Winter backcountry users have new tool designed to introduce people to avalanche safety concepts

Three snow safety agencies from the western United States have joined forces ahead of winter 2025-26 and launched a free, online educational program titled ‘Avalanche Aware’, which is designed to introduce people venturing into the winter backcountry to fundamental avalanche safety concepts.

The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) teamed up to launch the program, which is currently available online.

The CAIC said whether people are skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, climbing or even walking, avalanches pose a risk whenever there is snow on the ground.

During the 2024–25 winter season, 22 avalanche fatalities occurred in the United States, impacting communities across the country, according to the CAIC. Preparation can save lives, and ‘Avalanche Aware’ was developed to close this gap.

“Avalanche Aware was created as a first step in avalanche education,” Vickie Hormuth, executive director of AIARE said. “Many people stepping into the backcountry for the first time don’t know where to begin or understand the importance of avalanche safety. By partnering with two of the country’s preeminent avalanche centers, we combined decades of expertise to build a free, engaging program that meets all types of backcountry recreationalists where they are.”

Hormuth also said the agencies’ goal is simple, “make essential avalanche knowledge available to everyone so all types of enthusiasts can explore the mountains safely and responsibly.”

Avalanche Aware is a free, one-hour self-paced online course that introduces core concepts of avalanche awareness through videos, expert insights, and real-world examples from experienced avalanche practitioners and educators.

The program includes five modules:

• Introduction to Avalanche
• Identifying Avalanche Terrain
• Recognizing Unstable Snow
• Managing Triggers
• Making a Plan to Continue Your Avalanche Education

The course blends interactive, beginner-friendly lessons with practical takeaways, helping participants build a strong foundation before they head into the mountains, according to the CAIC.

Upon completion, users are connected with local events, entry-level field courses, and additional AIARE training opportunities. Participants leave with the knowledge to find and read their local avalanche forecast, recognize warning signs of unstable snow, and practice identifying where avalanches can happen. 

“We’re excited to expand our collaboration with AIARE and NWAC to bring avalanche safety basics to more people,” Brian Lazar, deputy director of the CAIC said. “After reaching hundreds in person over the past two winters, Avalanche Aware opens the door for thousands more to build the same foundation before they step into avalanche terrain.”

“NWAC serves more than 5,000 participants around Washington and Oregon annually with avalanche awareness classes, and we’re excited to have an online supplement to point students toward,” Scott Schell, Executive Director of NWAC said.

Avalanche Aware is available now at www.avalancheaware.com.