AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety

AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety

$583.00
/

CALL TO BOOK:
(206) 413-5418

Location

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. 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

  • 2 days
  • 8 hrs/day
  • Online Coursework

Season

  • Winter

Client:Guide Ratio

6:1

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

In the Field - Each morning, meet your instructor at 7am ready to begin. You can expect to be back to the parking lot around 6pm each evening. You are responsible for your own lodging and food.

Day 1 - Making Quality Observations
The day will begin with a refresher of the principles learned in AIARE 1. You'll spend the rest of the day learning how to improve your interpretations of weather data, snow surface conditions, and snow profiles, as well as discussing the relevancy and verification of snow observations. You'll get the chance to perform snowpack tests in the field as you move through various aspects of the terrain.

Day 2 - Applying Observations to Field Decisions
The day's focus will be on managing risk while traveling in the field as a small team. We will also emphasize how to best communicate observations to our own group, other travelers, and local experts. Finish off the weekend with a debrief and know you have seriously advanced your observation and decision-making skills!

  • 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, 2 days in a row.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email full of important information - make sure to read it thoroughly!
  • 3-5 days before your course 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

AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Safety

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