AIARE Course Leader

Bluebird Backcountry Course Leader

About Bluebird Backcountry

Bluebird Backcountry is the first and only fully human-powered, inbounds backcountry ski area in the country. With a mission to make backcountry skiing safer and easier to learn, our operation features a 1,200-acre avalanche-evaluated and ski-patrolled area with zero chairlifts. Guests come to try backcountry skiing, develop their backcountry skills, and explore new terrain in a relatively safe, welcoming, social, and COVID-friendly backcountry environment. In short, we bring together the comforts of a ski resort, the expertise of a guide service, and the adventure of the true backcountry. We are located on the Continental Divide in Colorado, halfway between Kremmling and Steamboat Springs (just over a 30-minute drive from both).

Our team has a welcoming, energetic, get-it-done culture. We are excited to introduce a new way to think about skiing... and to see just how far we can take the Bluebird Backcountry concept.

Our Education Program is the core of Bluebird Backcountry. For many participants, Bluebird will be their very first taste of the backcountry. During our test seasons in 2019 and 2020, we taught an Intro to Backcountry lesson to more than 500 students. For our upcoming 2020–21 season, we’re excited to expand our suite of educational programs. We are developing curricula and intend to teach refresher courses, intermediate backcountry skills, and AIARE programs such as Rec 1, Rec 2, and Avalanche Rescue, among others.

Job Summary

We’re looking for a qualified course leader who is an experienced, enthusiastic backcountry skier or splitboarder. In addition to deep knowledge of avalanche education best practices, we need someone who is eager to make backcountry skiing and splitboarding more welcoming and accessible. The ideal candidate possesses:

•  AIARE Course Leader certification

•  5+ years of experience as an avalanche professional

•  Significant teaching experience and is up to date on best practices for backcountry and avalanche education

•  Commitment to Bluebird Backcountry’s mission and goals––and excitement to welcome newcomers, many with 10 or fewer days of experience in the backcountry

•  Vision and desire to revolutionize backcountry education and get creative in developing Bluebird’s progressive curricula

•  Prior experience mentoring other educators

•  Excellent verbal communication and is skilled in team dynamics

•  An up-to-date Wilderness First Responder certification

•  Flexibility and eagerness to work in a collaborative, fast-paced-yet-grassroots startup environment

  Duties

  This is a seasonal position that begins in November 2020 and runs through March 2021.

•  Spend the months of November and December 2020 building an agenda for the Bluebird

  Backcountry-specific AIARE Rec 1, Rec 2, and Companion Rescue curricula. This will likely include (but is not limited to):

  •  Thoroughly scouting the Bluebird terrain

  •  Adjusting lesson plans to be appropriate for Bluebird’s terrain and typical snowpack

  •  Annotating curriculum to include suggested settings for various facets in the AIARE course progression

  •  Finding ways to work Bluebird’s Intro to Backcountry curriculum and pointers into AIARE agenda

  •  Leading development of a “progressive track” for backcountry and avalanche education as well as developing related curricula

•  Recruit AIARE Instructors to the Bluebird roster and assist with staffing 2021 courses

•  Lead up to 12 AIARE courses in January, February, and March 2021

•  Act as a Bluebird Backcountry ambassador and be ready to help with mountain safety and provide information to guests when asked

•  Uphold, promote, and support the Bluebird Backcountry vision of fostering a community of passionate backcountry skiers and riders

•  Instruct a variety of levels of skiers or snowboarders while placing guest safety as the highest priority

•  Adapt as duties evolve throughout the day and the season

  Location

  Bluebird Backcountry is located halfway between Kremmling and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. All courses will take place within Bluebird Backcountry’s leased area, in some cases in-bounds and in other cases out of bounds. The property is entirely unimproved, and the skiing is more variable and adventurous than manicured or groomed. Lessons are generally taught on moderate terrain both on the way up and the way down.

  Compensation

•  $375/day while teaching avalanche courses

•  $28/hour for curriculum development, staffing and other preseason duties

•  10 Bluebird Backcountry day passes to give to family and friends

•  Rustic lodging in Kremmling for the duration of the season if desired

•  Prodeals with leading industry brands

To Apply

Please email jobs@bluebirdbackcountry.com with “Course Leader” in the subject line. Include the following:

•  A cover letter that answers: What does the future of avalanche education look like?

•  Your resume

•  Your location and contact information

 If you are interested in other positions with Bluebird Backcountry, please visit our website at Bluebirdbackcountry.com/jobs/.