Level 2 Course: Analyzing Snow Stability and Avy Hazard

Our AIARE Qualified Level 2 Avalanche Course is a 4 day program that provides backcountry travellers the opporunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. This course also includes the introductory and prerequisite components for the professional progression: the Level 3 Certificate. The Level 3 course is offered through AIARE only. Please refer to their website for details and information related to this course.

Students who participate in the Level 2 Course will be required to perform skills introduced in their previous Level 1 Course such as trip planning and hazard recognition, terrain selection and route finding, and snow stability tests among other basic skills. The Level 2 Course combines 40 hours of both classroom and field sessions to achieve the following learning outcomes, in addition to a thorough review of Level I course materials:

• Advanced understanding of snow stability analysis
• Snowpack metamorphism and spatial variability
• Learn standard observation guidelines and recording formats
• Advanced understanding of avalanche release and trigger mechanisms
• Avalanche forecasting framework
• Improved rescue skills including multiple and deep burials

We meet at 8:00 am on the first day and spend a full day in the classroom covering terminology and general avalanche principles. The following three days are spent in the field between Coal Bank Pass and Red Mountain Pass, in the San Juan Mountains.

*If our scheduled courses do not fit your needs, we can also schedule private dates for groups of 4 or more.

*For 2014 all of our A.I.A.R.E. Level 2 courses will be run at the Addie S Cabin which is situated near Red Mountain Pass (RMP) in the the San Juan Mountains! The course fee includes 3 nights of lodging at the hut as well as breakfasts & dinners. This is a drive-to hut right off the road near the top of RMP. The hut is stocked with a full kitchen, running water, a shower, wood stove, and electricity. The most convenient hut in the San Juans!

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Classroom day. Meet at our office at 8:00 am to finalize course paperwork. The group will then begin the classroom portion of the class. This will serve as a complete introduction to the course. There will be a 1 hour lunch, then the group will drive to Red Mountain Pass and the Addie S Hut, along the way completing a short field session. The day will finish at approximately 6:00pm. Stay at hut.

Day 2: Field session, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Today we will spend the entire day in the field on Molas Pass. Topics covered will include data pit construction, beacon searching, companion rescue. Instructors will demonstrate each topic and then students will practice under observation. Evening class session 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Stay at hut.

Day 3: Field session, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Today we will complete a tour on Red Mountain Pass. Students will be asked to make decisions with regard to route finding, and terrain management. We'll select a slope to ski and assess the stability of the slope for descent purposes. Evening class session 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Stay at hut.

Day 4: Field session, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Today we will complete a tour on Red Mountain Pass. Students will be asked to make decisions with regard to route finding, and terrain management. We'll select a slope to ski and assess the stability of the slope for descent purposes. Course evalutions completed.

Additional Information

Trip Cost Includes: Guiding and instruction. Hut fees at the Addie S as well as breakfasts and dinners while on the course. Level 2 avalanche course manual, AIARE Field Book, and completion certificate. Transportation to the hut. Avalanche probe, shovel, and beacon. Touring equipment (skis/snowboard, boots, skins) are available to rent from our shop.

Not Included: Hotel costs before, during or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing, skiing, or camping equipment, Snow Weather and Avalanche Observations Guidelines book, or guide gratuities.

Prerequisites: Participants will need to have an established method of backcountry travel for field days (skis and skins, or snowshoes). An AIARE Level 1 Course or equivalent training/experience is required. These courses take place outside in winter conditions. All participants need to be prepared for physical exertion in cold and perhaps poor weather. Participants will need to have appropriate clothing and gear.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration link to access the required forms.