Motorized Avalanche AIARE 1
Built for Snowmobilers & Snowbikers
All course dates are subject to minimum enrollment and confirmation.
HYBRID COURSES — 2 Field Days + Online Learning
Ideal for students who want flexibility and prefer to complete classroom learning online.- Approximately 6–8 hours of self-paced AIARE online learning, completed before the first field day.
- One required 2-hour live instructional webinar via Google Meet, typically held the Tuesday before the course.
- Two full field days, typically 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
TRADITIONAL COURSES — 3 Days In Person
Ideal for students who prefer face-to-face instruction and hands-on learning.- Three full days, approximately 8 hours each.
- One classroom day followed by two field days, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training.
- Access to AIARE online learning materials and additional resources, with no required online coursework.
- Participation in the pre-course webinar is optional.
Both formats cover the same AIARE Level 1 curriculum and learning objectives.
PRIVATE COURSES
Want to take the course exclusively with your riding crew? Private courses are available for groups of 3–12 riders, with no additional private-course fee.- Choose either Hybrid or Traditional format.
- Coordinate dates and locations that work for your group.
- Request a Private Course →
COURSE COMPONENTS & REQUIREMENTS
Google Classroom — Registration Required for All Students All students must join our Google Classroom to complete their required registration form and waiver. Google Classroom also provides access to AIARE online learning materials and helpful course resources, including avalanche rescue references, backcountry mapping tutorials, and instructional videos.- Hybrid students: Required to complete the assigned online learning before their first field day.
- Traditional students: Online learning is entirely optional. All required instruction is provided in person.
- Field Day 1: Instructor-led training focused on developing and practicing essential skills.
- Field Day 2: More student-led riding, emphasizing decision-making, route planning, and applying skills with instructor guidance.
- Daily Planning & Debriefs: Each field day includes a morning avalanche hazard assessment and ride-planning discussion, followed by an afternoon review of observations, decisions, and lessons learned.
Operating Areas & Typical Field Locations
Moto Mountain School offers motorized AIARE Level 1 courses across four Colorado operating areas.
- Frisco / Silverthorne
- Vail Pass
- Spring Creek
- Tiger Road / Swan Mountain
- Deer Creek
- Buena Vista / Leadville
- Cottonwood Pass East (from Denny Creek)
- Tin Cup
- Vail Pass
- Gunnison / Crested Butte
- Kebler Pass
- Cottonwood Pass West (from Taylor Park)
- Lake City
- Slumgullion Pass
How Course Locations Are Determined
- Your Preference Matters: Select your preferred course area when registering. We aim to hold courses in the areas our students select.
- Flexible Field Locations: Specific trailheads are selected based on snow conditions, weather, and access. Field locations may vary between course days.
- Final Confirmation: Meeting locations and field locations will be communicated before the course. If a change to another operating area becomes necessary, we’ll contact affected students in advance.
Recognize avalanche terrain and apply safe motorized travel protocols.
Use the current avalanche forecast to plan and make informed decisions during backcountry rides.
Observe and interpret snowpack and weather conditions across different aspects and elevations.
Apply practical decision-making tools to identify and manage avalanche hazards.
Practice companion rescue techniques and effective group management in avalanche terrain.
This course covers the following topics:
Avalanche Fundamentals
Avalanche types, formation, and basic slab mechanics.
Avalanche problems and the conditions that contribute to instability.
Understanding avalanche forecasts and regional snow climates.
Avalanche Terrain & Motorized Travel
Recognizing avalanche terrain and identifying safer riding options.
Terrain evaluation, route selection, and exposure management.
Motorized travel protocols, group communication, safe stopping locations, and managing riders on steep terrain.
Recognizing terrain traps and avoiding unnecessary exposure.
Snowpack & Weather
How weather influences snowpack development and avalanche hazards.
Identifying signs of unstable snow through field observations.
Basic snowpack assessment techniques and their limitations.
Recording observations to support informed decisions.
Decision-Making & Ride Planning
Using avalanche forecasts and decision-support tools.
Recognizing human factors and group dynamics that influence decisions.
Developing a daily hazard assessment and ride plan.
Applying practical risk-management strategies in the field.
Companion Rescue
Avalanche emergency response, scene safety, and group organization.
Avalanche transceiver searches, probing, and strategic shoveling.
Practicing companion rescue scenarios.
Understanding the role of first aid, emergency communication, and organized rescue.
1. Choose Your Course
Select your course date, format, and preferred location from the available options.
2. Register & Pay
Complete checkout to reserve your spot. You’ll receive an email confirming your enrollment and payment details.
Please View Our Cancellation Policy → before registering.
3. Complete Your Registration & Prepare
Once payment is received, you’ll receive a separate email, typically within 2 business days, containing course logistics and instructions for accessing Google Classroom.
- All students: Join Google Classroom, complete your registration form, and sign the required waiver.
- Hybrid students: Complete the required AIARE online learning before your first field day.
- Traditional students: No online coursework is required. Additional learning resources are available if desired.
Important: Course-specific schedules, meeting locations, and updates will be communicated directly by email.
