Island Alpine Guides

It's All About the Weather! Everything we do in the outdoors relies more on one variable than any other: THE WEATHER.

Join meteorologist Matt Macdonald for a short training that will significantly up your weather game. In two, one hour, online sessions separated by a week for you to practice in between them, Matt will teach you a forecasting process that will improve your weather predicting...

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...