Avalanche Pros Release Free Online Training To Help Skiers Stay Safe
Three avalanche safety organizations have released Avalanche Aware, a free online course that covers the winter backcountry travel fundamentals.
In a joint press release, the groups mentioned that last winter, in the U.S., avalanches caused 22 deaths. Preparing before heading into the backcountry, they said, can save lives. Avalanche Aware was developed to “close this gap.”
The hour-long, self-paced course includes videos, expert commentary, and real-world examples. It covers five modules: Introduction to Avalanches, Identifying Avalanche Terrain, Recognizing Unstable Snow, Managing Triggers, and Making a Plan to Continue Your Avalanche Education.
Vickie Hormuth, the executive director of The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), called it a “first step in avalanche education.”
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To create Avalanche Aware, AIARE partnered with Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC)—two well-known avalanche centers relied upon by backcountry skiers in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado.
“Our goal is simple: to make essential avalanche knowledge available to everyone so all types of enthusiasts can explore the mountains safely and responsibly,” said Hormuth.
The organizations said that after completing Avalanche Aware, users will be able to read their local avalanche forecast, recognize warning signs of unstable snow, and practice identifying where avalanches can happen.
However, as Hormuth noted, Avalanche Aware isn’t the last stop on a skier’s journey to understanding backcountry safety. As such, the course connects users with opportunities to further their education, including local events and entry-level field courses.
“After reaching hundreds in person over the past two winters, Avalanche Aware opens the door for thousands more to build the same foundation before they step into avalanche terrain,” said Brian Lazar, deputy director of the CAIC.
Avalanche Aware
The launch of Avalanche Aware comes as skiers are preparing to enjoy—and in some cases, already participating in—the 2025-26 ski season. Along with the excitement was a reminder that even though the snow isn’t deep yet, it’s time to start thinking about avalanches.
Only a few days ago, the CAIC shared in a social media post that near Treasury Mountain, the first skier-triggered avalanche of the season was reported. In a forecast published on Friday, the organization warned that “Nearly every fall, avalanches catch eager riders and late-season hikers off guard.”
The CAIC’s daily avalanche and weather forecasts begin on November 1.
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