Course Leader Training applications are open, and close August 23rd. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis.
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare your application materials listed below (under "Course Prerequisites") before applying.
Step 2: LOGIN OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT
Step 3: Select "details" next to any course below to access the application form.
If you need to make any changes to your application, find the edit link under "Classes and Certificates" from your dashboard.
Course Dates
Course dates are typically posted in late June or early July. While we work hard to place applicants on their preferred course, placements are not guaranteed; however, applicants will have an opportunity to indicate their needs and preferences in their application.
25/26 Application Timeline
July - course dates posted
August 1 - applications open @ 9:00am MT
Rolling - AIARE will notify applicants if additional materials are needed
August 23 - applications close @ midnight MT*
*ALL applications submitted within the application period will be considered at the end of the window. Applications submitted earlier do not receive preference. Late applications will be accepted and placed on a space available basis.
September 12 - placement and waitlist notifications sent
September 19 - first course payments ($500 minimum) due and first round of enrollments complete
September 20 forward - any unpaid or forfeited spots offered to waitlisted students*
*Applicants will have one week from when they are contacted to respond and make payment
About the Course
The AIARE Course Leader Training prepares experienced AIARE instructors to assume a leadership role in the delivery of AIARE recreational programs. The training curriculum develops a course leader’s administrative skills, educational leadership, and preparedness to work for AIARE providers. To achieve these outcomes, trainees can anticipate up to eight hours of pre-course study and preparation. Some CLTs may also hold a virtual pre-course session of up to 2 hours to orient the training process.
At the end of the Course Leader Training, you will leave with all the materials needed to successfully lead an AIARE recreational course. The linked course description and sample itinerary provides a general outline of AIARE’s CLT.
Course participants will have opportunities to:
- Develop tools that support setting course vision and managing the instructor team to meet course outcomes
- Practice and apply their operational risk management skills and experience as AIARE Instructors
- Practice and receive feedback on leading an instructional team to manage risk and meet the learning outcomes of the AIARE curriculum
- Receive feedback on their instructional skills
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will meet AIARE’s instructor qualifications for AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue courses. Individuals assessed as not yet ready to lead AIARE courses will work with AIARE staff to create an individualized plan to develop the necessary skills. The CLT is not designed to fulfill all the requirements associated with employment by AIARE Providers. AIARE Providers may require additional training and certifications (such as first aid) as well as demonstrated guiding and movement skills as a prerequisite to employment.
Course Prerequisites
- Experience: As leaders of instructional teams, AIARE Course Leaders should have significant experience teaching the entire Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain (DMIAT) Program, including at least:
- Two seasons of instructional experience with the AIARE DMIAT program
- Eight total AIARE courses taught (at least one each of AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue).
- Note: Applicants lacking experience teaching one or more AIARE courses may be required to complete additional steps before course leading. Further information will be provided as part of your enrollment offer, as applicable.
- A resume (using AIARE’s template) of backcountry and avalanche education experience demonstrating seven years of backcountry travel experience.
- A PRO 2 certificate (or equivalent [see p.4 here]) from an A3-approved PRO provider
- Your PRO 2 must be completed at least one season prior to applying for a CLT; the two cannot be completed in the same season
- Currency with AIARE Instructor dues and continuing education requirements
- Check your status at https://avtraining.org/instructor-status-requirements/
- Proof of American Avalanche Association (A3) membership
- You must have current Professional level A3 membership to teach AIARE courses as a Course Leader. Click here to apply or renew. If you are not already an A3 Professional Member, you will need at least an hour to complete the application. Note that Professional Membership applications can take several months to process. If your application is not yet approved, you can submit proof of application, such as a screenshot of your application confirmation email or membership status from the member directory webpage.
- A signed risk acknowledgement waiver
Application Process
The CLT application period opens for three weeks in August. Applications are only reviewed after the application period has closed. In other words, you can apply anytime during the window, and it will not affect your chances of acceptance. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis.
Complete applications–those that meet all prerequisites for the course and provide all information requested by the application form–are prioritized. If an application is missing information, AIARE will notify the applicant as soon as possible with details about what is needed. Incomplete applications generate a big administrative burden for our small office staff. Help us out by ensuring your application is complete before submitting or by providing additional information about any missing prerequisites in your application.
AIARE reviews applications in late August and early September and will notify applicants of their placement by mid-September. Those offered placement will finalize their enrollment by making payment. Students can choose to pay a $500 deposit, 50%, or 100% of the total course cost. Please be aware of AIARE’s cancellation policy, which includes a $250 non-refundable fee. Final payment is due 60 days before the course start date. Scholarships are available. Any applicants who are not placed will be placed on a waitlist and notified if spaces become available.
