Mt. Baker, WA | Wilderness First Aid & AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

• Wilderness First Aid, valid for 2 years

• CPR: AED Adult/Child/Infant, valid for 2 years 

• Wilderness First Responder-Refresher for those holding a current WFR Certification or within their grace period, valid for 2 years. Additional e-labs apply. Please reach out if you are unsure of your eligibility for recertification.

• WA Epinephrine Auto Injector Certification, valid for 2 years

• AIARE Avalanche Rescue

Wilderness First Aid:

• Manage risk through pre trip planning and preventative techniques: communications, 1st Aid Kits, sports nutrition and hydration, rider and equipment checklists, trip itineraries.

• Assess and treat life threatening emergencies: Airway management, hemorrhage control, CPR, shock, and stabilization.

• Practice common trauma techniques: Wound and fracture management, head injuries, neck and spine injury, blunt trauma, burns, dental and eye trauma.

• Develop important judgment skills for the assessment and evacuation of medical and environmental emergencies in the backcountry:  heat and cold emergencies, animal bites and stings, lightning and adverse weather, search and rescue basics, cardiac and respiratory emergencies, diabetes, seizures, anaphylaxis.

AIARE Avalanche Rescue:

• Describe what to do if they or a member of their party is caught in an avalanche.

• Identify and be able to use gear necessary for avalanche rescue.

• Set up a realistic scenario in order to practice an avalanche rescue response.

• Improve their response skills and times during and after the course with feedback from instructors and peers.

• Develop a plan for continuing practice.

Day 1

Upper USFS Parking Lot near Heather Meadows Lodge: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills.

Each participant will have the opportunity to receive professional coaching on their rescue skills, and will receive a rescue card acknowledging the completion date.

Day 2

Upper USFS Parking Lot near Heather Meadows Lodge: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

On day two we’ll meet at the USFS trailhead at Heather Meadows for a preparation, snow report check, packing session, and itinerary brief. We’ll set out into the Mount Baker backcountry conducting Wilderness First Aid skills sessions and scenarios en route to one of our ski summits. Itineraries will be solely dependent on avalanche and weather conditions. Total vertical feet ~1000-2000 feet and 4-6 miles of travel depending on snow conditions and planned route.

Day 3

Upper USFS Parking Lot near Heather Meadows Lodge: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Again, we'll meet at the USFS trailhead at Heather Meadows for a preparation, snow report check, packing session, and itinerary brief. We’ll set out into the Mount Baker backcountry conducting Wilderness First Aid skills sessions and scenarios en route to one of our ski summits. Itineraries will be solely dependent on avalanche and weather conditions. Total vertical feet ~1000-2000 feet and 4-6 miles of travel depending on snow conditions and planned route.

*Note: The itinerary is fluid and is subject to change for safety and weather/ environmental factors including wind, rain/ snow, Avalanche conditions, Air Quality Index, trail closures, traffic considerations, etc.

Safety/Rescue

• 3-Antenna Beacon ( > 60% Battery, w/ no error messages)

• Metal avalanche shovel

• Probe, with landmark numbers visible (i.e. 100cm, 150cm, 200cm, 300cm), > 300 cm recommended

• Backpack ~ 35-45 liters (Separate wet/snow safety pocket is ideal)

• 3 extra AAA batteries

Snow Travel

• AT skis, splitboard, telemark skis

• Skins cut to fit your skis/board

• Collapsible poles with snow basket

• Touring boots

• Optional: skin wax, nordic rub on ski wax, 2+ ski straps

Personal Gear

• Waterproof jacket

• Waterproof pants

• Warm hat

• Sun hat

• Sunglasses

• Goggles

• Buff/neck gaiter

• Warm insulating jacket/puffy layer (waterproof stuff sack is a good idea)

• Mid-weight insulated jacket/puffy/fleece layer

• Base layers for top and bottom (wool, synthetic, NO COTTON)

• Socks that work well with your boots

• Three (3) pairs of gloves (lightweight, midweight, heavyweight) Insulated fishing gloves are awesome!

• Snacks (recommended to bring food you can eat on the go. Hot food or soup is awesome too!)

• Water/drinks (I bring a 0.5-1 liter of water and a liter of hot drink (bone broth, miso, tea, etc.))

• Sunscreen

• Chapstick with SPF protection

The class is held at the ski area and will be spent moving through the snowy and icy landscape. Consideration should be taken to ensure you are fit enough to embark on these trails. Students must be able to ascend 2000 vertical feet and backcountry tour/ transition through 4-6 miles of strenuous uphill and downhill terrain. Please contact BMG if you would like more information about hiking fitness requirements.

All of our programs have a minimum age requirement based on physical intensity and/or the mature nature of the online and in-person content. Since this is a high-adventure program, participants must be at least 18 years old. We reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy depending on circumstances. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@backcountrymedical.org to see whether an exception is possible.

Mount Baker is located in the beautiful North Cascades mountain range in Northern Washington. The ski area holds the world record for most snowfall in a season—over 1000 inches during the 98’-99’ season. Bring your equipment and prepare for some powder turns. The course will be held in the Mt. Baker Backcountry.

There is no lodging directly at the ski area. They do allow reservation camping in the parking lot and there are a lot of AirBnBs located about 30 mins down the hill in Glacier and Maple Falls. We would recommend booking the rentals more than a month in advance because they do tend to fill up quickly.