Since 1962 the Silverton Avalanche School has educated skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, ski patrollers, search and rescue personnel, and law enforcement officers about the hazards of avalanches. Over 4,000 students have learned how to recognize avalanche hazards, determine snow stability, organize and carry out rescue operations and handle avalanche emergencies. Silverton, at 9,318 feet, is located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, 50 miles north of Durango, Colorado. Silverton is surrounded by numerous avalanche paths -- a natural avalanche laboratory -- providing students with an active and accessible classroom. Our curriculum is taught by nationally recognized members of the American Avalanche Association (AAA) and AIARE.