ITC and CLT Equipment List

Updated 10/2023

 

The items below are REQUIRED for AIARE Instructor Training Courses and Course Leader Trainings unless marked otherwise. 

Classroom Supplies

  • Notebook You will receive an AIARE Field Book, but will need an additional notebook for taking notes indoors and outdoors. 
  • Pens and pencils Wooden pencils (not mechanical pencils) or fine tipped waterproof markers (such as Sharpie pens) work best on AIARE Field Books.
  • Laptop or tablet We recommend one with a webcam, mic, and speakers in the event we need to shift to a virtual classroom or hold virtual team meetings. You will use this for accessing conditions and forecast information, and for preparing presentations and lessons.

Clothing, Personal Gear,  & Backpack

Please bring comfortable clothing for classroom sessions. 

Outdoor clothing considerations should be made for both moving and standing still for long periods of time  in cold/snowy weather. For outdoor sessions, pease have at least the following:

  • Outer and base layers suitable for stormy winter conditions
  • At least two pairs of gloves or mitts
  • Sufficient insulating layers for the time of year and location. If unfamiliar with the course area, please contact AIARE for information on typical climate conditions.
  • Warm hat and sun hat
  • Goggles, sunglasses, & sunscreen
  • Water bottle and/or insulated beverage container & food
  • An appropriate backpack or vest and tunnel bag combination for the required and necessary clothing and gear that must go into the field with you. At least 30L total capacity is recommended.

Protective equipment

  • Helmet
  • A DOT certified helmet is REQUIRED for individuals on snowmobiles.
  • A snow helmet is RECOMMENDED for individuals who regularly wear snow helmets and whenever the individual is wearing an avalanche airbag in deployable mode. 

 

Navigation & Communication Equipment

  • Navigation kit (compass and altimeter or smartphone)
  • Maps will be provided, please bring maps, terrain photos, and guidebooks for the local course area if you have them. 
  • Headlamp & spare batteries
  • Digital camera (optional) or phone
  • Small binoculars/monocular for distance viewing (optional)
  • FRS/GMRS frequency radio (optional for ski/splitboard courses, REQUIRED for snowmobile courses).

Observer’s Required Kit

  • Snow saw or folding pruning saw (minimum 35-40cm blade)
  • 3m long knotted cord (2-4mm thick), manufactured Rutschblock cord, or 70-100 cm folding “long saw” for setting up large column tests
  • Snow thermometer (dial-stem, digital, or alcohol and graduated in degrees Celsius; NOT Fahrenheit). 
  • Metal or plastic crystal identification screen with sizing grid.
  • Magnifier Loupe (10x-15x), wide angle view
  • Folding ruler (graduated in centimeters; either bring a 2m ruler or 1m ruler + probe w/ cm graduations)
  • Inclinometer (may be integrated with compass or phone)
  • Pocket knife

Avalanche Rescue Equipment

Note: The following equipment can affect your transceiver function. As a professional, you should understand and know the appropriate mitigation procedures if you carry any of the following:

  • Electrically heated gloves or other garments
  • Clothing with magnets (e.g. magnetized zipper flap closures)
  • Chest mounted electronic devices
  • Wristwatches with radio transmission or Bluetooth functions (e.g. Fitbits, Apple Watches)
  • Medical devices such as heart rate monitors and insulin pumps

Incident Response Equipment

  • Personal first aid kit (blisters, meds, wound care, gloves/face shield, splinting material, sugar etc.)
  • Repair kit, specific to your mode of travel (consider multi-tool, bit driver, hose clamps, straps, spare screws, tape, zip ties, spare basket, pole repair, etc)
  • Insulating foam pad (can be part of pack)
  • Firestarter kit (lighter & tinder)
  • Portable rescue sled w/ supporting slings/straps (optional: one per group is sufficient)
  • Emergency shelter as appropriate (optional: examples include a space blanket, guide’s tarp, bivouac sac or bothy bag, etc.)

Travel equipment 

Ski/Splitboard

  • Skis or Splitboard. (Snowshoes are only allowed on snowshoe specific and snowmobile courses.)
  • Skins
  • Ski Crampons (optional: your trainer team will notify you before the course starts if conditions may warrant them)
  • Boots
  • Poles

Snowmobile

  • Snowmobiles must have and display current registration in accordance with all applicable state laws in the state your course is scheduled. 
  • Snowmobiles must be maintained in safe operating condition including properly functioning headlights, tail lights, and brake lights  Your field repair kit must include an extra belt, spark plugs, general and specific tools for your machine, and a tow rope.  
  • Radios with a speaker/mic , operating on FRS/GMRS frequencies 
  • Extra layers for emergency overnight use.