John MacKinnon
AIARE Course Leader, Former Co-Owner, Technical Advisor Emeritus
John is a former co-owner who helped launch BVMA's AIARE avalanche education program. He continues to instruct AIARE courses for BVMA and serves as the company's technical advisor.
As an AMGA-certified Rock Guide and Ski Guide, John has nearly two decades of experience in avalanche education, mountain guiding, and instructor development.
He previously served on the AIARE Education and Technical Committees, led AIARE Instructor Training courses, and instructed PRO 1 and PRO 2 courses. He also spent four seasons as an avalanche forecaster.
He holds a Master of Education in Adult Education and Training and has instructed for Colorado Mountain College's Avalanche Science Program in Leadville and several collegiate outdoor education programs.
John currently serves as AIARE's Program Manager, overseeing curriculum and educational programming.
He is based in northern Vermont with his wife, Reed, and their amazing daughters, Eleanor and Josie, after relocating to be closer to family. He travels out west to work when he can and remains deeply connected to Colorado's mountains and snowpack through decades of skiing, climbing, guiding, teaching, and forecasting.
Certifications:
American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Course Leader
American Avalanche Association (A3) AIARE Level 3 Certified (Yep, John is an OG. He earned his Level 3 certification before A3 updated the professional track to Pro 1 and Pro 2)
AMGA certified Ski Guide
AMGA-certified Rock Guide
Master of Education: Adult Education and Training, Colorado State University
SOLO Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certified
