The oldest, continuously-operated and most respected Avalanche School in the country.

Go to website for full schedule of courses.

http://www.avyschool.com

The Silverton Avalanche School is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on how to play safe in avalanche terrain. All proceeds support San Juan County Search & Rescue.

Since 1962 the Silverton Avalanche School has educated skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, ski patrollers, search and rescue personnel, and public safety personnel about the hazards of avalanches. Over 4,000 students have learned how to recognize avalanche hazards, determine snow stability, organize and carry out rescue operations and handle avalanche emergencies.

Silverton is the place to learn about avalanches and how to avoid them.  At 9,318 feet, the town located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, 50 miles north of Durango, Colorado. Silverton is surrounded by the best backcountry terrain in Colorado and numerous avalanche paths — a natural avalanche laboratory — providing students with an active and accessible classroom.

Why choose us? Our courses are taught by internationally recognized members of the American Avalanche Association (A3), AIARE, and the Canadian Avalanche Association. Our instructors include avalanche forecasters, snow scientists, ski patrol, heli guides, mountain rescue specialists and IFMGA mountain guides. All have gone through a rigorous training and education process and bring both practical and theory to the the table.  We take an evidence based approach to avalanche education and you will find the most up to date information in our courses.  We empower students with knowledge and experience so they can venture into the backcountry safely and confidently on their own. 

We adhere to the AAA’s Guidelines for Avalanche Course Curriculum. Our instructors have a passion for education and love to apply their experience in both the field and the classroom. They all have deep operational experience in avalanche terrain.