AIARE Avalanche Education

Bluebird Backcountry is the only ski area in the world designed for backcountry education. We are one of the nation’s leading American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE) providers, and our entire avalanche education team has been thoroughly trained and certified.

At Bluebird, you’re surrounded by a community that’s excited to learn. Our classroom in northern Colorado includes thousands of acres of welcoming ski and splitboard terrain — from rolling aspens to fun bowls — that make for a great learning experience outside. And since Bluebird is also a backcountry ski area, you get the comforts of warm food, bathrooms, on-site rentals, fireside hangouts, and the added safety of having ski patrol just around the corner.

I’m ready to begin my avalanche training!

Take AIARE 1. This course is the gold standard for anyone who wants to travel in or near avalanche terrain. You will learn how to:

Identify avalanche terrain
Develop a plan for traveling in avalanche terrain
Effectively use risk-management framework to make decisions in the field
Perform and practice rescue techniques

We offer two options: In Person and Hybrid.

In Person: This 3-day AIARE course takes place entirely at Bluebird Backcountry, and are a great way to receive hands-on learning as you begin your avalanche education journey.
Hybrid: Ideal for for self-motivated individuals with solid time management skills. Hybrid students will need to commit to spending 6-8 hours in the week prior to the on-snow course portion completing all necessary prerequisites; this includes the mandatory Zoom class sessions. If you are unable to attend the Zoom session, please consider the In Person option.
NEW for 22/23: Women’s Specific and Snowshoe Hybrid courses.

There are no prerequisites for this course. Those who have already taken the AIARE Rescue course are welcome to come and practice their skills and learn more about preparing and planning for backcountry touring.

AIARE 1 - In Person

AIARE 1 - Hybrid

AIARE 1 - Hybrid (Women’s Specific)

AIARE 1 - Hybrid (Snowshoe)

I’m ready to run rescue drills!

Take AIARE Avalanche Rescue. This is a one-day intensive course that dives into your rescue equipment and how to properly perform a rescue. You will learn:

What to do if you or a member of your group is caught in an avalanche
The fundamentals of your rescue gear and how to efficiently use it
What to do in a broad set of realistic rescue scenarios
How to develop a plan for continuing to practice these skills

There are no prerequisites for this course; however, we recommend taking AIARE 1 before taking this course. This course is a prerequisite for AIARE 2 and AIARE Pro 1 courses. Designed to be retaken regularly to keep rescue skills sharp, it’s a great idea to take this course as a refresher for those who are experienced backcountry travelers but do not have formal avalanche education, or who have not had any formal training recently.

I’m ready to lead in the backcountry!

Take AIARE 2. This is a three-day course that takes your leadership skills to the next level. You’ll expand your knowledge of human factors, terrain management, and risk-management so that you are more prepared to make smart choices in complex terrain — and guide others to do so. You will learn:

How to be a leader and team player in a backcountry travel group
Managing travel in complicated terrain and heightened avalanche conditions
How to discuss and incorporate weather, terrain, and snowpack conditions into the decision-making process
Managing travel in more remote areas with scarce resources
How to analyze the snowpack in greater depth

AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue are the prerequisites for this course. It is strongly recommended that students have regularly practiced the skills learned in those courses for at least one season before taking AIARE 2.

Registration Opens Fall 2022

Intermediate to advanced backcountry Skier or Snowboarder?

Bluebird is a great place to keep your skills fresh.

In 21/22, we offered six Advanced Courses to support those looking to improve their knowledge and skills in order to achieve bigger goals in the backcountry. These courses included:

Backcountry 4: Reading Terrain
Backcountry Leadership and Communication
Winter Survival Skills
Women in the Backcountry: Next Level Skills
Ski Mountaineering 1
Equipment Maintenance & Repairs

Stay tuned for the 22/23 Advanced Course lineup!

“I learned a ton!” — Jill A.

“Instructor was great. Super supportive even when we had very basic questions. Made a safe space to learn.” — Alaika C.

5 Reasons to Take Your Avalanche Course at Bluebird

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.

After a Bluebird Course, You’ll Want to Keep Coming Back:

Familiar Terrain – In your AIARE course you’ll likely explore parts (but not all) of Bear Mountain. With more than 1,000 acres in bounds, there is so much to ski and ride. Come back with a friend and explore the areas you didn’t get to see while on your course.
Practice Is Key – Once you learn rescue skills and how to dig a pit, you’re going to want to practice on your own to really understand how it all works. Bluebird has a beacon park, weekly beacon search contests with prizes, and you’re welcome to dig your own study pit away from the crowds.
Managed Terrain – One of the most intimidating things about backcountry touring is having to decide if a slope is safe to ski or not. This skill takes practice and experience. Come back to Bluebird not only to hone these skills, but also to enjoy knowing that all open runs that day have been mitigated by our ski patrol team and deemed appropriate to ride without fear — even when avalanche danger is considerable, high, or extreme in the true backcountry.
The Bluebird Community – Come back with friends that you made on your AIARE course, ride solo in our ski patrolled area, or hang at the base in the morning to meet new backcountry partners for a fun day out on the slopes.

22/23 AIARE Early Bird Registration Now Open

“Super friendly, approachable.” — Justin B.

“My instructors had a wealth of knowledge and experience which gave me confidence that I was learning from professionals… Bluebird is sweet, I love the base area, the setup and the feel of it.” — Ian S.