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 is the difference between taking an AIARE Rescue Avalanche course in Washington at Snoqualmie Pass vs. Mt Baker?

Snoqualmie Pass in Washington is a great location for an Avalanche Rescue course due to its accessible, varied terrain and challenging snowpack conditions. Located close to Seattle, Snoqualmie’s tree-filled glades, steep slopes, and confined terrain traps provide realistic settings to practice rescue techniques like beacon searches and strategic digging.

The area experiences heavy snowfall, along with frequent rain-on-snow events, which create a complex, layered snowpack that’s perfect for learning stability assessment and rescue in variable conditions. This unique mix of accessibility, terrain, and snow conditions makes Snoqualmie ideal for practical, hands-on avalanche rescue training.

Mt. Baker, Washington, is also a highly sought-after location for an Avalanche Rescue course due to its high snowfall, rugged alpine terrain, and dynamic weather conditions. Known for receiving some of the heaviest snowfall in North America,

Mt. Baker offers a deep, complex snowpack, ideal for practicing rescue skills in realistic conditions. Its varied terrain—including open bowls, steep ridges, and dense tree zones—provides diverse avalanche scenarios, enhancing students’ ability to perform beacon searches, probing, and efficient shoveling techniques. The frequent storms and shifting weather at Mt. Baker further ensure students learn to adapt rescue skills to challenging, real-world environments.

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 Baker-Snoqualmie 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

Washington 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:
  • Evo at Snoqualmie Pass
  • Evo in Seattle
  • Backcountry Essentials in Bellingham