professionals with years of guiding, ski patrolling, and avalanche forecasting experience.
AIARE Curriculum. AIARE courses are developed by a nation-wide collaboration of avalanche experts and are professionally reviewed.
Unmatched Venue. Courses based in Stanley or Ketchum/Sun Valley benefit from contrasting snow climates within a short distance from classroom locations.
Fun: Avalanche education doesn’t need to be dry and boring. Our friendly and engaging instructors will keep things interesting, and our world-class terrain is sure to provide some exciting skiing and riding!

Dates & Rates

Dates:

January 4-6, 2025
January 11-13, 2025
January 20-22, 2025
February 17-19, 2025
March 1-3, 2025

Ratio: 5:1

Stanley: $635/person

This can be taught as a Private Course. From a recreational perspective, we’ve found that taking a course with your regular touring partners can be more effective and fun. Your group will come away from a course speaking a common language, having practiced similar skills, and ready to use a shared risk management process.

TRIP ADVISOR Reviews for this trip

John G

Professional guides with unparalleled knowledge of Idaho's south-central backcountry. I would recommend, without reservation, any of their services and backcountry educational programs to anyone interested in exploring Idaho.

Casey L

We had an awesome 3 day Level 1 course with Erik learning avalanche safety/rescue & backcountry/touring skills. Thorough & fun, I can't imagine a better introduction to the backcountry with the most knowledgeable guides in the area. For those looking to get out of the resort this is a real treat

esmash9

Really enjoyed spending time with this crew for my AIARE level one class. They were thorough and also fun! Would definitely recommend and am grateful they helped me feel more confident in the backcountry!

skhollister7

My wife and I took this class to learn more about avalanche safety so that we could expand and improve our backcountry skiing experience. Our objectives were to learn more about how to avoid dangerous avalanche terrain and how to best rescue someone in the event of an unfortunate circumstance. Lastly, we wanted to have some fun. Our experience with Sawtooth Mountain Guides exceeded our expectations in each. The guides were fabulous, extremely knowledgeable and fun to be around. It was a fantastic experience! I would highly recommend this course with Sawtooth Mountain Guides!

camerontwilliams

I just completed the Level 1 AIARE course this weekend. The guides that instructed the course included Sara Lundy, Matt Scrivner and Drew Daly. All three were extremely knowledgeable, courteous and professional. I will be recommending SMG's courses to all of my friends and colleagues interested in exploring the back country further. Definitely going to be signing up for Level 2 next year and the rescue course.

Christa G.

Great instruction from Sara, Matt, Drew & Tarah! Taking this class opens your eyes to the dangers of backcountry travel but also teaches you how to make smart decisions and how to get yourself out of danger if an avalanche does occur! Overall excellent course! These guys are the experts and do the best job!

BenKuhl

A few friends and I took the AIARE Avy I overnight hut course, based out of the Williams Peak hut. Overall it was a stellar experience. Sara, Drew, and Skylar (our guides and cook) cultivated a great environment for learning and fun through the field learning and their approach to teaching. We came away with a very memorable experience and the necessary knowledge and confidence to explore avalanche terrain safely. I highly recommend this course for those interested in recreating in the backcountry.

6chasem

Great vibes from Erik and Matt! You will learn far more than you seek! Course is exceptional and it will prepare you for heading out into the backcountry during the winter.

Jeremy L

Took a AIARE Avalanche Level 1 & Level 2 from the Sawtooth Mountain Guides - Great instructors, welcoming classroom setting, incredible views, and motivating to purse more education in the avalanche world. Learned a ton of information in a fun but very professional manner. These Guys rock! Highly recommend taking courses from them if you are in need!

Tim F

Basic avalanche class with Sawtooth Mountain Guides. Three day class that was awesome. Chris,Sara and Drew are guides where both knowledgeable in classroom and on the Mountain. The mix of classroom and mountain time was correct. This is a must take class for those going into the the mountains and back country. GOOD!

Jill Z

I took my AIARE Level 1 course with SMG and couldn't have been more impressed! Chris, Sarah, and Matt were professional, welcoming, and true subject matter experts. I honestly didn't want the course to end, wanted to keep learning!! Will be back for more refreshers and my Level 2 in the future for sure. I will definitely be referring friends to them.

gillandy89

My wife and I took a AIARE Level I course from SMG in January. The course took place at the Williams Peak hut. The level of knowledge and experience the guides had was impressive and made the course. As ex outdoor guides ourselves, it was great to see how well the guides all meshed together and were able to accommodate to each of the varying personalities of the group. The amount of information that was packed in to the 3 day course was extremely impressive. They have made the course information concise and presented in a manner that keeps your attention. My wife and I feel we have learned invaluable information to keep us safer in the backcountry. Additionally, the meals at the Williams Peak Yurt were all amazing and the hut itself was impressive. The yurt felt like home after the first day. Sarah, Mark, Drew, and Skyler were rock stars.

Sean S

Very knowledgeable staff that was fun and approachable. Course content is sobering, as it should be, but by the end Drew, Chris, and Matt had empowered us to feel much safer about travel and play in the back country. I would recommend this course to anyone in the back country and my wife and I plan to take the level two course very soon.

Jeff S

All the people at SMG should great professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm throughout the class. I would recommend anyone who wants to spend more time in the backcountry take this class or hire SMG as guides.

Craig R

I have nothing but great things to say about all three instructors that I was fortunate enough to meet and learn from. Genuine, salt of the earth kind of people that were able to educate me on a human level with sincerity. I feel that these instructors take great pride in what they do and it showed throughout the coarse, additionally they were extremely respectful and patient to all of the students who varied in skill and understanding.

When you are learning from people that "live" in the heart of some of the most dangerous and magnificent mountains and terrain in the United States you really get the sense that you are learning from top level professionals and it showed.

I will be recommending this course and set of instructors to everyone I meet that may be interested in furthering their backcountry education or experience.

I look forward to taking more courses from Sawtooth Mountain Guides and running into their awesome staff in the future.

amabowe

Such a fantastic weekend away in the Sawtooth with Sara, Chris, Drew, and Mike. The course was very thorough and I walked away achieving my objective for the weekend: to feel more confident identifying and assessing the dangers of avalanche terrain. It was so great to have such a sincere and passionate group of instructors sharing their knowledge with us. Mike is a fantastic chef and photographer! I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in learning about avalanche safety/getting out in the great mountains around us!

Evan R

Extremely knowledgeable instructors/guides. The combination of classroom and field work was perfect. We even got some blue bird powder turns in. Highly recommend!

lesliegg1

I took both my level I and level II aiare classes with SMG and I think they are the best! They are very dedicated and enthusiastic. I highly recommend SMG for a course or an excursion.

troutbum655

The Sawtooth Mountain Guides put on a very professional and educational class. The instructors have a lot of experience and truly care that the class is both informative and fun. If you are looking to further your avalanche education do not hesitate to take classes from the Sawtooth Mountain Guides.

LJC_141

Even though we didn't think we were going to have great snow, our guides worked with us to find the best snow in the area. Very professional, well done, with excellent planning. During no time during the course did I feel like I was in danger at all, or even that the instructors were misguiding me. Excellent company!

YakAttack55

Absolutely wonderful course. They really kept everything moving the whole weekend. Provided quality information in a timely manner. I was always engaged in the experience. Lots of hands-on practice and fieldwork with just enough classroom information to keep you warm and well informed.

Shaw A

Just all around greatness! I took the 3 day course at Stanley, and I had a blast. I learned a lot and the guides were all great, fun, knowledgeable people. I would highly recommend this class. The guides were all very friendly people and it was truly an enjoyable time.

K_Wirth

I took a 3 day course with the Sawtooth Mountain Guides and it was first class. Even if you don't want to take a course, the return on your investment from spending the day in the mountains with an expert is life-changing. Summer or winter, take the time to do something out of your comfort zone using these awesome guides as your motivation. It will be worth every penny and will pay you back for years as you remember your adventures.

Thomas H

The Sawtooth Mountain Guides did a fabulous job teaching our group in an Avy 1 class. I was really impressed that they were able to connect with each member of a group that included a wide range of prior experience. Also, they went above and beyond in accommodating the needs of our group as we set the class up. Beautiful mountains and powder skiing didn't hurt either. Here's hoping we can get a hut trip in sometime soon.

Max M

I took an AIARE Avalanche 1 course with SMG, and it was excellent. The curriculum was well planned, the instructors were very knowledgeable, the material was helpful, and the skiing was awesome.

SMG was very flexible, working with us to accommodate our travel plans and meeting us a few towns over for part of the course. I had a great experience with them, and would certainly recommend them to anyone else looking for a course in the area.

And if you're still deciding on a trip destination, know that the Sawtooth Mountains are amazing. Every bit as stunning as the Tetons, with far fewer people.

Sailing_Expedition

Super course in a STUNNING location. I've been good friends with Erik Leidecker for may years, and to witness the awesome accumulated knowledge of over 2 decades worth of active exploring in the mountains was a real treat. The guides were totally professional, food was great, course was a flood of awesome, important information. Can't imagine it could be any better.

Ryan P

Erik, Drew and Matt did a great job of presenting the Avy Level 1 material in an easy to follow way. The especially did a good job highlighting the stuff that will do the most to keep you alive. And the area was unbeatable!

David S

SMG never disappoints. Chris, Sara, Erik, Kirk and the whole team are amazing outdoor professionals and provide an amazing product. I've completed a Williams Peak Yurt trip, AIARE Level I and AIARE Level II with them and each experience exceeded my expectations. They are professional, knowledgable and downright fun to be around. I'd highly recommend them for your next Sawtooth or Central Idaho adventure.

darrosan

Chris, Sara & the entire SMG crew are consummate pros and deliver the goods even when the goods are scarce. I've been on multiple hut trips to the Williams peak hut and now done the Level 1 course, and all the SMG experiences were bucket list worthy, for anyone. Whenever one of the Sawtooth crew is involved, the experience gets both safer and more fun - that's not usually the case!

Get to the hut, hire these guides, take a course in the snow, dirt or rock. You're life will improve because of it.

Annie M

This was an awesome experience! I can't say enough positive things. Williams Peak Hut is a gem in the middle of the Sawtooths. The guides (Sara, Chris and Kirk) had incredible knowledge and experience. I learned so much about avoiding avalanches, rescue techniques and even received tips on my downhill skiing! I can't imagine going into the backcountry without having taken this course. The guides made everyone feel comfortable asking any questions. The food was fantastic as well. All in all an amazing weekend.

IdahoSkiGirl

We took an Avy Level 1 Course from SMG and had great instructors - Sara and Chris Lundy along with Tanner (the awesome intern!). They cooked great meals, provided excellent instruction and put together a perfect weekend of learning in the backcountry. We will definitely be returning to the Williams Peak Hut next year and hiring the Lundys as our guides!

The weekend started on Friday morning with a few hours of classroom instruction at the Stanley Ranger Station. We then put our skins on our skis and hiked into the hut (about 5.5-6 miles and less than a 2000' elevation gain)... there are two huts with bunk beds (some beds even fold out to be double beds for any couples) and GORGEOUS Sawtooth Mountain scenery! Each night included some lectures/discussions and the days were spent in the field - practicing rescues, making observations, and using good communication to help mitigate the human factor of avalanche danger. Overall, I would highly recommend this course from SMG to anyone who spends time in the backcountry!

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