Below you will find a list of resources and links to avalanche safety content. There are sections for:
- How to find avalanche training courses
- How to use the avalanche forecast
- Online resources for avalanche education
- How to request avalanche safety brochures and signs
- Forecast centers throughout the world
This is not a comprehensive list of all available avalanche safety resources but is rather intended to provide useful starting points in pursuit of educating yourself on avalanche safety.
How to Find Avalanche Training Courses
Find an Avalanche Class
There are numerous avalanche course providers in Colorado and throughout the U.S. The below links will allow you to search for course offerings in your area:
CAIC Class Calendar
American Avalanche Association
American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE)
Request an Avalanche Class
Know Before You Go (KBYG) is a free avalanche awareness program. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, these courses will be offered as pre-recorded videos, or virtually. You can request a KBYG presentation here:
Request a live virtual KBYG presentation
Request a pre-recorded non-motorized KBYG
Request a pre-recorded motorized KBYG
KBYG to Work provides proper training to help keep those working in avalanche terrain safe. Thousands of people work in and around avalanche terrain throughout the United States from mining, utility services, and road maintenance to other industrial applications. To request a KBYG to Work training contact us.
How to Use the Avalanche Forecast
The avalanche forecast is made up of several components, and relies on the North American Avalanche Danger Scale to communicate avalanche hazard. The links below will take you to tutorials on these key elements.
North American Avalanche Danger Scale
NAC Introduction to North American Avalanche Danger Scale video
Avalanche Problems
There are different kinds of avalanches, and each has different considerations and associated risks. The links below will help you learn more about these avalanches as they are presented in the avalanche forecast.
- National Avalanche Center Avalanche Problems Explained video
- CAIC avalanche problem page
- Avalanche Canada avalanche problem types tutorial
AIARE Avalanche problem videos:
- Persistent and Deep Persistent Slab avalanches
- Storm Slab avalanches
- Wind Slab avalanches
- Loose Wet avalanches
- Wet Slab avalanches
- Cornices
Online Resources for Avalanche Education
Below is a list of avalanche awareness topics and online resources and classes. They range from short video clips to more in depth online learning platforms.
General Avalanche Awareness:
Know Before You Go (KBYG) Video
KBYG e-learning module
National Avalanche Center (NAC) Online tutorial
Avalanche Canada online tutorial
AIARE 1 online avalanche module
Things to Look for in the Field (aka Red Flags)
Teton Gravity video
Utah Avalanche Center video
Overview of Avalanche terrain
Throttle Decisions terrain video
Introduction to the Seasonal Snowpack
Throttle Decisions snowpack video
Avalanche Rescue
AIARE avalanche rescue online module
How to practice an avalanche rescue, non-motorized travel
How to practice an avalanche rescue, motorized travel
Request Avalanche Safety Signs or brochures
We have a variety of avalanche safety signs and brochures available for different locations and applications.
For the following brochures, posters, or signs please contact us:
- Avalanche safety brochures- these are short handouts that cover basic avalanche safety.
- Avalanche Awareness Poster – Designed for Backcountry Huts, but used for other applications.
- Avalanche safety trailhead signs- for backcountry access locations.
There are two types of beacons checker signs, one powered by Backcountry Access electronics, and one powered by Ortovox electronics.
- For a Backcountry Access-powered sign visit: https://areyoubeeping.org/caic/
- For an Ortovox-powered sign contact please contact Brian Lundstedt at the Colorado Snowmobile Association.
Forecast Centers
To find avalanche forecast centers in locations throughout the world: