Hut-Based AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
Hut-Based AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
Hut-Based AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
Hut-Based AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
Hut-Based AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
Hut-Based AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety

Hut-Based AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety

$1,875.00
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This Course is in partnership with Fortune Peak Huts. To register for the course, follow the "book now" link and select the $200 AIARE L2 add-on at checkout. 

Experience a fully immersive learning experience this January 17th-20th through our hut-based avalanche education course. This is the best way to take the next step in your avalanche education with an AIARE 2 + 1.5 additional days of valuable touring time for feedback & coaching from your professional instructors.

Join us on this fantastic four-day adventure, based in the cozy Fortune Peak huts. You'll dive headfirst into decision-making, terrain management, and tour planning like a pro. Get ready to explore some of Washington's finest terrain – trust us, it's like no other!

AIARE 2 builds on the frameworks introduced in AIARE 1 and provides backcountry travelers the opportunity to further advance their decision making skills in more complex terrain and situations. Students will evaluate and interpret weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations to choose appropriate terrain and gain experience applying risk management principles in a small group setting. These are invaluable skills to hone as your backcountry journey leads you to bigger and more remote objectives and will build confidence in developing a travel plan when resources are more scarce (such as on a backcountry hut trip!)

AIARE 2 follows a hybrid model, with approximately 8 hours of self-paced, online coursework followed by 2 days in the field. This one is built into the hut trip of your dreams! Enjoy the sauna and group cooking each evening plus 1.5 additional days of touring time. Please see the "Walk in With" tab below for entry requirements.

**All of our AIARE Level 2 courses require attendance at an online pre-trip meeting 2 evenings before your course start date. Your instructor will reach out before the course with more information.**

Duration

  • 4 days
  • 3 nights

Season

  • Winter

Client:Guide Ratio

4:1

Minimum Participants

3

Online learning - Please allow 8 hours for the online curriculum. It will provide an overview of avalanche types and characteristics and will introduce case studies to analyze avalanche incidents. Course progression includes:

  • The Changing Mountain Snowpack
  • AIARE 1 Review
  • Mountain Weather
  • The Layered Mountain Snowpack
  • Trip Planning Review
  • Snow Profiles in the Field

Day 1: Approach & Afternoon Review
Meet up at 29 Pines Sno-Park and embark on an exciting journey! Snowmobiles will transport you half-way before dropping you off and continuing to the hut with your overnight gear, where it will be waiting for you. Touring the remaining 4 miles/600' gain will be a nice way to warm up for the days to come. Once at the hut, we'll regroup, then hit the snowy trails for an afternoon tour. Expect some transceiver practice, snow pit review & a fun tour to stretch the legs. We will focus on snowpack structure and practice documenting snow profiles. Upon returning to the hut, we'll debrief the day, relax in the sauna, enjoy a meal together, and discuss the next day’s plan!

Day 2: Instructional Tour
We’ll spend a full day in the field as you lead the tour planning and decision points. Instructional focus will be on snowpack assessment techniques like hand shears, hand pits, test slopes & adding more tools to your snow pit toolbox all to help you reduce uncertainty. At the end of the day, we'll debrief, share lessons learned, and plan for the next day's adventure.

Day 3: Instructional Tour 
The adventure continues! Today, we'll focus on teamwork, communication, and making smart decisions as a group. You'll take the lead again, & instructors will take more of a backseat offering feedback and coaching.  Time to practice those vital discussion facilitations at key decision points with the support of professionals. And of course, we’ll end the day with a post-tour debrief, sauna time, and delicious dinner!

Day 4: Morning Tour & Exit
Our final morning tour is filled with a mix of emotions – excitement and already a hint of nostalgia. Having completed all of the AIARE 2 curriculum, we'll all join together for one last adventure. Mid-day, we'll gather to debrief the entire course and provide you with valuable feedback and resources for your future journeys. And remember, this is only the beginning of your backcountry endeavors!

  • AIARE Level 1 Certificate.
  • AIARE Avalanche Rescue Certificate in the past 3 years.
  • Advanced skiing or snowboarding skills (ability to ski or ride black diamond runs in all snow conditions).
  • At least 1 full year of backcountry touring experience applying the principles you learned in previous courses.
  • Ability to tour for 4-5 hours and ascend 2000' with a 30 lb pack, 4 days in a row.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 7-10 days before your trip you will receive an email from your guide containing even more details, including the exact meetup location and time.
  • This is a hybrid course that requires an online learning module to be completed in advance. Please plan for about 8 hours to complete the online education portion.
  • 2 weeks before your course start date, you will receive an invitation to your online coursework via the email address you provided in your registration. This email will come from our online learning service provider, "Rounded Adventurer" or "Thinkific." Be sure to check your spam filters if you don't see it!
  • Plan to attend a virtual pre-trip meeting in the evening a few days before your course begins. This is required and a great opportunity to meet your guide, review gear, discuss your trip plan, and ask any last minute questions. The exact time of your meeting will be set by your instructor and noted in their welcome email.
  • Leading up to your course, make sure to eat healthy, drink extra water, and get plenty of sleep.
  • Please arrive on time and ready to go at your pre-arranged meeting location. To get the most of our day, we'd like to begin right at the designated start time.
  • All along the way, our office team is available via email or phone to answer any questions you may have.

This course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

  • Mountain snowpack variations and layering, avalanche formation and release.
  • Meteorological factors and using temperature & precipitation observations to anticipate snow conditions and weather effects on snowpack.
  • Using checklists and bulletins as tools to evaluate hazards, target field observations and assess terrain options.
  • Identifying components and their relevance to an avalanche problem, and applying those observations to field decisions.
  • Submitting observations to the local avalanche center.
  • Effective trip planning and risk management.

PLUS:

  • A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
  • A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
  • Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
  • Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Equipment List

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

Gratuities

FAQs

Hut-Based AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety

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