zz – Avalanche Rescue Workshop – Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center

Community Winter Backcountry Rescue Clinic

Free | All Skill Levels Welcome | All Winter Travel Modes

Join us for a free, community-focused rescue clinic designed for winter backcountry travelers of all experience levels. Whether you’re brand new to backcountry travel or looking to refresh and refine your rescue skills, this hands-on clinic offers valuable education in a supportive learning environment.

Who should attend:
All skill levels and modes of winter travel are welcome, including skiers, splitboarders, snowshoers, fat bikers, and winter hikers.

What to Expect

• Hands-on companion rescue practice (bring your own gear; a limited supply of loaner equipment will be available)

• Introductory instruction for those new to rescue skills

• Skill refreshers and refinement for intermediate and advanced participants

• Advanced rescue scenarios (including multiple burials and deep burial considerations) available upon request

• Review of warning signs of unstable snowpack

• Learn about local avalanche education and safety resources from:

  • Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center (HPAC)

  • Alaska Safe Riders

  • Alaska Avalanche School

  • Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC)

  • Alaska Mountain Rescue Group (AMRG)

  • Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol

  • Alaska Mountain Dog Search (AMDS)

  • Backcountry Bike & Ski

• Farm Loop Coffee and donuts provided ☕

What to Bring

• Dress in layers, as you would for a winter hike or ski tour

• Backpack with extra layers, water, snacks, and hand/toe warmers if you use them

• Beacon, probe, and shovel (if you own them)

• Skis, splitboard, snowshoes, fat bike, or winter boots and gaiters if you do not yet have winter travel gear

• Your Alaska State Parks annual parking pass or payment for a daily parking pass

• If under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign the waiver

This clinic is a great opportunity to build skills, connect with local safety organizations, and strengthen our winter backcountry community. We hope to see you there!

Become a Member of Alaska Safe Riders

Support safer, more enjoyable riding across Alaska and enjoy member perks:

✨ ASR Basic — $25/yr: Members-only training events; networking; merch offers; automatic prize entries
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ASR Family — $50/yr: Up to 6 family members; networking with riders & champions; merch offers; prize entries
🏫 ASR Schools — $100/yr: School recognition; priority reservations for school trainings; special school offers
🏢 ASR Business — $500+/yr: Business recognition; industry networking; visibility at events/workshops; website/newsletter recognition

👉 Start your journey to safer riding today—join Alaska Safe Riders