Avalanche Education
Learn the skills you need to navigate the backcountry. Join Snowbird Mountain Guides this winter for a 3-day AIARE Level 1 certification course, a 3-day AIARE Level 2 certification course, a 1-day Avalanche Rescue course or custom avalanche instruction. This year we will be offering both online and in-person courses.
AIARE Level 1 Certification
A 3-day/24-hour introduction to planning and prep for travel in avalanche terrain, human factors, terrain recognition, "red flag" observations, terrain selection and travel techniques. Lift ticket included on Field Sessions. Online courses will be a hybrid of virtual class sessions and in-person field sessions on Friday and Saturday and full day in-person field session on Sunday.
- Dates: December 10 - 12 (online); January 7 - 9 (online) SOLD OUT, January 21 - 23 (online) SOLD OUT, January 28 - 30 (in-person) SOLD OUT, February 4 - 6 (in-person) SOLD OUT, February 25 - 27 (in-person) SOLD OUT, March 11 - 13 (in person) SOLD OUT, March 25 - 27 (online), April 1 - 3 (online) SOLD OUT.
- Friday - Sunday: 8 am - 5 pm.
- Location: Snowbird
*If conditions do not permit us to operate at Snowbird, the course may be moved to an offsite location. - Required Equipment: Transceiver, shovel and probe.
- Prerequisites: None. Students must be able to travel in backcountry terrain.
- Registration: 801.933.2096 or MountainGuides@Snowbird.com
- Cost: $450+tax
- Online courses will be a hybrid of virtual class sessions and in-person field sessions on Friday and Saturday and full day in-person field sessions.
- American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
AIARE Level 2 Certification
The AIARE 2 is a 3-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.
- Dates: March 18 - 20, 2022.
- Friday - Sunday: 8 am - 5 pm.
- Location: Snowbird
*If conditions do not permit us to operate at Snowbird, the course may be moved to an offsite location. - Required Equipment: Transceiver, shovel and probe.
- Prerequisites: AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue Course.
- Registration: 801.933.2096 or MountainGuides@Snowbird.com
- Cost: $550+tax
- American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course
Snowbird Backcountry Guides AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a 1-day stand-alone course that is intended to be retaken on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of best practices in rescue techniques and gear.
New participants will learn the basics of companion rescue, while return participants will expand their skill set with advanced topics and realistic scenario practice to help improve their skills after the course.
Each participant will have the opportunity to receive professional coaching with their rescue skills and will receive a rescue card acknowledging the completion date at the course end.
- Dates: December 18, 2021; February 12, March 19, 2022 SOLD OUT.
- Saturday: 8 am - 5 pm
- Location: Snowbird
*If conditions do not permit us to operate at Snowbird, the course may be moved to an offsite location. - Prerequisite: AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for the AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses. AIARE recommends that all backcountry travelers keep their skills current by taking an Avalanche Rescue Course and receiving a rescue card at least every other year.
- Registration: 801.933.2096 or MountainGuides@Snowbird.com
- Cost: $150+tax
Custom Avalanche Instruction
Snowbird Mountain Guides offers custom avalanche instruction for individuals and small private groups. Standard course offerings are available; AIARE 1, 2 and Avalanche Rescue, in addition to instruction customized to meet the needs and interests of the guest. Private avalanche instruction is scheduled at the guest's request, availability permitting. Certified instructors can assist with preparation for an upcoming course, refreshers, standard courses or custom options. Please call, email or stop by the Snowbird Mountain Guides office for more information. *Custom AIARE 1 and 2 courses are sold out.
- Please call for pricing at 801.933.2096.
Cancellation Policy
- Any cancellation made by guest more than 30 days out will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made by guests within 30 days will receive a refund less a $50 processing fee
- Cancellations made by guests within 7 days are non-refundable.
- Snowbird reserves the right to cancel any reservation due to conditions beyond our control. If Snowbird cancels for any reason you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.