AIARE Avalanche Education
Winter - 2025/2026
Three Sisters Backcountry has been offering AIARE Avalanche Courses at Tam McArthur Rim outside Sisters, Oregon for close to 20 years. With varied terrain, elevations and aspects, the avalanche conditions can range from simple to complex. Email us with any questions or to be placed on waitlist: info@threesistersbackcountry.com
Avalanche Rescue Course
Our 1-day Avalanche Rescue course is suitable for everybody. This course is intended to keep participants up to date on best practices, and most importantly, to practice the skills. Think of your CPR and First Aid skills, when a challenging situation appears, you will want to have this course and knowledge with you to be the best responder you can be in any emergency.
The topics covered may vary depending upon experience. New participants will be introduced to companion rescue. Returning students will be challenged to expand their skills around a variety of topics intended to improve their avalanche rescue skills.
Every participant will have the opportunity for feedback, practice, and reflection. Each individual will receive a card at the end of their training recognizing their completion.
AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses.
Dates: December 27; January 3; January 24; February 14
Cost $250
Hut Based Level 1
Our 3 day level 1 courses are based out of our Tam Rim Alpine Yurts and offer a full immersion hut-based backcountry experience. This allows us more time to conduct our lessons out in the snow. Less PowerPoint, more time on skis. This is the best way to learn… and the most fun!
Level 1 courses are recommended for everyone who enjoys playing or recreating in avalanche terrain.
This course informs general users of potential backcountry hazards and builds the foundation for the aspiring professional.
We cover rescue, tour planning, weather and avy forecasts, decision making, red flags, avalanche problems, terrain management, and teach you how to become a better overall backcountry skier, boarder and partner.
Certified through the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE)
Follows the American Avalanche Association (AAA) Guidelines
Meets American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Standards
Since our courses are very touring heavy, participants do not need to be amazing skiers, but they do need to be comfortable descending black diamond terrain in a variety of conditions.
The 3 days course includes 2 nights backcountry lodging and shuttle. The yurts have full kitchens, students bring their own food. Click the BOOK AVY 1 link to see the dates being offered. If you have questions, please reach out.
Cost: $950
AIARE 2 Course - Winter 2026
The objective of the AIARE 2 is to learn how to manage uncertainty in avalanche terrain. Our 3 day level 2 course is for those who have taken an AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, and have had at least one year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry coached mentorship in the application of The AIARE Framework to new terrain and situations.
We cover rescue, tour planning, weather and avalanche forecasts, decision making, red flags, avalanche problems, terrain management, and teach you how to become a better overall backcountry skier, boarder and partner. This course goes deeper based on previous experience and knowledge from AIARE 1 courses.
Certified through the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE)
Follows the American Avalanche Association (AAA) Guidelines
Meets American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Standards
This is a non-yurt based course. This course does include shuttles into the backcountry terrain that our special use permit allows us to access.
Cost: $650 for 3 days of instruction. Check dates by clicking the link below.
