Graham Ottley
Avalanche Aware E-Learning Now Available to All CMC Members!
The Colorado Mountain Club is excited to announce that Avalanche Aware, a new free online avalanche education course, is now available to all members!
Access Avalanche Aware Today
Start learning now (ALL CMC MEMBERS & LEADERS):
This interactive e-learning module was developed by AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) in partnership with CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center). It provides essential avalanche awareness training that you can complete at your own pace, from anywhere.
Who should take it? Everyone! Whether you're planning winter hikes, snowshoe trips, or just want to understand avalanche safety, this course is for you.
What you'll receive: Upon completion, submit your AIARE certificate to CMC State to receive your ATA (Avalanche Terrain Avoidance) badge.
New Hybrid Leader Course Coming in 2026/2027
CMC is also introducing a new Avalanche Aware - Hybrid Course for CMC Leadership that will replace traditional ATA training.
Pilot Launch: Denver Group (2025-2026 Season)
The hybrid course is rolling out this year through Denver Group as a pilot program. This allows CMC to refine the curriculum and field day logistics before statewide implementation.
Full Rollout: All Groups (2026/2027 Season)
Starting in the 2026/2027 season, the Avalanche Aware Hybrid Course will replace ATA as the standard for CMC winter trip leaders traveling in non-avalanche prone terrain.
What Is the Hybrid Leader Course?
The hybrid format combines online learning with hands-on field training:
Course Components:
- 1-hour online seminar covering avalanche theory and terrain recognition
- Required 4-hour field day for practical skills development
- Cost: $40 for members and guests
- Open to all CMC members - no prerequisites
What Leaders Will Learn:
- Why Colorado has the most dangerous avalanche conditions in the US
- Avalanche formation and contributing factors
- How to read and apply avalanche forecasts
- Recognize and avoid avalanche hazards
- Trip planning tools and techniques
- Real-world case studies from avalanche accidents
- Hands-on: Use slope meters to assess terrain and plan safe routes
- Map reading skills for avalanche terrain evaluation
Field Day Requirements:
- Bring the Ten Essentials
- Be prepared for winter conditions
- Must complete online seminar before attending field session
2026 Pilot Field Day Dates (Denver Group)
Rolling Enrollment: November 14, 2025 - April 14, 2026
Field Days:
- Saturday, January 10, 2026 - Large Classroom/Climbing Wall West (Registration closes Jan 8)
- Saturday, February 7, 2026 - Large Classroom/Climbing Wall West (Registration closes Feb 5)
- Saturday, March 21, 2026 - The Lodge (Registration closes Mar 19)
Instructor: Linda Lawson | Coordinator: Graham Ottley
Note: After registering for the course and completing the online seminar, you must separately register for one field day date.
Timeline & Requirements
Current Season (2025/2026):
For Members:
- Avalanche Aware online course now available and encouraged for all winter trip participants
- Free and accessible at avalancheaware.com
For Leaders:
- Traditional ATA certification remains valid
- Denver Group leaders may participate in pilot Hybrid Course
- Other groups continue with existing ATA courses
Starting 2026/2027 Season:
For Members:
- Avalanche Aware online course strongly encouraged for winter trips
For Leaders in Non-Avalanche Prone Terrain:
- Avalanche Aware Hybrid Course becomes REQUIRED (replaces ATA)
- Valid for 5 years
- All CMC groups will offer the hybrid format
For Leaders in Avalanche-Prone Terrain:
- AIARE Level 1 or higher REQUIRED (no change)
- Must complete AIARE Companion Rescue refresher every 5 years
Understanding Terrain Types
Non-Avalanche Prone Terrain:
- Stable snowpack
- Slopes not in the 25-45 degree range
- No terrain traps (stream beds, gullies, steep road cuts)
- No snow pillows, roll-overs, or cornices
- No avalanche-prone terrain above the route
- Requirement (2026/2027+): Avalanche Aware Hybrid Course
Avalanche-Prone Terrain:
- Slopes 25-45 degrees
- Terrain traps present
- Avalanche areas above the route
- Requirement (Always): AIARE Level 1 or higher
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I access the free Avalanche Aware course?
A: Visit CMC's Avalanche Aware and complete the self-paced e-learning module. After receiving your AIARE certificate, submit it to CMC State (contact TBD) to receive your ATA badge.
Q: I'm a member planning winter trips. Should I take Avalanche Aware?
A: Yes! It's free, available now, and provides essential knowledge for anyone venturing into Colorado's mountains during winter. It's encouraged for all members.
Q: I'm a CMC leader. Can I keep using my current ATA certification?
A: Yes, through the 2025/2026 season. Current ATA certifications remain valid for 5 years from issue date. When it's time to renew (or starting in 2026/2027), you'll transition to the new Hybrid Course format.
Q: Should I take the pilot Hybrid Course this year or wait?
A: If you're a Denver Group leader or your ATA certification is expiring soon, consider joining the pilot program. Otherwise, you can wait until the full rollout in 2026/2027 when it becomes required for all leaders.
Q: I already have AIARE Level 1. Do I need the Hybrid Course?
A: No. AIARE Level 1 or higher certifications meet all avalanche education requirements for both non-avalanche and avalanche-prone terrain.
Q: My local group has ATA courses scheduled. Can I still take those?
A: Yes! Groups may continue offering traditional ATA courses through the 2025/2026 season. The transition to the required Hybrid Course format begins in 2026/2027.
Q: How do I register for the pilot Hybrid Course?
A: Enrollment opens November 14, 2025 through April 14, 2026. After enrolling and completing the 1-hour online seminar, you'll separately register for one of the three field day dates. Contact Denver Group or check the CMC calendar for registration details.
Q: What other certifications do CMC leaders need?
A: All leaders must maintain:
- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) - valid for 2 years
- Avalanche education (Hybrid Course or AIARE Level 1, depending on terrain)
- Trip Leader training from your CMC group
- Lead at least 1 trip per year to maintain active status
Q: Where can I learn more about CMC leader requirements?
A: Review the complete 2025 CMC Leadership Manual for all policies, certifications, and guidelines.
Q: Will the Hybrid Course be offered in my area?
A: Yes! After the Denver Group pilot in 2025/2026, the Hybrid Course will roll out to all CMC groups for the 2026/2027 season. Check with your local group for specific field day dates and locations.
Questions? Contact your local CMC group education team or reach out to:
- Linda Lawson (Instructor) for course content questions
- Graham Ottley (CMC Director of Education) for program questions
- CMC State office: office@cmc.org
Get educated. Stay safe. Enjoy Colorado's winter mountains!
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