Bellingham, WA – The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) is kicking off its 2025/26 Avalanche Awareness Class series this week, offering free 90-minute educational sessions across Washington state.
According to NWAC, the first three classes begin Tuesday, Nov. 5, at REI in Bellingham, followed by Experience Powersports in Moses Lake on Nov. 6, and another REI session in Silverdale on Nov. 7. The nonprofit organization says the courses are open to anyone who spends time in the winter backcountry, including skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.
The sessions are designed as introductory lessons to help participants recognize avalanche hazards, understand safety gear, and prepare for mountain travel in snowy conditions. Organizers emphasize that awareness and preparation are key to reducing accidents during Washington’s active winter recreation season.
Classes run from October through March across NWAC’s forecast area, covering the Cascade and Olympic mountain regions. Participants can view the full schedule and register through NWAC’s website or via the organization’s Facebook event links.
NWAC encourages outdoor enthusiasts to attend early in the season to sharpen safety skills before the winter’s first major snowstorms arrive.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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