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September, 2024

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Certifications other than AIARE

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fucintight
Posts: 246 - Karma: 654
Hey guys, so, like most other people rn, I’m trying to get ready for this winter and get my shit together to have some backcountry fun (safely of course).

I just bought my beacon/shovel/probe set from Black Diamond and was looking into avy courses for this winter. I just contacted my local AIARE certified center and the woman i talked to said, that even if i have my own gear, the class costs $500. i’d prefer to learn on my own gear and can’t afford a $500 class.

I’m a broke mf lifty and can barely afford to get a full touring set up (still haven’t gotten skins, CAST touring set-up, or touring compatible boots) let alone afford to pay $500 for an avalanche safety course.

I was wondering if anyone out there had any advice on other avenues to getting a good avy course? Preferably cheaper ones that also allow you to use your own beacons.

I work at Mammoth in California in the winter and currently I’m in Montana for the summer/fall. I’m gunna be doing more research and trying to find stuff but i figured i’d reach out because i really could use some help. thanks guys!

**This thread was edited on Oct 7th 2020 at 5:49:21pm
Oct 7 2020 5:43PM
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chiprid3r
Posts: 35 - Karma: 88
Just came across this:

http://avycourse.blogspot.com/

Seems like there's lots of good content.
Oct 7 2020 5:45PM
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SkiingNinja
Posts: 1966 - Karma: 902
Is that a level 1 approved by the American Avalanche Association, and therefore comparable to an AIARE 1? Looks like the field modules focus on Rescue only. No observations in the field. If that’s the case, I think you’d be just as well off as taking the cheaper one-day AIARE rescue course and reading books, then saving up for a level one that includes BOTH rescue and decision-making curriculum.


id also contact your local AIARE provider and ask if they have an industry discount. The company I work for does. They may be able to get you an extra discounted slot if they have openings right before the course starts
chiprid3rJust came across this:

http://avycourse.blogspot.com/

Seems like there's lots of good content.
Oct 11 2020 8:30PM
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SkiingNinja
Posts: 1966 - Karma: 902
Also, look at the scholarships page on aiare’s site
Oct 11 2020 8:31PM
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taylor_gang
Posts: 309 - Karma: 260
Here is a resource for you awesome free online class. Would not substitute by any means for a true class but gets your foot in the door

https://kbyg.org
Oct 11 2020 11:44PM
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fucintight
Posts: 246 - Karma: 654
goodlooks, i want to take a real class so i can get the sufficient course but bum life means nah to $500
taylor_gangHere is a resource for you awesome free online class. Would not substitute by any means for a true class but gets your foot in the door

https://kbyg.org
Oct 12 2020 12:13AM
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50Kal
Posts: 2828 - Karma: 5,373
I understand as a former lifty cost is always a factor. My local sar unit would host a cheap basic avalanche awareness class every year. Not a full level one But a damn good class. Maybe check surrounding areas and make a trip out of it to a cheaper class in the area.

Also the holy bible Avalanche book one should buy and read religiously is “Staying alive in Avalanche terrain” by Bruce Tremper. $20 new.

Anyone who’s even considering sidecounty/Inbounds hike to areas should read.
Oct 12 2020 4:32PM
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