Could AIARE Learning be Best in “Bad” Conditions?
When you sign up for an AIARE 1 avalanche course, it’s natural to hope for perfect conditions: fresh snow, stable weather, and bluebird skies. But when Mother Nature has her own ideas, your learning experience might actually improve. Here’s how!
1. Real-World Decision Making
Avalanche terrain rarely presents itself with clear-cut answers. In challenging conditions—wind, variable snowpacks, or stormy weather—you’ll practice using your decision-making framework when uncertainty is high. That’s exactly what you’ll encounter when planning real backcountry tours.
2. Exposure to Avalanche Problems
Different weather patterns create different avalanche problems. Wind-affected snow, crusts, or rapid warming events can trigger specific avalanche concerns. Encountering these during your AIARE 1 course gives you a firsthand look at how conditions evolve and what red flags to watch for.
3. Enhanced Tour Planning
When the weather turns, plans often need to change. A stormy forecast might lead your instructors to adjust the day’s route or timing—just like you’ll need to do on your own tours. Learning to adapt tour plans based on dynamic conditions is an essential backcountry skill.
4. Better Companion Rescue Practice
Clear skies are nice, but practicing rescue skills when visibility is low or snow is falling adds realism. If you ever need to respond to an avalanche, conditions are unlikely to be perfect. Gaining experience in variable weather helps you build confidence in your skills, no matter the circumstances. *We also offer AIARE Rescue, where you spend a full day practicing specific rescue techniques.
5. You’ll Still Have Fun
Skiing and riding in the backcountry—even in stormy weather—is still an adventure. You’ll learn, explore, and develop essential skills alongside others who share your passion for getting out there, no matter what Mother Nature delivers.
So, if the weather forecast for your AIARE 1 course looks uncertain, embrace it. Those “less-than-ideal” conditions might just provide the ideal learning environment. Check out our menu of AIARE courses to see which one is right for you!
Field Mag: Guide Adrian Ballinger on How Expedition Travel Changed the World
Alpenglow Expeditions’ founder shares archival photos and stories about near-death experiences on Everest, basecamp snacks, and the evolution of alpine guiding.Read the story
Wall Street Journal: The Tiny Western Town That’s Quietly Become the Coolest Place to Ski
Once a frontier town for loggers and cowboys, Truckee, near Lake Tahoe, has quickly grown into a hub of winter adventure—not to mention hip coffee shops and new restaurants.Read the story
Climb Kilimanjaro Smarter: The Alpenglow Expeditions Advantage
Standing at 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the most sought-after summits in the world. But not all Kilimanjaro expeditions are created equal. Alpenglow Expeditions offers a superior experience by focusing on expert guiding, advanced acclimatization strategies, and a thoughtful approach to summit success. If you’re looking for the best way to climb Kilimanjaro, here’s why Alpenglow should be your top choice.Read the story
Love in the Mountains: The Connections We Find at Altitude
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic candlelit dinners or bouquets of roses. At Alpenglow Expeditions, we’ve seen firsthand how the mountains have a unique way of connecting people—romantically, platonically, and everything in between. There’s something about stepping into the high alpine, with thin air and endless horizons, that brings people together in ways everyday life rarely does.Read the story
Women’s Intro to Backcountry Clinic
Are you ready to step into the world of backcountry skiing, build new skills, and connect with like-minded women? Alpenglow Expeditions is hosting its Women’s Intro to Backcountry Clinic March 1-2. This is the perfect opportunity to learn from our experienced, badass female guides in a supportive, all-women environment. This two-day clinic will give you the tools and confidence to explore beyond the resort boundaries, all while fostering friendships and creating unforgettable memories in the mountains.Read the story
Beyond the Summits: Immersive Andean Culture on the Ecuador Climbing School
Climbing Ecuador’s towering volcanoes isn’t just about the summits. The Ecuador Climbing School offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the physical challenge of ascending peaks like Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. From visiting vibrant indigenous markets to tasting traditional highland cuisine, the expedition introduces climbers to the rich culture of the Andean highlands.Read the story
Why Peak Lenin is the Perfect 7,000-Meter Peak for Aspiring High-Altitude Climbers
Climb Peak Lenin for the perfect introduction to 7,000-meter peaks. Peak Lenin is an ideal training ground for climbers aiming for 8,000-meter summits.Read the story
Women’s Intro To Outdoor Rock Climbing
