The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
The AIARE organization provides avalanche education to more backcountry travelers than any other single avalanche education organization in the U.S. AIARE draws on input from our 250 instructors across the nation. Whether you take an AIARE course in New Hampshire or California, the learning outcomes are the same. Instructors are encouraged to personalize their courses with local anecdotal and case study information, however the learning outcomes for each topic must be met. If you decide to take an AIARE Level 2 in Washington after taking your AIARE Level 1 in Colorado, you enter that course with the pre-requisite knowledge as the AIARE courses build on each other, from Level 1 through Level 3. Link: www.avtraining.org
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center
The purpose of the CAIC is to minimize the economic and human impact of snow avalanches on recreation, tourism, commerce, industry and the citizens of Colorado. Since 1950 avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard, and in the United States, Colorado accounts for one-third of all avalanche deaths. With a staff of 15 avalanche professionals, we achieve our purpose through a dual mission of forecasting and public education. Link: www.avalanche.state.co.us
Forest Service National Avalanche Center
The National Avalanche Center has a very informative website from basic awareness information to PHD level papers and projects. Link: www.fsavalanche.org
Avalanche.org
A great resource for recreationalists to avalanche professionals. From accidents to avalanche centers across the west this site is full of information. Link: www.avalanche.org
The American Avalanche Association
The American Avalanche Association (AAA) is comprised of a collective group of dedicated professionals engaged in the study, forecasting, control and mitigation of snow avalanches. Association membership includes qualified researchers, professional avalanche forecasters, educators, guides, snow safety officers, snow rangers and qualified ski patrollers, technicians and specialists. Link: www.americanavalancheassociation.org
The Canadian Avalanche Association
The Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit, non-government organization that serves and supports the diverse community of professional avalanche operations in Canada. The programs and services of the CAA help to create and foster a world-class professional operating environment for front-line avalanche safety operations in Canada. Link: www.avalanche.ca
The American Mountain Guides Association
The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is a non-profit organization that seeks to represent the interests of AMGA members by providing support, education, and professional standards. Link: www.amga.com
Irwin Guides
Irwin Guides offers a Level 1, Level 2 and Refresher courses throughout the winter right here in Crested Butte. All of Irwin Guides’ instructors are AIARE trained and certified. Link: http://irwinguides.com/aiare-level-1-course