Winter programs specialize in avalanche education in the Puget Sound and western Washington area. The avalanche program was founded 25 years ago by Gary Brill and has a reputation as one of the best programs around, having instructed over 5000 students. Don Langlois, owner/instructor has 36 years experience. Our instructors are very experienced and train regularly. Ridge Explorations offers friendly, year-round outdoor education and guiding for adventurers in unique and beautiful areas.  Our field trips are conducted in Crystal Mountain backcountry, a great training area.

As a 40-year veteran professional mountain guide who is AMGA Certified, and a 30-year veteran ski guide and avalanche course instructor, I would like to provide a testimonial as to the professionalism and quality of Ridge Explorations avalanche training. The folks at Ridge are very professional, very knowledgeable, and very good teachers, which is a combination more rare than most outdoor enthusiasts realize in the industry. This crew also impressed me because they are also very serious about ongoing professional development, which is too often a casualty of there being only so much time to accomplish too many things. And last but not least, they know to get out there and have fun, and in the end isn’t that what we are all trying to do? Life is too short not to have fun! I would heartily recommend any of the Ridge Explorations guided programs or courses that they offer.

Willi Prittie,
Chief Guide & Alaska Program Director
Alpine Ascents International

Star of Nat Geo's Ultimate Survival Alaska