Alyeska To Host Affordable Avalanche Clinics Led by Three of the Best Female Skiers Ever

There are hundreds of opportunities to practice avalanche safety and learn about snow science, but if three of the best female skiers ever are hosting a clinic in Alyeska, Alaska, why not take advantage of it?

SAFE AS Clinics was founded over 13 years ago by a stacked roster of female skiers that includes Elyse Saugstad, Ingrid Backstrom, Jackie Paaso, Michelle Parker, Lel Tone, and Sherry McConkey (ever heard of them?!).

The “open, welcoming and enthusiastic” clinics are returning to Alyeska Resort, Alaska, for two days of on-mountain training and learning, January 24-25, 2026.

The clinics will be led by Saugstad, Backstrom, and Paaso, and will be offered at a “reduced rate” (just $99) thanks to partnerships with the Bronco Wild Fund and The North Face.

To sweeten the deal, all proceeds from the SAFE AS Clinics will go to the organization’s non-profit partners, including the High Fives Foundation and the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center.

Skiers interested in participating can register here.

The 2026 POWDER Photo Annual is here! Look for a print copy on a newsstand near you, or click here to have a copy shipped directly to your front door.

More on SAFE AS Clinics

“S.A.F.E. A.S. Clinics is a women’s tailored, beginner to experienced friendly, avalanche awareness and safety clinic. Founded by Elyse Saugstad, Jackie Paaso, Michelle Parker, Ingrid Backstrom, Lel Tone and Sherry McConkey with the intention to foster an open, welcoming and enthusiastic environment to encourage participation and communication in the mountains during the winter safely. The clinics are one day, introductory level courses based on AIARE curriculum. Partial proceeds from the events are donated to snow community non-profits.”

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