AIARE Level 2

Recreational

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In the past the AIARE Level 2 was designed to be an entry level professional course. 

In 2017, there was a restructuring of avalanche education in the USA. a recreational track and professional track were created to better serve the different groups. the redesigned AIARE 2 is designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced recreational students who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue class and wish to step into a leadership role within their group.

 

AIARE LEVEL 2

Feb 24-26, 2024 Mt Hood, $900

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This is a 3 day course.  To receive the certificate, participants must complete the online learning modules and attend all three field days.   The 3 days are outdoor field days on Mt Hood.  For the field days you must be ready and able to spend the entire day outside in winter conditions, food and drink, warm clothing etc.  We will brief you on what to bring so you are properly prepared. Hours for each day are 8am-4pm.  We do not provide accommodations or meals.  If you would like to rent backcountry touring gear (skis, skins, boots, splitboard) I recommend the Mountain Shop in Portland and for folks in the Gorge, 2nd Wind Sports

 

Course Description

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.

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.
AIARE or AAA approved one-day Avalanche Rescue Course.

 

Taking an avalanche course does not guarantee your safety in avalanche terrain.  It will help you to understand the subtleties of the many factors required for consideration to make safe decisions.