Taking an avalanche course is recommended for anyone new to skiing and boarding in the backcountry. The place to start is the AAI Level 1 avalanche course where you will learn all the basics of staying safe in avalanche terrain. Next theres the avalanche rescue course which provides more in depth instruction in avalanche rescue. If you really want to further your avalanche education and consider yourself a recreational leader in the backcountry, there is the avalanche 2 course which can give you the confidence to go further in the backcountry.

Since 1980 we have been teaching avalanche courses in the Sierra Nevada of California. As one of the most established avalanche course providers on the West Coast we have the background & the experience to teach you the latest up-to-date standards in avalanche education. We are dedicated to teaching you to how to be safe skiing and boarding in the backcountry.

Our Mammoth Lakes avalanche courses have field work in the Eastern Sierra areas of Mammoth Lakes and June Lake.

Why get your avalanche education with International Alpine Guides:

  • California’s Original Avalanche School
    The most experienced avalanche course provider in California… for over 40 years we have taught thousands of backcountry students

  • A3 Recognized Provider. We are proud to be a recognized and certified avalanche courser provider by the American Avalanche Association.

  • The Most Practical & Current Curriculum
    We teach the venerable American Avalanche Institute (AAI) curriculum…the nation’s most established avalanche education curriculum. Since 1974 the AAI curriculum has been teaching backcountry skiers how to make appropriate decisions in avalanche terrain built on a foundation of current snow science AND practical application.

  • More Experienced Instructors
    Our Eastern Sierra avalanche instructor team represents a higher average level of real-world professional avalanche experience. All of our instructors are all required to be avalanche professionals and working ski guides, many with AMGA training or certification…along with being experienced educators. They all have many years of experience making difficult decisions in avalanche terrain. The instructor you are with in the field is the most important component of your avalanche education

Why Take An Avalanche course?

Check out our article on the importance of gaining knowledge of avalanche conditions and safe backcountry travel

For avalanche instruction in North Lake Tahoe, check out our Lake Tahoe Avalanche Courses


 

Introductory Level Avalanche Courses

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AAI Avalanche Level 1 Course
Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra - 2 days
The traditional place to start your avalanche education

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AAI Avalanche Level 1 & Intro to Backcountry Combined Course
Mammoth Lakes - 3 days
BOTH the intro to backcountry & AAI level 1 avalanche course in one course

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AAI Avalanche Rescue Course
Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra - 1 day
Stand alone avalanche rescue course

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Avalanche Level 1 Refresh
Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra - 1 day
A valuable refresh of your AAI or AIARE 1 course


Intermediate / Advanced Level Avalanche Courses

 

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AAI Avalanche Level 2
Mammoth Lakes, Eastern Sierra - 3 days