This one-day AIARE Avalanche Rescue course is designed for both first-time students and experienced travelers seeking to refresh their skills. Held in the stunning Eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes, the course emphasizes hands-on practice with avalanche transceivers, strategic probing, shoveling techniques, and team-based rescue drills. You'll leave with greater confidence in your ability to respond to an avalanche incident—skills that can save lives and are essential for any group traveling in avalanche terrain.

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

Why choose an AIARE Rescue Avalanche course in Mammoth?

Mammoth is an ideal location for an Avalanche Rescue course due to its consistent snowfall, high-elevation terrain, and diverse avalanche-prone landscapes. The area’s open bowls, steep chutes, and tree-lined slopes offer realistic settings for practicing critical rescue techniques, such as beacon searches, probing, and efficient digging methods.

Mammoth’s deep, layered snowpack provides valuable hands-on experience with varied snow conditions, while its frequently changing weather patterns help students learn to adapt rescue skills to different scenarios. This dynamic environment ensures participants leave with a well-rounded and practical understanding of avalanche rescue.

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
• Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
• Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles

• Ski/Splitboard Gear
• Avalanche Gear
• Guide Gratuities

Eastern Sierra Backcountry Skiing Gear List

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


• Ski Touring Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from Mammoth Mountaineering