In 1962, the Silverton Avalanche School was established through the San Juan County Sherrif's Office. SAS is a non-profit organization located in the rugged San Juan Mountains. For the past 60 years, SAS has educated skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, ski patrollers, search and rescue personnel, and public safety personnel about the hazards of avalanches.

SAS is dedicated to delivering mountain safety education to the recreational and professional audience with the goal of reducing accidents and fatalities. SAS formed the professional training progression for avalanche workers in 2014 and continues to work with the industry to create standards and promote innovate avalanche training and risk management techniques.

Our courses are taught by internationally recognized members of the American Avalanche Association (A3) and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Our instructors bring a wealth of professional experience and a passion for education. Backgrounds include avalanche forecasters, snow scientists, ski patrol, heli guides, mountain rescue specialists and IFMGA mountain guides. All have gone through a rigorous training and education process and bring both practice and theory to the the table.

INSTRUCTORS