Avalanche Course - Colorado, New Mexico: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3

Taking an avalanche course is an absolute requirement for those going into the backcountry. Understanding avalanche behavior is a fundamental skill for any backcountry traveler whether you are snowshoeing on a quiet trail or ripping it up on a snowmobile.

We use a standardized curriculum from the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). Why AIARE? If you take an AIARE course from any AIARE instructor in the world and then go to take another AIARE course, the next instructor already knows what you are coming into the course with. Many times, those who have not taken a previous AIARE course are deficient and have a hard time making up for the lack of a good foundation in concepts or technique.

Marc has contributed to the Educational Committee for AIARE and is the only Certified Instructor through the American Avalanche Association (AAA) teaching avalanche courses in New Mexico.

Our courses cater to the individual learning process with a low student to instructor ratio. Don’t wait until the snow is already deep to take an avalanche course. Being able to use your knowledge and skills after a course is best.

How much does it cost? We’ve already done the shopping for you and our courses are “average” priced by market analysis. Save more time and money by looking for someone to carpool with and get signed up.

For our Colorado courses in Durango, we’ve teamed up with Southwest Adventure Guides to provide for a great combination of instruction, terrain, and San Juan Mountain splendor that makes these classes so special. For those looking for a serious snow pack to play in, this is it. The San Juan Mountains of Colorado have an incredible amount of avalanche potential so it makes for a great venue for learning about the characteristics of avalanches. SWAG and BMG efforts are combined to bring a great wealth of instruction and experience with the same low student:instructor ratio.

Get your snow study kit from Backcountry Access

We offer backcountry ski guiding and instruction as well. Larger courses and outings are available with our Alaska Ski Mountaineering packages.

Albuquerque Journal Article
NM avalanche awareness.pdf avalanche awareness.pdf

Santa Fe New Mexica Article
Santa Fe New Mexican.com article