...an AMGA accredited school with AMGA certified Top Rope Site Managers, Rock Instructors, Rock Guides, and Alpine Guides, and AMGA trained Ski Mountaineering Guides.
Maine's only AMGA accredited Climbing School!
| AIARE Avalanche Awareness Courses |
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Northeast Avalanche Education American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education |
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Yes, avalanches happen in New England and each year a number of backcountry enthusiasts are injured or killed in New England from avalanches. They are the leading cause of winter mountaineering accidents on Katahdin. Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is one of only two guide services offering the well respected AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) courses in New England.Our avalanche courses are cutting edge and include the latest information and developing standards delivered to you by specially trained AIARE instructors who are AMGA certified ski or alpine guides. AIARE instructors have experience in a variety of climates and snow conditions. They are simply among the best in the field.
AIARE courses combine science and practicality to set the current standard for avalanche courses in the United States.
AIARE courses are recognized by the American Mountain Guides Association - many avalanche courses are not - and are consistent with the international standards and recording methods. AIARE instructors participate in annual training and network continuously with each other to learn about the latest information in avalanche science. Courses flow sequentially ifrom Level 1 to Level 3 regardless of where you take your class. AIARE courses teach you a way of thinking about snow travel rather than a protocol based approach to learning.
Avalanche Awareness and Rescue: AIARE Level I Avalanche Course
See Schedule for dates and fees
includes the use of an avalanche transceiver
This introductory course is a must for all who travel into the mountains in winter and will help you to understand safe winter travel. Snowboarders, skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, and mountaineers will learn the basics of avalanche hazard formation through the relationships of terrain, snowpack, weather and people. Participants will learn about interpreting forecasts, route selection, travel techniques, educated decision making, and transceiver search and rescue skills. The course combines classroom skills with field time to help you to answer these questions: Where is the danger? When is it dangerous? Should we go on? What do I do if caught?
Snow Observation and Stability Analysis: AIARE Level II Avalanche Course
See Schedule for dates and fees
includes the use of an avalanche transceiver
Provides essential knowledge of snow observation that is fundamental to the development of a sound decision-making process. The 4 day course reviews level one material and moves on to address snowpack formation, changes in the snowpack over time, development and effects of temperature gradients, hoar formation, weather recording and effect, standardized observation and recording methods. Learn proper techniques for conducting and interpreting snowpit observations, Rutschblock, compression and shear tests. This program is appropriate for people who have completed a basic avalanche course and have some personal experience with snowpacks.
Avalanche Forecasting and Decision Making: AIARE Level III Avalanche Course
A superb opportunity to learn about avalanches from one of North America's leading avalanche experts. An advanced level course for backcountry skiers, professional guides and ski patrollers. The course focuses on snow stability, avalanche hazard analysis and forecasting skills. This course assumes that you have completed a Level II course or equivalent and have experience in avalanche assessment. This course covers the subtleties of forecasting avalanche hazards. Expect to upgrade your observation techniques, gain a process for stability analysis, hazard analysis and forecasting, and deepen your knowledge of avalanche information. This course will challenge you to have an opinion, promote thinking, question accepted protocols, and develop intuitive decision-making and judgment.
