Aaron’s path to avalanche education is rooted in the joy of skiing and his relationship with the mountains is one of lifelong learning. Since learning to ski around the same time he learned to walk, skiing has been the guiding force throughout his life. He began working as a ski instructor during high school on a small hill in Massachusetts, and later moved West to earn a degree in hydrology and atmospheric science from the University of Colorado.

Following graduation, his technical training accelerated during a four-year stint of climbing and skiing in the Tetons. As an outdoor educator, Aaron has led expeditions throughout the Four-Corners region and Alaska. A snow-nerd at heart, Aaron works simultaneously as a faculty instructor for SAS, a pro-patroller at Ski Santa Fe, and a pro-observer for the Taos Avalanche Center. He previously worked as a field technician for the NASA SnowEx Campaign. Aaron holds certifications as a NREMT-B and WEMT, A3 Professional Level 1, and is an AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide. Outside of the snowy months, he works as a senior editor for Outdoor Gear Lab and regularly contributes to Backcountry Magazine. Aaron is our lead Rec and Rescue instructor for New Mexico, and resides in Santa Fe with his wife, Jill, and their two young boys.