AIARE Avalanche Education | Ben Markhart Mountain Guiding

Skiing Consequential Avalanche Terrain in Winter in Colorado

Jan 15, 2025 | AIARE Avalanche Education, Colorado, Guided, Rocky Mountain National Park, Ski Mountineering

Skiing big terrain in winter in Colorado during considerable avalanche danger!?!? What can we make of skiers ripping big lines in winter during moderate or considerable danger when we have persistence on the problem list? First thing is to keep in mind that you...

Why I use AIARE Curriculum for Avalanche Safety Education

Oct 9, 2024 | AIARE Avalanche Education, Backcountry Skiing, Colorado

When it comes to avalanche education, I only use the curriculum developed by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). The main reason for this is the curriculum support and instructor standards created by the non profit structure. Non...

Jan 2024 Colorado Winter Conditions Update – how to make the most out of a dry season.

Jan 11, 2024 | AIARE Avalanche Education, Backcountry Skiing, Colorado, Uncategorized

Its been a tough winter for snowfall in the lower 48. All over the American west we see a lot of red. In the PNW snow totals have not stacked up even as precipitation numbers are strong. Storms have been too warm and come in as rain. Colorado has generally hung around...

Navigating Avalanche Education in the USA: the difference between the AAA and AIARE.

Oct 7, 2023 | AIARE Avalanche Education, Backcountry Skiing, Colorado

Avalanche education in the United States is structured to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to safely explore avalanche-prone terrain. The framework for avalanche education in the USA involves key organizations, including the American Avalanche...