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 KaiserThis entry-level avalanche course provides skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, mountaineers and snowmobilers with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize risk in avalanche terrain. AAI's program employs curriculum developed by American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), an organization with decades of experience developing techniques, protocols and skills for those that recreate and work in avalanche terrain.
- Location:Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days or 1 Lecture Day + 2 Field Days
- Cost:$725 (Register by Nov. 15th for a $100 discount)
A rescuer gets low to the snow to get the best readings during the Fine Search phase of a rescue. Dyan PadagasThis course was originally introduced in the 2017/2018 season, but has since become an integral step in the AIARE avalanche education progression. This 1-day course is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while return participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course.
- Location:Mount Baker backcountry, Washington
- Season:December - March
- Length:1 day
- Cost:$295
Discussing terrain choices. Rick KaiserThe 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:2 Online Evenings and 2 Field Days
- Cost:$745
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 $295
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:4 - 6 days + 2 evening lecture sessions
- Cost:$1250 (Skiing) $1475 (Splitboarding)
A snowmobilier enjoys deep snow, secure in the knowledge that she can react quickly in case of an avalanche burial.This course takes AIARE's avalanche curriculum and tailors it specifically towards motorized users, whether on a sled or a snowbike. This introductory level course provides students with the tools, knowledge, and decision making skills necessary to minimize your exposure to risk in avalanche terrain.
- Location:Washington
- Season:January - March
- Length:2 Online Evenings + 2 Field Days for Rec 1 and Rec 2, 1 Field day for Rescue
- Cost:Varies
An instructor explains the use of snow pits for snowpack analysis. Andy BourneThe Pro 1 Course is the introductory program for the new Professional Course Flow. Similar to the traditional Level 2 course, it is designed to train and certify workers new to the avalanche industry.
- Location:Mt. Baker and Glacier, WA
- Season:December
- Length:5 days in-person training + online lessons prior to meeting
- Cost:$1849
Recording observations in the snow pack. Coley GentzelThe Pro 2 Avalanche Course is an advanced certification course for experienced and advanced recreational backcountry travelers, professional guides, patrollers and avalanche workers moving into leadership roles within their operations or for experienced workers who desire to continue to develop their risk management leadership skills. The course is 1 evening session, then 6 days in the field and completes the professional avalanche course stream.
- Location:Mt. Baker Backcountry
- Season:Winter
- Length:1 evening + 6 days
- Cost:$2649
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