American Avalanche Institute

Professional avalanche education is something we don’t take lightly.

For over 50 years, the American Avalanche Institute has focused on practical, field-based avalanche education. Our professional curriculum is developed and maintained by experts in snow science, avalanche forecasting, ski patrolling, mountain guiding, and hazard mitigation.

Our courses emphasize time in the field, where students can apply what they’re learning through hands-on practice, coaching, and supervised decision-making. From avalanche mechanics and forecasting workflows to terrain management and operational decision-making, our goal is to prepare students for the realities of working in avalanche terrain.

Every student brings their own experience, goals, and reasons for being in the mountains. We’re proud to support aspiring and current industry professionals as they continue to develop their skills and careers.

If you’re wondering what your next step might look like, reach out to our team. We’re happy to help you find the right path forward.

Prepare for the next level of avalanche work.

For the 2026/2027 season, we are introducing two professional-level courses designed for avalanche professionals looking to build their skills and take on greater responsibility in the field.

Professional Rescue
Our newly created Pro Rescue course prepares avalanche workers to function effectively as members of an avalanche incident response team and lead small task forces during rescue operations.

Professional Avalanche Search & Rescue
Our redesigned Pro AvSAR course is designed for experienced professional rescuers looking to hone their skills, learn advanced search techniques, and develop strategies for managing increasingly complex avalanche search and rescue operations.

Course dates are coming soon. We recommend preparing your application materials now so you’re ready to apply when dates go live.

Stay tuned for more information on the 2026/2027 professional course offerings!

Winter Weather Forecasting is LIVE!

This two day virtual classroom course is designed for avalanche forecasters, mountain guides, ski patrols, pilots, and others who want to develop the skills needed to create short term winter weather forecasts during one of the most dynamic weather seasons.

Led by meteorologist Jim Woodmencey, the course covers a systematic approach to understanding weather from surface observations to the upper atmosphere, with hands on analysis of real time weather products and forecasting exercises.

Participants will learn to recognize key weather patterns and develop wind, temperature, and precipitation forecasts using publicly available online tools.

Upcoming course dates:
- October 24 & 25, 2026
- December 12 & 13, 2026
- January 16 & 17, 2027

The course will be held online via Zoom. No travel is required.

Register now through our website!

Blitzen Ridge in prime summer conditions. Friday’s team enjoyed a full day of alpine climbing on one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s classic alpine routes!

The 2026/2027 Pro Course Calendar is LIVE

We’re excited to announce that our upcoming Pro 1 and Pro 2 course dates are now available, and seats are open on our website.

We’ll be adding additional Pro 1 and Pro 2 courses soon, so stay tuned for more dates and locations.

Pro 1 Courses:
December 14, 2026 - Jackson, WY and Salt Lake City, UT
January 4, 2027 - Snoqualmie, WA
January 11, 2027 - Salt Lake City, UT
January 25, 2027 - Bozeman, MT
February 8, 2027 - Jackson, WY
March 1, 2027 - Jackson, WY
March 15, 2027 - Salt Lake City, UT

Pro 2 Courses:
January 11, 2027 - Jackson, WY
February 1, 2027 - Salt Lake City, UT
March 9, 2027 - Jackson, WY

Whether you’re pursuing a career as a professional mountain guide or continuing to develop your technical skills, our Pro Courses are designed to help you build the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to take the next step.

Registration is now open on our website!

*More dates and locations coming soon.

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!