Curriculum

Our instructors emphasize hands-on learning, shared decision-making, and real-world application—helping students develop not just technical skills, but sound mountain judgment.

​During each block of programming, you will spend a day (or two, if you are a splitboarder) learning the fundamentals of backcountry skiing, you’ll learn how to use your gear, where and how to set a skin track, and other useful skills. Following that, you will spend either two online evenings or one full in-person day on AIARE 1 lecture material. The following three days will be spent in the field completing your AIARE 1 and AIARE Rescue course.  Our AIARE 1 course provides students with the tools, knowledge, and decision-making skills necessary to minimize your exposure to risk in avalanche terrain. Knowing how to judge avalanche conditions, where it’s more dangerous to travel versus where it is less dangerous, and being able to carry out a successful rescue if caught in an avalanche, are essential skills that everyone should be aware of and familiar with before heading into the backcountry.

At the completion of this first block, you’ll receive certificates of training for both the AIARE 1 and the AIARE Rescue Courses.

Students Will Learn:

  • Uphill travel techniques for skiers or splitboarders.
  • Choosing gear, transitions, and gear systems.
  • Introductory navigation and route planning.
  • Identifying avalanche terrain and terrain traps.
  • Using the AIARE Framework for decision-making.
  • Interpreting avalanche forecasts and field observations.
  • Companion rescue techniques and realistic practice scenarios.
  • Group travel strategies and communication in complex terrain.

 

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Plan and execute basic backcountry ski tours
  • Evaluate snowpack and terrain using modern decision-making frameworks
  • Travel efficiently uphill and downhill with appropriate margin
  • Respond effectively to a companion rescue scenario

 

Our instructors deliver AIARE-aligned curriculum recognized industry-wide.

You’ll build practical skills you can trust in real conditions.

 

Course Progression

These programs were developed by American Alpine Institute instructors to bridge the gap from introductory backcountry travel to advanced avalanche leadership training and ski mountaineering. They reflect decades of experience teaching winter mountaineering skills and a deliberate approach to student progression.

This progression is intentionally designed to allow students to complete Parts I and II in succession, then spend time gaining independent experience before returning for advanced avalanche leadership training in Part III.

Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership – Part I
Backcountry Skiing and Avalanche Fundamentals

This introductory course builds a strong foundation for winter backcountry travel. Students develop efficient touring skills, avalanche awareness, decision-making tools, and companion rescue techniques needed to begin traveling confidently in avalanche terrain.

Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership Part II

Technical Ski Alpinism

This intermediate stage expands into winter mountaineering skills, including technical movement, rope systems, and an introduction to winter camping and multi-day travel. The focus is on efficiency, judgment, and operating in more complex alpine terrain. By blending the worlds of backcountry skiing and alpinism, year-round opportunities to explore the mountains start to become more of a reality.

Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Leadership Part III

Ski Mountaineering and Advanced Avalanche Decision-Making

The final course emphasizes advanced avalanche leadership, complex terrain assessment, and expedition-style decision-making. Students refine their technical and leadership skills while preparing for independent travel and professional-level objectives in serious winter environments.

Together, these courses are designed to help you move from foundational skills to confident, independent winter travel and leadership.

Details

Prerequisites

  • Intermediate level in-bounds skiing/snowboarding abilities being able to successfully and confidently complete blue runs inbounds.
  • Have good physical fitness, including being able to hike for multiple hours with a 20 – 35lb backpack with minimal breaks.
  • Be able to dress appropriately for being outside in snowy, winter conditions, and be outside for a full day.
  • Be able to maintain your personal nutrition and hydration needs throughout the day (you may not have an official break for lunch – these are often done “on the go” – so you need to be able to manage your personal needs in this regard).

Two Course Options

This course can be taken as a skier or a splitboarder.  Please see the dates for options.

Avalanche Gear

The AAI Equipment Shop rents avalanche gear, including beacons, probes, and shovels.  We also have backcountry skis and boots, splitboards, packs, and ski poles for rent.  See AAI rental pricing sheet.

 

Course Options

Courses Included:

Taking Winter Backcountry Skills – Part 1 as a full program is the smartest way to build a solid foundation for winter travel. Instead of taking individual classes piecemeal, you’ll move through a thoughtfully designed sequence that covers essential skills in a logical order. This approach gives you consistent instruction, a clear progression, and more time on snow.  This will help you gain confidence faster and get the most value out of your training.