SAVING LIVES

Through Avalanche Education

Our 2022-23 Impact:

91%

The estimated percentage of recreational students nationwide who took an AIARE avalanche course in the 2022-23 winter

119

AIARE providers across the U.S., including 19 universities and colleges

$94,000

Scholarship dollars awarded to individuals pursuing avalanche education last season

Help AIARE with our mission of saving lives through avalanche education—choose a donation amount:

 

The first 100 donations of $100 or more receive a limited-edition Skida buff with artwork by Anne Chase.

Untitled design (1)

Offer valid until 12/31/23

The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education

AIARE was established in 1998 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit educational organization to create a researched-based avalanche education model for back-country users with the belief that avalanche education, research, and training can prevent injuries and fatalities due to avalanches. AIARE develops and disseminates research-based avalanche curriculum to over 100 Providers in the US, South America, Europe and Asia.

Peter "PJ" Moran diggin a 10 fot Plus deep pit to analyse the layers of the Mt. Baker snow pack

Why do I need
avalanche education?

probe beacon rescue

Why
AIARE?

IMG_7793

How can I find
an AIARE course?

8L8A0801

Choosing an
avalanche course

Jon Miller

Jon Miller

Founder & CEO, Backcountry United Foundation


"What I really appreciate about AIARE is that it works to create curriculum with a clear mission. The programming is designed to be easy to understand, digestible, and with a focus on a repeatable approach to avalanche education that creates good habits for the way real people actually want to recreate. As a snowmobiler, I also appreciate AIARE’s inclusive spirit, which allows more people like myself to get involved and to go beyond Rec-level education. AIARE has done a phenomenal job with outreach to the snowmobile community and developing snowmobile-specific avalanche education by developing a roadmap for a progressive path towards professional level certification. AIARE recognizes that with the explosion of winter backcountry recreation industries, it is critical to reach many people, who participate via many modes of travel, in a very short period of time. This inclusive approach allows them to do just that. It’s my pleasure and an honor to be a part of an organization like this, and they are a perfect alignment with the mission and values of my organization."

AIARE
2021-02-16T02:48:37-06:00
Jon Miller
Founder & CEO, Backcountry United Foundation "What I really appreciate about AIARE is that it works to create curriculum with a clear mission. The programming is designed to be easy to understand, digestible, and with a focus on a repeatable approach to avalanche education that creates good habits for the way real people actually want to recreate. As a snowmobiler, I also appreciate AIARE’s inclusive spirit, which allows more people like myself to get involved and to go beyond Rec-level education. AIARE has done a phenomenal job with outreach to the snowmobile community and developing snowmobile-specific avalanche education by developing a roadmap for a progressive path towards professional level certification. AIARE recognizes that with the explosion of winter backcountry recreation industries, it is critical to reach many people, who participate via many modes of travel, in a very short period of time. This inclusive approach allows them to do just that. It’s my pleasure and an honor to be a part of an organization like this, and they are a perfect alignment with the mission and values of my organization."

Chris Davenport

2x World Champion, Ski Mountaineer, Guide, Honored member of the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame


"I love and work with AIARE because education is one of the foundational principles of life.  When it comes to the backcountry, I’m forever a student, I’m always learning.  And AIARE provides the tools necessary to become better at what we do on snow!”

AIARE
2021-02-16T02:47:21-06:00
2x World Champion, Ski Mountaineer, Guide, Honored member of the US Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame "I love and work with AIARE because education is one of the foundational principles of life.  When it comes to the backcountry, I’m forever a student, I’m always learning.  And AIARE provides the tools necessary to become better at what we do on snow!”

Brian Lundstedt

Owner Tyler's Backcountry Awareness, AIARE Motorized Course Leader


"Nearly a decade ago, I went in search of a place to further my education. AIARE was the clear choice. They have a team of curriculum developers to ensure delivery of practical and effective information while following industry best practices.  As one of the first motorized course leaders, I am proud to be part of this team."

AIARE
2021-02-16T02:47:52-06:00
Owner Tyler's Backcountry Awareness, AIARE Motorized Course Leader "Nearly a decade ago, I went in search of a place to further my education. AIARE was the clear choice. They have a team of curriculum developers to ensure delivery of practical and effective information while following industry best practices.  As one of the first motorized course leaders, I am proud to be part of this team."
Miles Smart

Miles Smart

IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide


"AIARE gives a consistent standard for avalanche education. I have appreciated having the support of AIARE for my years of teaching decision making in avalanche terrain. AIARE has been well received in my current home of Chamonix, France where there is less of a standard for amateur avalanche education"

AIARE
2021-02-16T02:44:38-06:00
Miles Smart
IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide "AIARE gives a consistent standard for avalanche education. I have appreciated having the support of AIARE for my years of teaching decision making in avalanche terrain. AIARE has been well received in my current home of Chamonix, France where there is less of a standard for amateur avalanche education"
Erin Smart

Erin Smart

IFMGA Mountain Guide, AIARE 1 & 2 instructor


"When I was going through my mountain guide education, AIARE was the standard to obtain for my professional education. Moving forward from my own courses as a student, I loved becoming an instructor and sharing the knowledge of how to make good decisions in the terrain and how to safely gain mountain sense. The mountains themselves provide us with a lifelong education in every experience we have out there. But it's necessary to have courses where people can trust the quality of the material so they can learn certain lessons without risking their lives. AIARE does a great job at providing just that."

AIARE
2021-02-16T02:56:24-06:00
Erin Smart
IFMGA Mountain Guide, AIARE 1 & 2 instructor "When I was going through my mountain guide education, AIARE was the standard to obtain for my professional education. Moving forward from my own courses as a student, I loved becoming an instructor and sharing the knowledge of how to make good decisions in the terrain and how to safely gain mountain sense. The mountains themselves provide us with a lifelong education in every experience we have out there. But it's necessary to have courses where people can trust the quality of the material so they can learn certain lessons without risking their lives. AIARE does a great job at providing just that."
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AIARE

Why Do I Need Avalanche Education?

Don't wait until it's too late.

In a split second, an avalanche can turn a day of winter fun into a nightmare. By the time you know what's happening, you're in a life-or-death scenario. Will you make it out alive? Will your friends? 

The winter back-country is complex. If you're venturing into it, you need education so you can understand the hazards and learn how to manage risk. 

The core of an AIARE course is The AIARE Risk Management Framework. The AIARE Framework is a step by step back-country risk management process made of daily and seasonal routines and agreements that foster consensus with your partners. The AIARE Framework also supports your continued learning with a process that helps you continue to build experience after your course.

With AIARE avalanche education in your back-country toolbox, you'll be able to: 

    • Identify potential hazards in the back-country
    • Understand the hazards communicated through an avalanche forecast
    • Identify and manage your risk
    • Recognize avalanche terrain
    • Plan trips that avoid or minimize exposure to avalanche terrain
    • Rescue your partners if they are caught in an avalanche

Ready to begin (or continue) your avalanche education? Start with the resources below:

Why AIARE?

What's an AIARE Course?

The American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE) is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Since 1998, our mission has been to provide high quality avalanche education, thereby enhancing public awareness and safety. The foundation of all AIARE courses is the AIARE Risk Management Framework. This tool is a process that enables you to both manage your risk in a complex winter environment and learn from your experiences, even long after you take a course. The AIARE Framework gives back-country travelers of all travel modes-including skiers, splitboarders, snowshoers, motorized travelers, climbers, and others-the skills they'll need to apply to avoid avalanches. It's not just a set of facts. It's a way to make decisions in the back-country.

AIARE's Curriculum:

    • Provides tools to prepare for and carry out out a back-country trip
    • Helps you understand and manage risk in the winter back-country
    • Teaches you what to do when avalanches do occur
    • Is taught by experienced professionals in a hands-on, real-world setting

The curriculum we offer for recreational back-country travelers includes:

AIARE-Course-Offerings

How do I sign up for an AIARE course? 

For great education, you need two things: solid curriculum and an excellent instructor. That's why the AIARE framework is taught by qualified, experienced professional educators who have been trained as educators and the specifics of the AIARE curriculum. Qualified AIARE Instructors engage in annual continuing professional development so they stay abreast of best practices as professional risk managers and educators.

Learn more about choosing which course is right for you and find an AIARE provider near you.