American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Level 2
AIARE Level 2 Course
The AIARE 2 is a three-day/24-hour course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where online resources are scarce. This course is deisgned specifically to meet the needs of advanced recreational students who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue class. Read more about the American Avalanche Association educational guidelines and the pro rec split here.
The AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.
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.
Who Should Take this Course
The AIARE 2 is a three-day course for those who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue and have had at least a year of backcountry travel experience. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills.
Prerequisites
Participants must have the ability to travel in avalanche terrain. An AIARE 1 Course (strongly recommended) or equivalent Level 1 training is required. A winter of practical experience after the Level 1 course is required before taking the AIARE 2 course.
Optional Add-on
Stay a day or two! Want more of an opportunity to hone your skills and to ski or ride even more terrain? Our instructor team has added an optional one or two days of additional ski guiding for $195 per day tacked onto the end of the course. This is a great opportunity for continuing mentorship and to ski the terrain we utilize for the course.
Location
Mount Washington, NH
Dates
There are no AIARE 2 courses being offered in 2024. If you are intereted in setting up a private AIARE 2 course please email outdoor@petracliffs.com.
Pricing
TBD
Trip Details
Inclusions: Professional ski guide, a AAA SWAG manual, AIARE Field books and workbooks
Exclusions: Technical avalanche equipment*,Personal gear, food, water and clothing, Alpine touring/telemark/split boarding equipment, skins, ski crampons**. (see equipment list for what to bring)
*Technical Avalanche Equipment can be rented for an additional charge.
**Alpine Touring Skis or Splitboards with touring bindings and skins are available for demo for $40per day
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