Avalanche Courses & Winter Activities
Avalanche Awareness: Know Before You Go
This awareness course will provide insight into the destructive power of avalanches, help you understand when and why they happen, and how to safely have fun in the mountains this winter. The course is a great way to get ready for the backcountry season by gaining tips and tools to stay safe and options for continuing your training and education.
- Dates: Nov. 7
- Times: 6-7 p.m.
- Location: Rec Center, Outdoor Pursuits classroom
- Fee: Free
AIARE Level 1 Course
The AIARE Level 1 course is an introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course consists of an online learning module, a 2.5-hour evening classroom session at The Rec and two days in the field at Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
At the end of the AIARE 1 course, participants will be able to:
- Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
- Recognize avalanche terrain.
- Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
- Learn and apply effective companion rescue.
​Offering 1
- Dates: Jan. 18-19, 2025
- Times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Fee: $535
- Pre-trip meeting: Jan. 15, 6-9:30 p.m. on Zoom
Offering 2
- Dates: Feb. 8-9, 2025
- Times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Fee: $535
- Pre-trip meeting: Feb. 5, 6-9:30 p.m. on Zoom
Offering 3
- Dates: March 8-9, 2025
- Times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Fee: $535
- Pre-trip meeting: March 5, 6-9:30 p.m. on Zoom
AIARE Level 2 Course
The AIARE Level 2 is a 24-hour course that helps backcountry travelers advance their decision-making skills in more complicated situations. Potential situations include being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain and/or developing a travel plan when online resources are scarce. The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors.
Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.
Pre-requisites:
- Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain.
- AIARE 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent Level 1 training, i.e. 24 hours of course content and field work is required.
- A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is required before taking the AIARE 2 course.
- AIARE or AAA approved one-day Avalanche Rescue Course also required.
​Offering 1
- Dates: Feb. 21-23, 2025
- Times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location: Herman Gulch and Watrous Gluch, Georgetown, CO
- Fee: $750
- Pre-trip meetings: Feb. 11 and Feb. 18, 6-9:30 p.m. on Zoom
AIARE Companion Rescue Course
This is a one-day course that should be retaken regularly to keep up with best practices for rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skills with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice. This course is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking this course and renewing their rescue card at least every other year. At the end of this course participants will be able to:
- Describe what to do if they or another person is caught in an avalanche.
- Identify and use avalanche rescue gear.
- Set up a realistic scenario to practice avalanche rescue responses.
- Improve their response skills and times.
- Develop a plan for continued practice.
Requirements: Participants must be able to travel in winter conditions on uneven terrain while carrying a 20 lb. pack. Previous skiing or snowboarding experience highly recommended (this course can also be completed on snowshoes if needed). Transportation not provided.
- Dates: Dec. 7
- Times: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Fee: $135
One Day Winter Events
Hit the winter trails with us and explore four of Rocky Mountain National Park's beautiful alpine lakes on snowshoes!
Participants must be able to carry up to a 10 lb. pack while hiking up to five miles over variable terrain consisting of ice and snow. Snowshoes, snow boots, gloves, waterproof jackets and pants can be provided by Outdoor Pursuits as needed for no additional charge.
Date:
Feb. 2, 2025
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Fee: $60
Pre-trip meeting:
Thursday, Jan. 30
6-7 p.m.
OP classroom
Hit the winter trails with us and explore Rocky Mountain National Park on snowshoes and take a break mid-trek for a delicious fondue treat!
Participants must be able to carry up to a 10 lb. pack while hiking up to five miles over variable terrain consisting of ice and snow. Snowshoes, snow boots, gloves, waterproof jackets and pants can be provided by Outdoor Pursuits as needed for no additional charge.
Date:
Feb. 15, 2025
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Fee: $70
Pre-trip meeting:
Wednesday, Feb. 12
6-7 p.m.
OP classroom
Experience Colorado's trails by moonlight! Join us for a unique snowshoeing experience you won't soon forget!
Participants must be able to carry up to a 10 lb. pack while hiking up to five miles over variable terrain consisting of ice and snow. Snowshoes, snow boots, gloves, waterproof jackets and pants can be provided by Outdoor Pursuits as needed for no additional charge.
Date:
March 14, 2025
4:30-10:30 p.m.
Fee: $60
Pre-trip meeting:
Thursday, March 13
6:45-7:45 p.m.
OP classroom
This course is designed for first-time backcountry skiers/riders and those who may need a refresher. Learn basic touring and navigation techniques while traveling shorter distances and getting two to three runs on slopes less than 30 degrees.
Participants must be comfortable skiing variable terrian including ungroomed runs and moguls. Avalanche safety equipment is provided. Ski equipment is not provided, but OP can provide a list of affordable, local rental options.
Date:
March 2, 2025
7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fee: $60
Pre-trip meeting:
Thursday, Feb. 27
6-7 p.m.
OP classroom