AIARE 1 Avalanche Course on Mount Washington, New Hampshire
The AIARE 1 Avalanche Course in New Hampshire is designed to prepare backcountry skiers and splitboarders to travel safely in avalanche terrain. This training takes place on Mount Washington in the White Mountains, home to the biggest avalanche terrain in the Northeast. You’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, assess conditions, and make informed decisions in real-world environments.
The AIARE 1 is the place to start your avalanche education. Many students also enroll in an Avalanche Rescue Course or move on to the AIARE 2.
Seats are limited. Book now to reserve your dates.
Learn to make confident decisions in avalanche terrain with a professionalAIARE Avalanche Educator and IFMGA Mountain Guide. Courses are accredited by the American Avalanche Association.
WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR
This course is designed for:
Backcountry skiers and splitboarders new to avalanche terrain
Skiers transitioning from resort to backcountry travel
Anyone planning to travel on Mount Washington or in the White Mountains
Outdoor enthusiasts looking to build decision-making skills
No prior avalanche training is required.
At the time of the course, participants must be:
Comfortable skiing or riding black diamond slopes at the resort or blue slopes in backcountry snow.
Able to hike and ski or ride 3,000 feet in a day.
At least 18 years old at the time of the course or be 16 or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Able to take care of themselves in a winter environment.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Identify avalanche terrain and hazards
Understand snowpack structure and stability
Use weather and avalanche forecasts effectively
Make safer decisions in complex terrain
Travel more confidently in backcountry environments
AIARE COURSES ON MOUNT WASHINGTON
Training takes place on Mount Washington and throughout the White Mountains of New Hampshire, providing exposure to real avalanche terrain, variable conditions, and complex decision-making environments.
This is not controlled terrain—you’ll learn in the same environments you plan to travel in.
COURSE FORMAT
Duration: 2 Field Days
Structure: Mix of online learning and field instruction
Terrain: Mount Washington and White Mountains
Group Size: Small, focused groups
Each day builds on the previous one, moving from foundational concepts to applied decision-making in the field.
TRAIN WITH CORE
Core Mountain Guides offers a different kind of AIARE course:
Instruction by an IFMGA Mountain Guide
Certified AIARE Avalanche Educator
Small group sizes for better learning
Real terrain on Mount Washington
You won’t just learn the curriculum—you’ll learn how to apply it.
WHAT TO BRING
You’ll receive a detailed gear list after booking.
In general, you’ll need:
Backcountry ski or splitboard setup
Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe)
Appropriate winter clothing and layering system
Rental options may be available—reach out if needed.
Your Questions, Answered
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AIARE 1 is a three-day avalanche education course designed to teach backcountry skiers and splitboarders how to recognize avalanche terrain, assess conditions, and make safer decisions in the mountains. It is the standard entry-level course for traveling in avalanche terrain.
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No prior avalanche training is required. You should be comfortable skiing or riding in ungroomed terrain and able to travel uphill using touring equipment. The course is designed for beginners to avalanche education.
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Courses are based on Mount Washington and throughout the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This terrain provides real-world exposure to avalanche conditions, making it an ideal learning environment.
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Yes. Mount Washington is one of the most active avalanche forecasting zones in the Northeast. Training here exposes you to complex terrain and variable conditions, which helps build stronger decision-making skills.
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You’ll learn how to identify avalanche terrain, understand snowpack and weather influences, use avalanche forecasts, and make decisions in the field. The course emphasizes practical application, not just theory.
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Yes, the course involves uphill travel and time spent outside in winter conditions. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you should be prepared for full days of movement in backcountry terrain.
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After completing AIARE 1, most students continue with an Avalanche Rescue course or AIARE 2. Many also book private guided days to continue building skills in real terrain.
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Courses are taught by an IFMGA Mountain Guide and AIARE Avalanche Educator, with a focus on decision-making in real terrain on Mount Washington. Small group sizes allow for more personalized instruction and feedback.
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If you are new to avalanche terrain, start with AIARE 1. If you’ve already completed AIARE 1, consider Avalanche Rescue or AIARE 2. If you’re unsure, reach out and I’ll help you choose the best next step.
2026/27 Schedule
December 12-13 (Evening Zoom 12/10)
December 19-20 (Evening Zoom 12/17)
January 2-3 (Evening Zoom 12/31)
January 9-10 (Evening Zoom 1/7)
January 23-24 (Evening Zoom 1/21)
Jan 30-31 (Evening Zoom 1/28)
February 6-7 (Evening Zoom 2/4)
February 20-21 (Evening Zoom 2/18)
Feb 27-28 (Evening Zoom 2/25)
March 6-7 (Evening Zoom 3/4)
March 13-14 (Evening Zoom 3/11)
March 20-21 (Evening Zoom 3/18)
March 27-28 (Evening Zoom 3/25)
Contact Core if a program is full or for custom dates.
