Why Learn with Us?

Why Our AIARE Avalanche Course?

  • Alpine Ascents International has been leading mountaineering courses for over 30 years
  • 24 hour AIARE curriculum
  • Students receive AIARE online curriculum prior to start of the course to enhance learning
  • Students receive a completion certificate after the course
  • Gear rental available for all Alpine Ascents students

World-Class instruction covering:

  • Avalanche Types (loose snow avalanches and slab avalanches)
  • Terrain (slope angle, aspect, terrain hazards)
  • Weather (precipitation, wind, temperature)
  • Snowpack and gathering current information from the snowpack
  • Ways to spot and avoid common trigger points
  • Trip planning, preparation, and navigation
  • Travel techniques in the backcountry
  • Group decision-making skills
  • Avalanche rescue techniques
  • Avalanche safety equipment

OUR GUIDING TEAM

Our guiding team is composed of world-renowned guides and full-time professional climbers. Many of these guides have historical climbing achievements synonymous with their names. They are part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles. These individuals are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. The role of an Alpine Ascents guide is to impart knowledge, use calculated judgment, and assist with individual climber development. Our guides are experienced educators who evaluate their strengths by the achievements of their climbers.

MEET THE GUIDES

GEAR DEPARTMENT

Alpine Ascents has a full gear department ready to assist with your trip questions and preparations. We have a full-time gear staff and a retail store. All Alpine Ascents climbers receive a discount on each purchase in our gear store.

SHOP

Without question, John’s disposition, especially within the role of guide has made this client-to-guide experience for me to be one of the best. Having been on various climbs previously with different guides, I would say that the interaction with John has been the most connected for me.

All Testimonials
ski team web
Photo courtesy of Ruby Mountain Heli-Ski
Photo courtesy of Ruby Mountain Heli-Ski

AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course BLOG

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    WHAT’S WEIGHING YOU DOWN? – TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SKI/SPLITBOARD PACK LIGHT

    by Jonathon Spitzer  Backcountry skiing and splitboarding encompasses a broad spectrum of ski endeavors, from off-piste riding out of a resort to ski day touring to overnight ski expeditions. I adjust my kit based on the type of skiing I’m doing, the same way you would when doing a day of top rope climbing versus […]

  • to buy an avi airbag or not?

    To Buy An Avi Airbag Or Not?

    by Jonathon Spitzer January is finally here—also known as Pow-uary!  It’s been snowing for the past week on and off, making the skiing and riding amazing. Today is the best day of the season, and now you’re making the third turn down your favorite backcountry ski run. As you reach out to plant your pole […]

  • navigating avalanche terrain

    Navigating Avalanche Terrain

    By Jonathon Spitzer The snow has fallen in many parts of the country, and back country skiing and riding has awakened from its summer slumber. With snow coverage conditions improving, we must remember to be safe. Avalanche danger will rise and fall through-out the season as the snowpack varies. One day the conditions can be […]

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WHY BOOK WITH ALPINE ASCENTS

Partners & Accreditations

Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
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