Avalanche Training: All Programs

The AIARE Avalanche Curriculum in the Mt. Baker Backcountry

AAI's core avalanche courses are set in the world-famous backcountry accessible from the Mt. Baker Ski Area in Northwest Washington. A record-setting snowpack, easy road access, and stunning alpine terrain combine to make this one of the best outdoor classrooms in North America. Courses also available at Mt. Rainier, Blewett Pass, and Mt. Spokane, WA.

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Avalanche Training

The AIARE Avalanche Curriculum in the Mt. Baker Backcountry

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  • Skinning up Table Mountain
  • Cliff Teaching
  • Kurt Teaching
  • Lyle Teaching
  • Skinning Shuksan Arm
  • Backcountry Gate
  • Compression Test
  • Snow Pit Analysis

  Avalanche Training - AIARE 1

  AAI's AIARE Rec 1 Avalanche Course provides students with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize your exposure to risk in avalanche terrain. The first day of this three-day program is in a classroom in a nearby city or town followed by two days in the field.

  • Location:Bellingham and Mt. Baker, WA; Seattle/Olympia and Mt. Rainier, WA; Leavenworth and Blewett Pass, WA; Spokane and Mt. Spokane, WA
  • Season:December - March
  • Length:3 Days or 2 Evenings and 2 Field Days
  • Cost:$350 - $425, Location Dependant

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  • Snowpack analysis
  • Snow Pit
  • Skiing on Heliotrope Ridge, Mt. Baker
  • Rock Creek Drainage, Eastern Sierra
  • Deep powder
  • A multi-day backcountry ski trip

  Avalanche Training - AIARE 2

  This course is designed for those who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and understanding of snow stability and snow stability factors. It is ideal for snow safety and guiding professionals and people interested in these and related careers.

  • Location:Mount Baker backcountry
  • Season:December - March
  • Length:4 days
  • Cost:$525

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  • Touring in the Mt. Baker Backcountry
  • A skier in the North Cascades

  Avalanche Refresher - AIARE 1

  This 1-day Avalanche course is for those who have already completed an avalanche education course and would like to refresh their skills. This field-based clinic provides an excellent review of the material in the AIARE Level 1 course and includes a discussion of industry updates.

  • Location:Mount Baker backcountry, Washington
  • Season:December - March
  • Length:1 day
  • Cost:From $150

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  • Backcountry Skier - Mt Baker
  • Backcountry skier on steep terrain
  • Large Avalanche

  Backcountry Ski Course with Avalanche 1 Training

  Anyone who is planning to venture into the backcountry without a professional guide needs to understand snow stability and avalanche safety. This course merges our 1-Day Introduction to Backcountry Skiing Course with AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course, then adds a winter overnight in the backcountry -- A winning combo.

  • Location:North Cascades, WA
  • Season:December - March
  • Length:6 Days
  • Cost:$850 (minimum of 3 participants)