The Human Factor: How it Affects Communication and Decision-Making
Friday, May 8, 2020
Sarah Carpenter is an owner and lead instructor at the American Avalanche Institute. On her backcountry travels, she takes notice of how the 'human factor' affects communications and travel plans, often without us knowing. What is the Hu...
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The Risk Equation: How To Identify and Manage Risk
Friday, May 8, 2020
Sarah and Don Carpenter, owners and lead instructors at the American Avalanche Institute, use the Risk Equation when ski touring in the backcountry. In addition, they also use the risk equation when planning a mountain biking or hiking trip. ...
View ArticleHow to Store Ski Gear for the Summer
Monday, May 4, 2020
When you store ski gear for the end of the season, here are a few simple things you can do that will not only save you a lot of time when next season gets underway, it will keep you safe. Why Prepping to Store Ski Gear For Summer is Importa...
View ArticleUsing the AAI Checklist to Plan Your Backcountry Ski Touring
Friday, May 1, 2020
Don Carpenter, co-owner of the AAI and lead instructor, drove the creation of the Backcountry Checklist because backcountry terrain is a complex environment. It is also a high-risk environment, with high consequences if something goes wrong. ...
View ArticleBackcountry Climbing Skins: How to Reglue Skins or Revive Skin Glue
Friday, May 1, 2020
Sarah Carpenter, co-owner of the AAI and lead instructor, spends a good deal of time on her backcountry skins. So when one begins to flap around on a tour and no longer sticks, it's ready to be repaired or reglued. Here's a step-by-step guide with...
View ArticleALPTRUTH and FACETS: Two Acronyms that Can Save Your Life
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Why do you need to know about ALPTRUTH and FACETS? Because these two acronyms can help you sort information and possibly save your life when you are faced with the decision of whether or not to travel in avalanche terrain. STATE OF THE SNOWPA...
View ArticleJackson Avalanche Conditions Update – Dec 16 2019
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Jackson Avalanche Conditions Update: Our latest snowpack update from this Monday the 16th of December on "The Big Do It" in the Bridger Teton Range, Wyoming following a natural slide release earlier in the week on the slope Don gives a brief update ...
View ArticleAvalanche Safety Gear Check
Thursday, December 12, 2019
We talk about preparedness a lot at AAI. Understanding snow conditions, avalanche issues, and terrain are all critical components of having an epic day in the backcountry. If you've done all these things, then run into a problem with your gear, it...
View ArticleChoosing the Right Avalanche Education Course for You
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
When it comes to choosing an avalanche education course, you have a lot of options: Where to take your courseLength of courseCourse providerInstructor to student ratioType of course you should take So, choosing the right avalanche educ...
View ArticleTeton Area Snowpack Update – Dec 10 2019
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Our latest snowpack update from this Tuesday the 10th of December on Teton Pass in the Bridger Teton Range, Wyoming. Sarah discusses pit technique and gaining perspective on obvious features and problem areas. ⛷8800 ft. West Aspect. 1 Meter of sno...
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