Avalanche Education

The AIARE 2 is a three-day, 24-hour course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where resources are scarce.

The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.

Only one course, Jan 17-19, will be offered in winter 2025-26.

* This is a group course and requires a minimum three participants to run. If you register and this threshold is not met, you will be offered the opportunity to choose different dates or receive a full refund. To book a private course, please head to the Contact page and send an email.

AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a one-day standalone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear. It is a prerequisite for AIARE Level 2 and Pro courses. New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while returning participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice.

*A minimum of two participants are required to run this course. If you’re interested in private instruction, head to the Contact page and send an email.

The AIARE Level 1 course is a foundational requirement for any recreational backcountry traveler, but there’s a lot that it doesn’t cover. This package provides a structured, mentored opportunity to learn and gain confidence in trip planning, uphill travel, gear management, and more.

These essentials are spread over 4 weekends during the winter, covering terrain in and around Snoqualmie Pass. You’ll see the snowpack evolve and avalanche conditions change, and you’ll have extended time with your travel partners, allowing you to work on communication and risk management as a team. You’ll also get to ski some great snow!

* This is a group course and requires a minimum two participants to run. If you register and this threshold is not met, you will be offered the opportunity to choose different dates or receive a full refund. To book a private course, please head to the Contact page and send an email.

Join other individuals in planning and executing four ski tours throughout the season under the supervision of an IFMGA guide. Tours will take place in February, March, and April, requiring you to track the season’s conditions and have a handle on how things are progressing.

This course is designed for AIARE Level 2 graduates who want to become strong leaders in the backcountry. You’ll leave with an understanding of how to avoid the avalanche problem, when and how to asses snow stability, and how conservatively step into avalanche terrain.

Mountain Craft Guiding offers a 50% discount for January Companion Rescue and Level 2 courses for those signing up for the mentorship program.

* This is a group course and requires a minimum two participants to run. If you register and this threshold is not met, you will be offered the opportunity to choose different dates or receive a full refund. To book a private course, please head to the Contact page and send an email.