Your starting point for exploring Colorado’s snow-covered mountains.

Avalanche Aware introduces the fundamentals of avalanche safety and how to make safer choices in the backcountry. No matter how you travel in the mountains, the principles for recognizing and managing avalanche risk are the same.

Start with the free online course to learn key concepts, then take the next step by attending a local Avalanche Aware event or avalanche course to continue building your knowledge and confidence before heading into the mountains.

CAIC forecaster skinning uphill in Colorado’s backcountry, wearing a blue jacket with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Start Online Course | Human-Powered

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Snowmobiler riding a black and red snowmobile through Colorado’s backcountry, kicking up snow in the winter terrain.

Start Online Course | Motorized

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Request an in-person awareness course from CAIC here.

Upcoming Events in Your Area

Two people wearing winter gear kneel in the snow while examining a snow pit during an avalanche safety field exercise. One uses a shovel to assess snow layers as part of a backcountry snowpack evaluation.

Each winter, CAIC forecasters and educators travel across Colorado to host public events focused on avalanche awareness and mountain safety. These sessions highlight local conditions, snowpack discussions, and practical tips to help you make informed decisions in the backcountry.

Whether you’re new to winter travel or looking to refresh your knowledge, these in-person events are a great way to connect with experts, meet other backcountry enthusiasts, and ask questions about the terrain and conditions where you travel.

CAIC Avalanche Aware Presentation: Human-Powered Users

CAIC Avalanche Aware Presentation: Motorized Users

Avalanche Aware is a national education program developed by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) in collaboration with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) and the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC).