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.
Avalanche Training: All Programs
The AIARE Avalanche Curriculum in the Mt. Baker Backcountry
Demonstrating the use of a Rutschblock Test to determine slope stability. Rick KaiserAIARE's introductory level avalanche course, renamed "AIARE Rec 1" for the 2017-2018 season, 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:Washington & Colorado Front Range; see "Dates and Locations" tab, below.
- Season:December - March
- Length:3 Days or 2 Evenings and 2 Field Days
- Cost:$425 - $580, Location Dependant
Discussing terrain choices. Rick KaiserNew for 2017, the AIARE Rec 2 course is designed for advanced recreational winter travelers who have already taken AIARE 1 and the Avalanche Rescue Course. Focusing on snowpack, weather, and terrain assessment, the course builds decision-making skills and grooms students for leadership in the backcountry.
- Location:Mount Baker backcountry
- Season:December - March
- Length:3 days
- Cost:$450
An avalanche class takes a day tour in the Mount Baker backcountry. Erik Johnson.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
A skier enjoys backcountry terrain. Lyle HaugsvenAmerican Alpine Institute has a wide variety of winter programming available to teach you the skills you need to travel through the untracked backcountry. Many of these programs dovetail together and you can flow from one into another with minimal down-time. Whether you're beginner, intermediate, or advanced, there's a winning combination waiting for you.
- Location:North Cascades, WA
- Season:December - March
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies
One of the snow-covered huts at the Alpine Lakes High Camp. AAI has partnered with Alpine Lakes High Camp to provide hut-based backcountry skiing, splitboarding, and avalanche instruction near Stevens Pass, WA. Roll out of bed, pull on your boots and hit the snow!
- Location:Stevens Pass, WA
- Season:December - March
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Varies
Program Finder