Avalanche Safety & Wilderness Medicine Courses
Courses We Offer
American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education
This is a 3-day/24-hour course designed to introduce the backcountry enthusiast to the fundamentals of avalanche education. At the end of the course the student will be able to recognizing avalanche terrain; know how to prepare for and plan travel in avalanche terrain; have a framework for decision-making in avalanche terrain; and be able to initiate an effective companion rescue in avalanche terrain. The class starts inside for lecture and discussions, and then moves out to the mountain for hands-on skills practice. All students are required to have skis or a snowboard for the backcountry. Touring gear, including shovel, probe, beacon and skins or snowshoes is required. Student to instructor ratio is 6:1, with minimum of three students and maximum of 12.
- Registration is no longer available for the 19/20 winter season.
- Cost: $340
- Time: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
- Course Schedule, AIARE Level 1:
December 13 - 15, 2019
December 27 - 29, 2019
January 17 - 19, 2020
February 7 - 9, 2020
March 3 - 5, 2020 (employee only)
March 20 - 22, 2020 - CANCELLED
April 3 - 5, 2020 - CANCELLED
The AIARE curriculum is nationally known and certified. For more information on our Avalanche Safety & Wilderness Medicine Education courses, please call 206-812-4510.
Classes are popular and do sell out so register early.
NOTE: Classes can be offered on other times/days by special request for groups of four or more. Lift access is required and not included in the program price.
Avalanche 101 Basics
An introduction to safe travel in the backcountry. This 6-hour course covers the basics from understanding the avalanche/weather forecast to what safety gear is required. It will also include the basics of recognizing avalanche terrain, snow pack observations, transceiver use and companion rescue. The class starts inside, then will be outside for skills practice. Come prepared to be outdoors. No special gear is required for this class. This class has a minimum of three students and maximum of 15.
- Registration is no longer available for the 19/20 winter season.
- Cost: $80
- Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Course Schedule, Avalanche Basics:
January 11, 2020
February 22, 2020
REGISTRATION CLOSED
To register or for more information on our Avalanche Safety & Wilderness Medicine Education courses, please call 206-812-4510.
Classes are popular and do sell out so register early.
NOTE: Classes can be offered on other times/days by special request for groups of four or more. Lift access is required and not included in the program price.
Companion Avalanche Rescue
This course is all about rescue. Learn how to use your avalanche rescue gear and rescue techniques in the event of an avalanche accident.
Course Includes:
- Hands on avalanche rescue training
- Importance of beacon skills (burial time-survival statistics)
- Beacon operation and search principles
- Demonstration and practice of initial, secondary, and pinpoint search
- Rescue practice scenarios including group management, probing & shoveling
- Overview of first aid and emergency skills needed in actual rescues.
Course Details
- Registration is no longer available for the 19/20 winter season.
- Cost: $125
- Time: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Course Schedule, Companion Avalanche Rescue: March 14, 2020
REGISTRATION CLOSED
To register or for more information on our Avalanche Safety & Wilderness Medicine Education courses, please call 206-812-4510.
Classes are popular and do sell out so register early.
NOTE: Classes can be offered on other times/days by special request for groups of four or more. Lift access is required and not included in the program price.
Wilderness First Aid Class
In this 20-hour course students will learn the fundamentals of prevention and care for traumatic and medical emergencies; CPR and Automated External Defibrillators (AED); and how to recognize and treat environmental and biological emergencies. This American Health and Safety Course (AHSI) meets the Boy Scouts of America curriculum and guidelines. Minimum of four students and maximum of 10.
- Registration is no longer available for the 19/20 winter season.
- Cost: $220
- Time: 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Course Schedule, Wilderness First Aid Class: TBD
*Groups of 4 or more may request to schedule a private.
Call 206-812-4510 ext. 4178 to speak with our Mountain Education Coordinator
REGISTRATION CLOSED
To register or for more information on our Avalanche Safety & Wilderness Medicine Education courses, please call 206-812-4510.
Classes are popular and do sell out so register early.
NOTE: Classes can be offered on other times/days by special request for groups of four or more. Lift access is required and not included in the program price.
Wilderness First Responder
With successful completion of this 80-hour course you will have the Wilderness First Responder and CPR for the Professional Rescuer certificates required by most outdoor education and professional outdoor recreation services, including Stevens Pass Patrol. Multiple days of scenario-based training will give you the confidence to recognize, and the skills to treat, medical and traumatic emergencies, with an emphasis on the unique challenges encountered in a wilderness setting. Minimum of four and maximum of 10 students.
- Registration is no longer available for the 19/20 winter season.
- Cost: $625
- Time: 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Course Schedule, Wilderness First Responder: 7 Day Course, March 28 through April 5.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
To register or for more information on our Avalanche Safety & Wilderness Medicine Education courses, please call 206-812-4510.
Classes are popular and do sell out so register early.
NOTE: Classes can be offered on other times/days by special request for groups of four or more. Lift access is required and not included in the program price.
Wilderness First Responder Recertification
This course may be used to recertify current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT (wilderness portions only). The 3-day course is heavily scenario-based and will provide a review and update of wilderness medicine treatment practices and evacuation guidelines. American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider is also included in the curriculum.
Successful completion of the course and both written and practical examinations will refresh the student as a Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness portion of the Wilderness EMT. Participants will receive recertification cards good for the same amount of time as their original certifications.
- Registration is no longer available for the 19/20 winter season.
- Cost: $300
- Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Course Schedule, Wilderness First Responder Refresher/Recertification: 3 Day Course, April 10 - 12.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
To register or for more information on our Avalanche Safety & Wilderness Medicine Education courses, please call 206-812-4510.
Classes are popular and do sell out so register early.
NOTE: Classes can be offered on other times/days by special request for groups of four or more. Lift access is required and not included in the program price.
Heart Saver First Aid & CPR
The Heart Saver First Aid course teaches rescuers to effectively recognize and treat adult emergencies in the critical first minutes until emergency medical services personnel arrive. The course also provides a complete health and safety training solution for first aid, adult CPR and AED. Students will practice skills that will require them to be on their hands and knees, bending, standing and lifting.
- Registration is no longer available for the 19/20 winter season.
- Cost: $50 ($40 for First Aid portion ONLY)
- Time: TBD
- Course Schedule, Heart Saver First Aid & CPR: TBD
*Groups of 4 or more may request to schedule a private course.
Call 206-812-4510 ext. 4178 to speak with our Mountain Education Coordinator
REGISTRATION CLOSED
To register or for more information on our Avalanche Safety & Wilderness Medicine Education courses, please call 206-812-4510.
Classes are popular and do sell out so register early.
NOTE: Classes can be offered on other times/days by special request for groups of four or more. Lift access is required and not included in the program price.