Dylan Lenzie

Dylan grew up snowboarding from the age of 11 in Wisconsin. He graduated with a degree in Outdoor Leadership and Geography and led outdoor trips for his university in the Appalachian Mountains. Dylan moved to Alaska in 2018 to work for the National Outdoor Leadership School. Alaska is where he fell in love with the backcountry and began pursuing a career playing in the snowy mountains. Dylan has an Avalanche Pro Level 1 certification, has been a guide for Valdez Heli Ski Guides and is an educator for the Alaska Avalanche School. He calls Palmer home and spends much of his free time exploring the mountains of Hatcher Pass all year round.

May 4, 2026

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.

In recent years, Dylan has called Palmer, AK home with his partner, Ella Light (AAS Office Manager). Together, they enjoyed the outdoors and all of what Alaska has to offer.

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.