Instructor Training Program

AIARE Instructors are a skilled combination of experienced avalanche professional, outdoor educator, and mentor. The AIARE Instructor Training Program teaches experienced backcountry travelers how to teach the AIARE recreational avalanche curriculum and manage backcountry risk in an educational context.

The first step in the Program is the AIARE Instructor Training Course. Once an AIARE Instructor, avalanche educators have the opportunity to continue developing their avalanche knowledge and their teaching, mentoring, and risk management skills through AIARE’s continuing education program. Experienced AIARE Instructors can take the next step in the program and learn how to oversee and lead AIARE courses by taking a Course Leader Training.

AIARE Instructor Training Course

All prospective AIARE instructors participate in the Instructor Training before applying to become an AIARE Instructor. Upon successful completion of the Instructor Training Course, you will be qualified to instruct the following programs:

  • Avalanche Awareness
  • Avalanche Rescue
  • AIARE 1
  • AIARE 2

Backcountry travelers with at least five years of backcountry traveling experience, experience with the entire AIARE rec curriculum program, a PRO 1 certificate (or equivalent), and a passion for avalanche education are encouraged to apply for the course.

Instructor Continuing Education

AIARE Instructors deepen their skills as educators and avalanche professionals on an annual basis by taking courses provided by AIARE and other professional organizations related to the avalanche industry. Instructors keep abreast of the latest research and best practices by maintaining associate or professional membership with The American Avalanche Association (A3), the avalanche industry’s professional organization.

Course Leader Training

Experienced AIARE Instructors who have a PRO 2 certificate (or equivalent) and a letter of recommendation from an AIARE Course Leader are eligible to take the Course Leader Training. On this course, Participants learn to lead a team of Instructors. The Instructor Team designs a course to meet the learning outcomes of the AIARE Rec Program and manage risk, while being responsive to the the course venue and experience of course participants.