Just 30 minutes south of Steamboat Springs, our location on the Continental Divide offers a unique and exciting approach to a safer backcountry practice. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind learning experience from our expert AIARE instructors while immersed in the best parts of Bluebird such as a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, tons of terrain to explore, and FREE BACON. Reserve your spot today!
In this 1-day course, you will master what to do in the event that you or a member of your party is caught in an avalanche while practicing realistic scenarios. This course is also meant to be retaken regularly to keep skills sharp, so it’s a great refresher for folks who are experienced backcountry travelers but haven’t had formal avalanche education recently.
Prerequisites for this 3-day course are AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue. We strongly recommend that students have practiced the skills they learned in those courses for at least one season prior to taking their AIARE 2.
*Pro 1 Avalanche Course is in partnership with Silverton Avalanche School and is NOT an AIARE course.
“The Pro 1 is the first step in professional level training in a progression of courses designed for avalanche workers early in their careers or for experienced workers looking to stay current with industry standards.” – Silverton Avalanche School
Incredible Classroom – The terrain at Bluebird Backcountry is perfect for all levels. With plenty of space, from low-angle learning areas to prominent peaks, Bear Mountain offers a variety of terrain to analyze while learning about avalanches. You’ll find secluded pockets of untouched snow to practice your rescue skills, then go ski some perfectly gladed tree runs or open bowls afterward!
Amazing Instructors – All of our instructors have gone through the AIARE Instructor Training Course and are highly experienced with avalanche education. They also live and breathe the Bluebird vibe — including everyone, bringing excitement to their craft, and instilling a deep love of and respect for winter. Plus, they know the terrain at Bluebird very well, and will find the best pockets of snow to play in.
Interesting Snowpack – Located in the heart of Colorado Ski Country, we have a classic Continental snowpack. This means that the layers in our snowpack tend to be interesting and more pronounced. When it comes to learning about avalanches and snow, you want to be able to see a variety of things happening within the snowpack. At Bluebird, you are basically guaranteed to see a variety of snow crystals and layer types.
Community Vibe – When you take an AIARE course at Bluebird, you come away with more than just a cool experience and new skills. You’re also part of the Bluebird community, which is all about making new friends and continuing to learn and mentor one another. You’ll be surrounded by all levels of riders, from newbies to expert backcountry enthusiasts. It’s easy to make connections and find partners for your next tour or a day back at Bluebird.
Rental Gear – our rental shop is open to AIARE students, making it easy and affordable for you to access gear for your course without having to make a big investment.
