Island Alpine Guides

Spend an enjoyable day with one of our instructors and gain experience moving through untracked terrain. This one-day beginner course provides tips and tricks needed for smooth travel in simple backcountry terrain. We'll cover basics such as gear selection and use to skinning technique and route selection.

Being fast and effective at avalanche rescue can make all the difference to a buried person’s chance of survival — but rescue doesn’t end once someone’s out of the snow. Avalanche Rescue Training is an intensive day of hands-on, scenario-based practice that takes you beyond companion rescue basics and into what happens next: backcountry first aid, improvised toboggan builds, and the...

Travelling in the Island Alps, or any mountain range for that matter, inevitably involves managing fourth and low-to-mid fifth-class terrain. On this two-day course, we'll cover the techniques that you need to move efficiently in alpine rock terrain, while also covering route-finding skills and other techniques necessary in these environments.

AST1 Washington Extended includes a self-paced online theory course + two in-person days with a certified CAA instructor.

Looking to explore the backcountry this winter? Avalanche Skills Training 1 (AST1) is an introductory course geared towards recreationalists with little to no experience in avalanche terrain. It’s also suitable for those with some experience who are looking for more...