American Avalanche Institute

Photos from one of our recent Pro Avsar courses in SLC! After a slower start to winter, our Pro courses are finally in full swing and we’re stoked about it!

Our first Professional Avalanche Search and Rescue course of the season wrapped up last week in Colorado, bringing together a motivated group of avalanche professionals for a strong start to winter training. Looking forward to the season ahead.

MountainSafety SkiPatrol MountainRescue BackcountrySafety AAI

January Avalanche Safety Series at Eldora 🏔️

Join us on January 9 & January 23 for two afternoons focused on building backcountry awareness and rescue skills.

🕐 1–4 PM | Eldora Mountain Resort
• Transceiver Time Trials
• Safety Series Talk led by AAI-certified instructors
• Prizes, raffles, and Mammut giveaways

Jan 9: Foundations of Backcountry Avalanche Awareness
Jan 23: Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals

Come sharpen your skills and kick off winter informed!

We’re excited to partner with Teton County Search & Rescue as they host the upcoming Backcountry Zero Risk Management Workshops!

On Thursday, December 11th from 6 to 7:30 pm at TCSAR, Liz King, our Avalanche Program Director at AAI, will be leading a free 90-minute session focused on avalanche terrain assessment, human factors, and key skills for informed decision-making in the backcountry. These workshops offer a valuable opportunity to build awareness and refresh essential knowledge ahead of the winter season.

On Thursday, December 18th from 5:30 to 8 pm at TCSAR, Anthony Stevens will be teaching a WFR skills review. Registration is $25 and space is limited.

A big thank you to TCSAR for continually supporting our community and providing accessible education for backcountry users of all levels.

👉 See their post for full details and registration
👉 Share with friends or colleagues who travel in avalanche terrain or would benefit from these sessions

Join the American Avalanche Institute at REI Denver for our monthly Avalanche Awareness Series — practical, instructor-led sessions that go beyond the basics. Led by AMGA-certified AAI instructors, each month focuses on a new skill:

Dec 11 • Avy Awareness 101
Jan 15 • Rescue Basics
Feb 12 • Route Planning
Mar 12 • Spring Skiing Tactics

Next session: Dec 11, 6:30–8:00 PM
Location: 1416 Platte Street, Denver

Reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-avalanche-institute-avy-awareness-series-101-tickets-1967827703634?aff=oddtdtcreator

See you there!

OUR BLACK FRIDAY SALE IS LIVE!

Now through December 1st, get 12% off all recreational avalanche courses with code AVY-EDUCATION.

For our professional students: enroll with PRO-EDUCATION and receive a free Mammut shovel with your course.

❗️ Excludes Winter Weather Forecasting courses
🗓️ Valid on new registrations only

Hit the link in our bio to sign up.

FREE Avalanche Awareness Clinic ⛷️❄️
Presented by Colorado Mountain School & American Avalanche Institute

📍 Rab Denver Retail Store
📅 Tuesday, November 11 | 6:00–7:00 PM
💰 Free + open to the public

Winter is coming — are you ready for the backcountry?
Join us for a free, one-hour avalanche awareness clinic designed to help you make safer decisions this season.

Whether you’re new to touring or just need a preseason refresher, this session covers:
⚡ Avalanche basics + red flags
⚡ Terrain assessment + trip planning
⚡ Human factors + decision-making
⚡ Gear tips from CMS & Rab
⚡ Q&A with a licensed IFMGA mountain guide

Expect expert insights, real-world stories, and practical takeaways to help you travel smarter in avalanche terrain.

No registration required — just show up, bring your questions, and get stoked for winter! 🏔️

Big news! 🚨A new date has been added!

Join us for Winter Weather Forecasting on January 10 and 11, 2026, an online course via Zoom so you can join from anywhere.

Dive deep into snow science, storm tracking, and mountain weather analysis with meteorologist Jim Woodmencey. Designed for avalanche forecasters, mountain guides, ski patrols, and anyone working in dynamic winter conditions, this course focuses on short-term forecasting using real-time data and hands-on exercises.

📍Hosted by the American Avalanche Institute
🔗 Register through the link in our bio

The snow is starting to fall, ice tools are out, and skis are sliding again. ❄️
Just two days ago, the first skier-triggered avalanche of the season was reported near Crested Butte. It’s that tricky preseason time — when excitement is high and the snowpack feels thin and harmless… until it’s not.

Every year, we lose friends and partners during this shoulder season — a time when complacency can creep in and early-season layers hide big consequences.

Are you thinking about stepping into the backcountry this winter?
👉 Are you dialed with your beacon, probe, and shovel?
👉 Have you refreshed your avalanche education?

Now’s the perfect time to build those skills before winter fully arrives.
We’re offering a range of avalanche courses — hybrid options, hut and yurt immersions, and full 3-day Level 1 programs — across multiple locations.

🔗 Check the link in our bio to learn more and get signed up.

It is with great sadness and profound gratitude we honor the passing of our founder, mentor and friend Rod Newcomb. Rod founded AAI in 1974 and was a pioneer in professional avalanche education in North America. Rod’s insatiable curiosity and dedication to his craft left a profound impact on AAI, our instructors, his 1000’s of students and the entire US Avalanche community. We are all better for what Rod gave us. Thank you Rod, we’re honored to carry the legacy forward.

We're Hiring!

Want to head out into the adventure of something new? Consider joining our team!

We are looking for a new Customer Experience Manager to help us continue to offer the best avalanche education in the country. To learn more about the requirements, job description, and compensation, visit:https://www.americanavalancheinstitute.com/careers/.