Lake Tahoe
AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Refresher Course

The AIARE 1 Refresher is a one-day course for backcountry travelers who have previous avalanche education and want to rebuild confidence before the season starts. Review essential concepts online, then spend a day in the field practicing rescue skills, terrain management, and communication strategies with an AIARE Instructor.

The AIARE 1 Refresher course is an opportunity to gain practice leading a backcountry tour in a mentored setting. This one-day, field-based course is geared toward backcountry travelers who have previously taken an AIARE 1 or equivalent course, though it may have been some time ago.

The course provides students with a chance to practice each element of the AIARE Decision-Making Framework as they plan and lead a backcountry tour, practice companion rescue, and make a plan to continue their avalanche education.

If you’re returning to formal avalanche education for the first time in years or setting off on the right foot with a new group of travel partners, this course was created for you.

Book AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Refresher Course
(North Lake Tahoe)

Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking. By completing your booking, you are agreeing to these policies.

  • December 12, 2026

  • December 19, 2026

  • January 9, 2027

  • January 16, 2027

  • February 13, 2027

  • February 20, 2027

  • March 13, 2027

  • March 20, 2027

Course Objectives

  • Route Planning

  • Using technology to avoid avalanche hazards

  • Companion Rescue and equipment 

  • Avalanche problems and characteristics

  • Classification of avalanches 

  • Avalanche Danger Scale

  • Understanding the Avalanche Bulletin

  • Snowpack Layering and Analysis

  • Snowpack Stability Tests

  • Identification of Avalanche Terrain

  • Proper decision making and working as a team in the backcountry

Itinerary

Before The Course: Review the online learning.

Field Day: Today we begin with a gear check and talk through tour planning. We start the field portion with a companion rescue, and then go on a short tour, make observations, talk about human factors and much more.

Prerequisites

  • Must have previously taken an AIARE 1 Course or an A3-approved recreational Level 1 in the past.

  • Must have previous experience touring with your backcountry equipment.

  • We travel about 1000-1500 vertical feet per day in this course.

Required Equipment
Avalanche Level 1 Gear List

Avalanche Safety Gear & Packs
Avalanche safety equipment—including a transceiver, shovel, probe, and a ski day pack—is available to borrow for this course at no additional cost. If you plan to borrow any of these items, please indicate your needs in the pre-trip questionnaire linked in your booking confirmation.

Skis, Splitboards, & Boots
We do not rent skis, splitboards, boots, or skins. If you need to rent touring equipment for your course, we recommend renting from our partners at Tahoe Mountain Sports in Truckee. You will be provided a discount code in your booking confirmation email after booking.

Group Size

6 Guests to 1 Guide

Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking. By completing your booking, you are agreeing to these policies.