This AIARE Avalanche Rescue course is designed to prepare backcountry travelers to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an avalanche. Held in Mt Hood National Forest, you’ll gain critical experience through multiple rescue drills, gear practice, and team response coordination. Whether it’s your first rescue course or a yearly refresher, you’ll build the skills and confidence needed to act decisively in high-stakes situations.

Please let us know if you would like to be in the same group as other participants in the notes section when booking! We cannot accommodate last minute group switches.

During your Avalanche Rescue course we'll cover the following topics and skills:

• What to do if you're caught in an avalanche
• What to do if your partner is caught in an avalanche
• How to use your beacon, shovel and probe
• Rescue equipment technology
• Rescue techniques for companion and small team rescue
• How terrain affects an avalanche rescue and how to use terrain to your advantage
• Visual search, transceiver search and spot probing
• Strategies for using your gear effectively

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Mt Hood National Forest an ideal location for an Avalanche Rescue Course?

Mt. Hood is an ideal setting for an Avalanche Rescue course thanks to its accessible terrain, consistent snowfall, and dynamic weather patterns that mimic real-world rescue scenarios. The mountain’s mix of open slopes, glades, and volcanic gullies provides varied terrain to practice realistic beacon searches, strategic probing, and efficient shoveling techniques. Frequent storm cycles and wind-loading events create natural avalanche features and debris fields, helping students understand what real rescue conditions can look like. With easy access from Portland and several trailheads that lead quickly into prime training terrain, Mt. Hood offers a convenient yet highly practical environment for honing essential rescue skills.

Why choose Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE Avalanche Rescue course?:

Choosing Blackbird Mountain Guides for your AIARE Avalanche Rescue course means learning from some of the most experienced and dedicated avalanche professionals in the industry. Blackbird’s instructors are seasoned backcountry guides with extensive hands-on experience in diverse avalanche terrain. We prioritize small group sizes, which allows for personalized instruction and in-depth practice of critical rescue skills, including beacon searches, probing, and efficient shoveling techniques.

We are also the #1 AIARE course provider in the U.S., committed to the highest standards of safety and education. With Blackbird, you gain practical knowledge, confidence, and skills to handle avalanche rescue situations, supported by a team that’s dedicated to your growth and safety in the backcountry.

For more info check out our blog post about what makes Blackbird's AIARE courses different.

This program requires at least 3 participants to run.

Here's the schedule for your course:

• 8:30 am - Meet your guide at the trailhead


• 9:00 am - Cover fundamental avalanche rescue skills


• 10:30am -3:00pm - Instructor rescue demo and participant led scenarios


• 3:00-3:30 - Course ends

Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

• Advanced Resort Riding skills - Including off-piste terrain in challenging snow conditions


• Basic Backcountry Touring Skills - Including familiarity with equipment and avalanche gear.


• Basic Fitness - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 3-5 miles and climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.


• Ski/Split Touring & Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us

Here's what's included with your course:

• Experienced AMGA/AIARE Trained Guide
• Mt Hood National Forest Permit
• Interactive Online Course with lifetime access
• AIARE Field Book (a $30 value)
• AIARE Certification/Student Fees (a $35 value)
• Group Safety Gear - Snow Science, First Aid Kits
• Wag Bags - for human waste disposal, in compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles

• Ski/Splitboard Gear
• Avalanche Gear
• Transportation
• Meals
• Winter Parking Passes
• Guide Gratuities

Oregon Backcountry Skiing Gear List

• Avalanche Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Blackbird


• Ski/Split Touring Gear: - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from local partners.