Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard
In the past, the AIARE 2 was designed to be an entry level professional course. The redesigned AIARE 2 is designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced recreational students who have taken an AIARE 1 and AIARE Avalanche Rescue Class.
The 8-hour AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course is a prerequisite for AIARE 2. If you haven’t already taken the AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course, you can register for that course separately on the day before our AIARE 2 course starts.
The AIARE Level 2 course is a 3-day program that provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills. This course also includes the introductory and prerequisite components for the professional progression.
The Level 2 course builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the Level 1 course and adds to it the evaluation of factors critical to stability evaluation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
- Differentiate where specific avalanche hazards exist within the landscape and identify avalanche terrain where consequences may be more severe.
- Use and interpret weather, snow, and avalanche observations to locate appropriate terrain prior to entering and while in the field.
- Demonstrate leadership skills within a small team that include facilitating small group discussion, promoting appropriate terrain selection, and utilizing simple risk management strategies.
- Implement a basic forecasting framework that can be used in conjunction with and in the absences of local supporting avalanche information.
Student Prerequisites
Students must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain on skis or a splitboard. An AIARE Level 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent training/experience is required. A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is required before taking the Level 2 course. The 1 day AIARE Rescue Course is also required.