2023-2024 Avalanche Courses

Avalanche Education and Ski Adventures

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Winter programs specialize in avalanche education in the Puget Sound and western Washington area. The avalanche program was founded 25 years ago by Gary Brill and has a reputation as one of the best programs around, having instructed over 5000 students. Don Langlois, owner/instructor has 36 years experience. Our instructors are very experienced and train regularly. Ridge Explorations offers friendly, year-round outdoor education and guiding for adventurers in unique and beautiful areas.  Our field trips are conducted in Crystal Mountain backcountry, a great training area.

Avalanches are the single greatest hazard facing the winter backcountry traveler. The knowledge you will gain from a Ridge Explorations avalanche course will assist you in making better decisions in avalanche terrain. The Level 1 Course provides an entry-level decision-making framework that is based on the most advanced knowledge available. Our avalanche courses are taught by experienced professional guides. A combination of experienced instructors and great terrain will ensure that you will have an exceptional learning experience. CM_IMG_0115

 

Interested in a private Level 1 Avalanche Course - 3 Day program (six hours of classroom instruction and two field trip days)? Just Ask! For groups of 6 or more.

 

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As a 40-year veteran professional mountain guide who is AMGA Certified, and a 30-year veteran ski guide and avalanche course instructor, I would like to provide a testimonial as to the professionalism and quality of Ridge Explorations avalanche training. The folks at Ridge are very professional, very knowledgeable, and very good teachers, which is a combination more rare than most outdoor enthusiasts realize in the industry. This crew also impressed me because they are also very serious about ongoing professional development, which is too often a casualty of there being only so much time to accomplish too many things. And last but not least, they know to get out there and have fun, and in the end isn’t that what we are all trying to do? Life is too short not to have fun! I would heartily recommend any of the Ridge Explorations guided programs or courses that they offer.


Willi Prittie,
Chief Guide & Alaska Program Director
Alpine Ascents International

Star of Nat Geo's Ultimate Survival Alaska

 

Never been away from a lift? Learn to ski safely in lift accessed backcountry

New For Beginners! Avalanche Safety and Rescue

 

New Safety Gear

Ridge Explorations Tree Well Rescue Strap

 

Interested in a class but not sure?  Questions to Ponder

 
Free Avalanche clinics around Puget Sound. Dates and locations.

 

 

Never ski toured before?

Introduction to Ski Touring. Learn about equipment, travel and more... perfect for alpine skiers who want to learn to use convertible touring bindings or telemark skiers ready to ski the backcountry OR Comprehensive Ski Touring and Level 1 Class.

2023-2024 Avalanche Courses Class descriptions. Dates and locations.

*Avalanche classes based on American Avalanche Association education guidelines

 

 

Ridge Explorations on facebook  Rex News - Fall 2021 (pdf)

Why choose Ridge Explorations Avalanche Education?

 

Refer to Field Trip Details for locations, specifics and updates.
 

Level 1 Refresher Private Field Trips - more terrain and travel, refresher for Level 2 preparation.

 

New "Haute Route of Canada" - A hut-to-hut Ski Traverse of the Wapta Icefields in the Canadian Rockies.

 
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SNOWSHOERS WELCOME!

SNOWMOBILERS WELCOME!

"Haute Route of Canada" - A hut-to-hut Ski Traverse of the Wapta Icefields in the Canadian Rockies.
Skiers at the Scott Duncan Hut, Wapta Traverse
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Here's to a great winter season!

Don Langlois

Summer programs include wilderness canoe trips, guided hiking, sailing lessons and instruction, remote mountain backpacking, Wilderness First Aid, and  marine navigation classes.

American Avalanche Association Canadian Avalanche Association Association of Canadian Mountain Guides Canadian ski guide association
Professional Member of AAA and Affiliate Member of CAAACMG, and CSGA 
Avalanche classes based on American Avalanche Association education guidelines