AIARE Level 2
Avalanche Course

Pre-Course: Online Learning

Two weeks in advance students will receive an email with instructions on how to access AIARE's Level 2 Online Learning curriculum. The online learning curriculum takes approximately 5 hours and must be completed before students may attend the pre-course zoom class.

Pre-Course: Zoom Class

The course will meet from 6:00 - 9:00 PM on Zoom the Thursday before the weekend field sessions. Your instructor will provide a brief review of online learning concepts, facilitate group learning activities, and prepare students for the field sessions.

Pre-Req: AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course

AIARE requires an approved avalanche rescue course prior to taking the AIARE Level 2. Baker Mountain Guides offers an optional AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course the day before the AIARE Level 2 field sessions, so that students can meet easily meet their pre-requisites.

Day 1: Field Observations

Your instructor will facilitate a trip planning exercise, and we’ll head into the field. Throughout our tour, we’ll focus on observational techniques with an emphasis on craftsmanship, relevancy, and verification. Our findings will inform our hazard assessment for the following day.

Day 2: Backcountry Tour

Students will utilize their new knowledge to assess the avalanche hazard and plan a tour. In the field, we’ll focus on gathering quality observations, tracking spatial variability of the avalanche problems, managing risk as a team, and making great turns.