World class avalanche education in the Eastern Sierra
Avalanche safety and rescue instruction are essential because they teach skills needed to properly enjoy the winter environment. Winter enthusiasts who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering, ice climbing, camping, and snowmobiling will benefit from this instruction.
SMI instructors are skilled outdoor professionals because they have a long history of working and recreating in the winter environment. Our Level 1, Level 2, and Avalanche Rescue courses exceed the guidelines outlined by the American Avalanche Association following the curriculum of the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE).
We offer a 3-part program where participants will learn how to:
Prepare for backcountry travel using seasonal and daily routines
Use planning tools and checklists in order to facilitate communicating and decision making as a group to reduce risk
Conduct a companion rescue
Continue to improve their rescue skills after a course completion
AIARE 1 Avalanche Safety Instruction
The objective of the AIARE 1 course is to learn how to recognize risk in avalanche terrain. It is for anyone who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Students learn a structured system for managing risk through the introduction of the AIARE Framework. For aspiring professionals the AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue are prerequisites for the Pro 1 course.
Avalanche Rescue Course
Learn how to manage a small team rescue on this 1-day course. Avalanche Rescue serves as a regular refresher for critical seldom used skills using the latest in rescue knowledge and equipment. It is appropriate for the first timer new to transceiver use and seasoned backcountry travelers. This 1-day course is the place to learn new skills and keep your existing skills sharp because we conduct it entirely outside. It is also a prerequisite for the AIARE 2.
AIARE 2 Avalanche Safety Instruction
The objective of the AIARE 2 is to learn how to manage uncertainty in avalanche terrain. We apply The AIARE Framework to new terrain and situations through coached mentorship. Leaders can advance their knowledge and decision making skills by virtue of working with our experienced staff. 1-year of practice after AIARE 1 and Rescue are required for the AIARE 2.
Click on the icons below to learn more about our offerings and scheduled dates. We also offer all of our courses on a private basis for clubs, search and rescue, and outdoor groups. Contact our office to arrange a course on dates of your choice.
You don’t need to purchase state-of-the-art transceivers, probes, and shovels for our courses. We include using these items in all our courses.
