American Avalanche Institute
AAI Eastern Sierra Avalanche Companion Rescue Course Overview

Our AAI avalanche companion rescue course in Mammoth Lakes is a stand alone one day avalanche rescue course that is meant to be retaken on a regular basis to keep up to date on current rescue techniques and gear. It is also a prerequisite for the AAI or AIARE level 2 avalanche course and the Pro 1 avalanche course. AAI recommends that all winter backcountry travelers take the avalanche rescue course at least every other year. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a rescue card.

A huge benefit of this course is to receive professional coaching from our industry-leading AAI course instructors As the the largest avalanche course provider on the West Coast and the oldest avalanche school in California, you know you’re in good hands and receiving the best instruction available.

Upon completion of the AAI avalanche companion rescue course you will have an understanding of:

  • What to do if you, or a member of your party is caught in an avalanche

  • How to use beacon, shovel & probe for avalanche rescue

  • How to set up scenarios for continued practice avalanche rescues

We conduct this course in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra. You must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain using skis or a splitboard and have basic knowledge of backcountry techniques and equipment.

We include your avalanche safety gear, such as avalanche beach, shovel & probe at no extra charge!

 
 
 

SKILL & EXPERIENCE LEVEL

For our AAI avalanche rescue course you should be in very good physical shaped have the ability to use backcountry ski or snowboard equipment. Everyone will travel on backcountry skis or splitboards.

2024/2025 SCHEDULED DATES:

December 23
December 30
January 20
February 17
March 10

 


 

COST: $295

INCLUDES

  • Professional AAI trained or certified mountain guides

  • Use of all avalanche safety gear such as beacon, shovel & probe

For more info on this trip please fill out the form below:

THE AMERICAN AVALANCHE INSTITUTE DIFFERENCE

The American Avalanche institute was founded in the winter of 1973/74 by Rod Newcomb in the Jackson, Wyoming area. Since then, AAI has taught thousands of backcountry travelers throughout Wyoming, Montana, Utah…and now California. The AAI curriculum has been refined and updated continuously over the years to bring you the most current trends in avalanche education built on top of the nation’s longest history of avalanche education.

Built upon a foundation of snow science and practical application, the highly respected AAI curriculum incorporates an atmosphere of immersion and highly experienced instructors who are working avalanche professionals. AAI instructors are coaches, role models and educators who are adept at allowing students to make appropriate real-world decisions in the backcountry. The practical AAI curriculum re-enforces a systematic approach to backcountry travel in avalanche terrain.

Recognition by the American Mountain Guides Association. As another example of AAI’s commitment to excellence in education, AAI pro level courses are recognized & audited by the AMGA.

American Avalanche Association membership. AAI is a member of the AAA, the governing body of avalanche curriculum providers in the United States. AAI avalanche programs are recognized by the AAA.

More Info on the American Avalanche Institute

THE INTERNATIONAL ALPINE GUIDES DIFFERENCE

For over 40 years the IAG/ASI team have been teaching avalanche education to backcountry skiers in Lake Tahoe & throughout California. We are Tahoe’s original avalanche school founded by the Bela & Mimi Vadasz in 1979. As one of the most experienced and most established avalanche schools in the nation, we bring to you the highest standards in the avalanche education industry, currently offering the AAI avalanche program.

Our avalanche Instructor team is among the most experienced in the avalanche education industry :

  • Professional Ski Guides. Our avalanche instructors are working ski guides, many with training or certification with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA)

  • Avalanche Industry Professionals. They are professional members of the American Avalanche Association with a minimum of 4 years of experience working in avalanche terrain as ski guides, patrollers and/or forecasters.

  • Professional Educators, All of our instructors have a background in professional level teaching.

Our extensive worldwide skiing experience, adherence to the highest educational standards, as well as our approachable down to earth philosophy all combine to give you, our valued guests, the best avalanche education experience possible.

All of our mountain guiding and educational programs are developed and supervised by Internationally licensed IFMGA guide Dave Miller, our owner and technical director. Originally from the North Lake Tahoe area, Dave has over 30 years of personal backcountry skiing experience on the backcountry slopes of Lake Tahoe. We know Tahoe’s backcountry!