05/04/2026
Our hearts are broken with the passing of one of our instructors, Dylan Lenzie.
Dylan was a gifted educator and a deeply valued member of our community. Those who had the privilege of working alongside him all shared the same sentiment—he was passionate about teaching and generous in sharing his knowledge, time, and love of the outdoors. He brought patience, kindness, and a steady presence to every course, always willing to go the extra mile to support his students and fellow instructors.
During his time with AAS, Dylan traveled across the state, often to remote and hard-to-reach places, connecting with a wide range of snow users. One Level 1 student described him best: “I felt safe with him—someone I could trust after just a handshake. Someone humble... What a great guy.”
Dylan was a bright light with a promising career ahead. He had recently completed his Pro 2 Avalanche certification and was recognized in the American Avalanche Association’s 2026 Pro Training Scholarship Spotlight. He was a Pro Observer for the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center and during the spring, Dylan would shift gears to work as a heli ski guide.
On April 29th, Dylan was caught in an avalanche while guiding in the field. He was quickly transported to the hospital in Palmer, AK where he received care for two days. On May 2nd, Dylan passed away, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Dylan’s presence will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, and adventure. His impact on our students, our instructors, and our community will be felt for many years to come.
AAS would like to thank NOLS Alaska, Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center, Chugach Avalanche Center, and Crown Mountain Guides for all their support to the family, friends, and community during this difficult time.
