AIARE- American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education

Saving Lives Through Avalanche Education

COVID-19 Update

We are continuing to monitor the evolving guidelines set forth by National, State, and County Health Organizations.  Our goal is to continue to deliver quality avalanche education in the safest and most responsible manner possible.  We will update this page throughout the summer. 

AIARE 2 Instructor Qualifications 2016

For information on the 2017-2018 instructor qualifications, consult this document: 2017 Instructor Qualifications  

This document is currently not available to download as of 8/25/2017, see qualifications below.

 Instructor Progression:

There are two levels of instructor qualifications.

1. Course Instructor – qualified to instruct AIARE 1 & 2 and one day Avalanche Rescue courses under a Course Leader.  A Course Leader must be present for the entire course.

2. Course Leader – qualified to Course Lead an AIARE 1 & 2 and the one day Avalanche Rescue Courses.  A Course Leader is required on all courses.  A course leader must be present during the entire course.

The AIARE 1 Instructor Training Couse MUST be taken prior to the AIARE CLT (Course Leader Training) Course.

The qualifications for AIARE 2 Instructors and Course Leaders are below.

AIARE Course Instructor

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years personal experience with leadership and decision making in backcountry avalanche terrain.
  • AIARE curriculum familiarity that includes:
    1. AIARE 3 Certification. (other level 3 certificates do not meet the requirement)
    2. Recent (within 2 years) observation of an AIARE 2 Course.
  • Currently teaching AIARE 1 Courses.
  • AIARE 2 Instructor Training Course or current 2016-17 CLT (Course Leader Training) class
  • AAA membership (Professional Level Membership).

Required Continued Professional Development

  • Update teaching materials as they become available.
  • AIARE ITC 2 or IRC 2 Course (minimum every 3 years).

Recommended Qualifications

  • AMGA Ski Guide or Alpine Guide training course.
  • AAA certified instructor.

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATION FORMS DOWNLOAD LINKS BELOW…

 

Course Leader – AIARE 2

Required Qualifications

  • Instructor experience on 3 or more AIARE 2 courses.
  • Letter
    of recommendation from a supervising AIARE Course Leader outlining
    AIARE 2 courses taught, professional leadership experience and teaching
    experience.
  • AIARE 3 certificate. (other level 3 certificates do not meet the requirement)
  • AIARE Instructor Training Course for AIARE 1 and AIARE 2.
  • Minimum of four winters professional leadership experience in backcountry terrain.
  • AAA membership (Professional Level Membership).

Required Continued Professional Development

  • Update teaching materials as they become available.
  • AIARE ITC 2 or IRC 2 Course (minimum every 3 years).

Recommended Qualifications

  • AAA certified instructor.
  • AMGA Ski Guide or Alpine Guide certification

AIARE instructor and course leader qualifications forms downloads