AIARE Spearheading Efforts To Support Women In Avalanche Education

In 2020, the American Institute for Avalanche Education (AIARE) recognized that only 28% of students who had undergone training to become AIARE instructors identified as female. Since then, the organization has been working in collaboration with its providers and brand supporters to promote more opportunities for women in the snow and avalanche industry. This work involves creating, expanding, and  scholarships, affinity courses, and mentorship for female-identifying individuals.

AIARE also has partnered with brands, including Scarpa, Arc'teryx, and the First Ascent Foundation to create scholarship funding opportunities to further increase gender representation in the snow and avalanche industry. AIARE’s women's mentorship program supports women entering into all areas of the avalanche profession while building communities and increasing access to resources and opportunities.

Related: AIARE Launches 2023–24 Women’s Mentorship Program

Statistics on how AIARE is advancing women as avalanche educators include:

- 82% increase in female instructors since AIARE launched its program in 2020

- 41% increase in women taking the AIARE PRO 1 course since 2020, an entry-level course that has become the standard in the industry

- $138,000 the amount of scholarships given to support women and non-binary students in avalanche education

If you're someone who identifies as female in the snow and avalanche space, definitely check out AIARE to see if there are ways that the organization can help support you in deepening your skills, receiving instructor certification, and accessing mentorship.