Avalanche Education at Tam McArthur Rim

High-quality avalanche education in one of the best classrooms in the Pacific Northwest.

Since 2001, Three Sisters Backcountry (TSBC) has been delivering professional, experience-driven avalanche education in the Central Oregon Cascades. Our yurt-based and field-based AIARE courses at Tam McArthur Rim combine exceptional terrain, seasoned instructors, and a learning environment designed to challenge and inspire motivated backcountry travelers.

Why Learn with Three Sisters Backcountry?

A storied history. Proven instruction.  Exceptional classroom.

  • Delivering avalanche courses since 2001

  • Instruction grounded in decision-making, pattern recognition, and terrain management

  • Small class sizes and low instructor-to-student ratios

  • Courses hosted in engaging avalanche terrain

  • One of the most immersive avalanche classrooms in the Pacific Northwest

Our courses are ideal for students who want more than a checkbox certification of completion—they want meaningful learning, confidence, and mentorship that carries forward into real-world touring.

The Classroom: Tam McArthur Rim

Tam McArthur Rim offers one of the most dynamic avalanche learning environments in Central Oregon.

  • Elevation: 6,500’ to over 7,500’

  • Terrain: Open glades, small bowls, large cirques, and alpine features

  • Aspects: NW to S

  • Avalanche Problems: Some most commonly encountered include Wind Slab, Storm Slab, Cornices, Dry-Loose, and Wet Loose.

This terrain rewards strong travel skills and thoughtful decision-making. It is best suited for students who want to get into higher elevations with more dependable snowpacks in the PNW.

Ready to Learn?

If you’re ready to invest in high-level avalanche education in a terrain-rich environment—guided by the highest quality instructors in Oregon—Three Sisters Backcountry invites you to join us at Tam McArthur Rim and Santiam Pass.

Learn more. Ask questions. Build confidence.

📧 info@threesistersbackcountry.com

2026/2027 Avalanche Courses

AIARE Rescue Course

Our 1-day Avalanche Rescue 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 want to have applicable training and knowledge with you to best respond in any emergency. 

The topics covered may vary based on experience. New participants will be introduced to the components of companion rescue with a focus on practicing. Returning students will be challenged to expand their skills by through multiple rescue scenarios, avalanche risk assessment, and decision-making.

Every participant will have the opportunity for practice, feedback, and reflection. Students will receive a card at the end of the training recognizing their course completion. 

AIARE Avalanche Rescue is a prerequisite for AIARE 2 and Pro 1 courses.  *This course is recommended every 3 years as a refresher.

Dates: December 27; January 3; January 24; February 14 — All in 2026; 2027 list coming soon

Cost $250

Book Avalanche Rescue Course

Yurt-Based Learning Experience

Our yurt-based courses offer an immersive, community-focused learning environment that maximizes time in the terrain.

Yurt Amenities

  • Custom welded bed frames with comfortable single mattresses

  • Well-stocked kitchen with a 3 burner propane stove (pots, pans, utensils, bowls, plates, mugs)

  • Cleaning supplies provided

  • Pre-chopped firewood (students may make kindling as needed)

  • Sauna access

  • Shuttle included for yurt-based programs

What to Bring:

  • Meals and snacks

  • Spices, coffee, tea

  • Personal food and storage (small plastic tote or cooler recommended)

Please pack thoughtfully—reasonable amounts of gear help keep the yurt comfortable and functional for everyone.

Course Offerings & Pricing

Yurt-Based AIARE 1 + Avalanche Rescue

4 days / 3 nights (Thursday–Sunday)
$1,150 total/person
Maximum 10 students per weekend

Includes: - Snowmobile Shuttle - All yurt amenities - Sauna - Kitchen - Field instruction from highly experienced & accredited guides in avalanche terrain - Access to discounted guide/shadow/mentor days

Prerequisites:
Backcountry clinic or experience with your touring equipment, moving in backcountry terrain.

Additional Note: AIARE 1 + Rescue is required for AIARE 2 and Pro 1 pathways

Dates: - January 28–31, 2027 & February 25–28, 2027

This course delivers instruction about potential backcountry hazards, assessing avalanche risk, and builds a foundation for the aspiring professional.

We cover companion 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 rider and partner.

AIARE 1 & Rescue 2027 - coming soon

AIARE 2 Course - Winter 2026 (2027 Dates coming soon)

The objective of the AIARE 2 is to learn how to manage uncertainty in avalanche terrain. This 3 day 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 coaching & mentorship in the application of The AIARE Framework in new terrain and situations.

We cover rescue, tour planning, weather and avalanche forecasts, decision making, red flags, avalanche types & risk, terrain management, and detailed snowpack profiles. This course goes deeper based on previous experience and knowledge from AIARE 1 courses.

This is a non-yurt based course. We do include snowmobile shuttles from the Sno Park into the backcountry terrain with special use permit access.

Cost: $650 for 3 days of instruction. Check dates by clicking the link below.

Book Avy 2 COURSE