AIARE Avalanche Courses in Utah — The Wasatch Range

Avalanche Education in the Wasatch

Utah’s Wasatch Range receives some of the deepest, lightest snow in North America — and that abundant snowfall also means significant avalanche hazard. The Wasatch is one of the most heavily traveled backcountry ski zones in the country, making avalanche education essential for anyone venturing beyond the resort boundaries. The Mountain Guides offer AIARE courses in the Wasatch using a hybrid format: online learning followed by field days in the mountains near Salt Lake City. Our courses are taught by AMGA-trained and certified instructors with deep knowledge of the Wasatch snowpack.

Utah AIARE Course Options

AIARE Level 1: The foundational avalanche safety course for anyone traveling in or near avalanche terrain. Online learning + evening session + 2 field days in the Wasatch. No prior avalanche training required.

Companion Rescue: A one-day field course covering transceiver search, probing, and strategic shoveling. AIARE recommends refreshing rescue skills every two years.

Why the Wasatch for Avalanche Education

The Wasatch is less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, making it one of the most accessible backcountry destinations in the country. Learning to manage avalanche hazard in the Wasatch’s deep maritime-to-intermountain snowpack prepares you for backcountry travel across the West. The skills and decision-making framework you build here apply wherever you ski.