AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course | Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Build the skills that matter when every second counts. The AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is a one-day avalanche rescue training designed for backcountry skiers, splitboarders, climbers, and mountaineers who travel in avalanche terrain. You'll learn how to perform an efficient companion rescue, improve your rescue speed, and develop the confidence to respond effectively in a real avalanche emergency.
Courses take place on Mount Washington and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, providing realistic terrain and hands-on practice in the environments where avalanche accidents occur.
Led by IFMGA Mountain Guide and AIARE Avalanche Educator Paul Rachele.
Why Take an Avalanche Rescue Course?
Avalanche rescue skills are perishable.
Even experienced backcountry travelers benefit from regular rescue practice. The AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course provides structured training, professional feedback, and realistic rescue scenarios that help you respond faster and more effectively under pressure.
This course is recommended for:
Backcountry skiers
Splitboarders
Ice climbers
Mountaineers
Snowshoers traveling in avalanche terrain
Experienced backcountry users looking to refresh their skills
AIARE recommends updating rescue skills regularly as rescue techniques, equipment, and best practices evolve
What You Learn
By the end of the course, you'll be able to:
Perform an Efficient Companion Rescue
Learn the complete rescue process from initial response through victim excavation.
Improve Beacon Search Speed
Practice single and multiple burial searches using modern avalanche transceivers.
Master Probing and Strategic Shoveling
Learn the techniques that save the most time during a rescue.
Work Effectively as a Team
Develop communication, leadership, and teamwork skills for high-stress rescue situations.
Build a Rescue Practice Plan
Leave with a framework for maintaining and improving your skills throughout the season.
Realistic Avalanche Rescue Scenarios
The focus of this course is hands-on practice.
You'll spend the day working through increasingly complex rescue scenarios that simulate real avalanche incidents. Rather than simply learning techniques, you'll apply them in realistic field exercises with professional coaching and feedback.
Training includes:
Rescue demonstrations
Beacon search drills
Strategic probing practice
Efficient shoveling techniques
Single burial scenarios
Multiple burial scenarios
Leadership and communication exercises
Full rescue simulations
Why Train on Mount Washington?
Mount Washington and the White Mountains contain the largest and most active avalanche terrain in the Northeast.
Training here provides exposure to real mountain conditions, challenging terrain, and the environmental factors that influence avalanche rescue operations.
Rather than practicing in a controlled setting, you'll develop rescue skills in the same environment where you plan to ski, ride, climb, and travel.
Why Train With Core Mountain Guides?
IFMGA Mountain Guide Instruction
Learn from Paul Rachele, an IFMGA Mountain Guide and experienced avalanche educator.
Small Group Learning
Small course sizes allow for more individualized coaching and feedback.
Professional Rescue Coaching
Receive direct feedback on your rescue systems, efficiency, teamwork, and decision-making.
AIARE Accredited Curriculum
All courses follow the nationally recognized AIARE curriculum and standards.
Common Questions about the Avalanche Rescue Course
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The AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is a one-day training focused on companion rescue skills. Students learn beacon searching, probing, shoveling, rescue leadership, and emergency response techniques.
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No. Anyone who travels in avalanche terrain can benefit from the course. However, many students take it after completing AIARE 1.
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Yes. Completion of an Avalanche Rescue Course is a prerequisite for AIARE 2.
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Most avalanche educators recommend refreshing rescue skills every two to three years and practicing regularly throughout the season.
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The course involves a full day outdoors in winter conditions and requires travel over snow-covered terrain. Participants should be comfortable spending a day in the mountains.
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AIARE 1 focuses on avalanche awareness, terrain recognition, and decision-making. Avalanche Rescue focuses specifically on companion rescue skills and emergency response.
Course Information
Duration: 1 Day
Location: Mount Washington & White Mountains, New Hampshire
Prerequisites: None
Recommended Experience:
Participants should be comfortable traveling in winter mountain environments and able to use their chosen mode of travel, including:
Touring skis
Splitboard
Snowshoes
Continue Your Education
New to Avalanche Education?
Start with the AIARE 1 Avalanche Course.
Completed AIARE 1?
The Avalanche Rescue Course is excellent preparation for the AIARE 2 Avalanche Course.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Participants should bring:
Avalanche transceiver
Probe
Shovel
Touring equipment
Appropriate winter clothing
Food and water for a full day
A complete gear list will be provided after registration.
Ready to Build Life-Saving Avalanche Rescue Skills?
Whether you're preparing for your first season in avalanche terrain or refreshing skills you've used for years, this course provides practical, hands-on training that can make a critical difference in an emergency.
2026/27 Course Dates
December 14
December 21
January 11
January 18
February 8
February 15
March 8
March 15
Contact Core if a course is full or to schedule private dates.
