An instructor on an AIARE 2 course helps a student to identify weak layers in the snowpack on an avy 2 course in Colorado.

An student on an AIARE 2 avalanche course uses a slope meter to measure the grade of a snow slope.

AIARE 2 Three-Day Course

Price: $639.00 – $659.00
Duration: 3 Days

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating

Take the next step in avalanche education. Expand on information and techniques in this AIARE 2 course and get a closer look at snow science and avalanche dynamics.

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Overview:

AIARE 2 Avalanche Training:
Advanced Decision-Making in Complex Avalanche Terrain.

Our AIARE 2 course teaches a complete program of curriculum established by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) and are the world’s largest and most experienced AIARE provider.

In the past, AIARE 2 was designed to be an entry level professional course. In 2017, AIARE 2 was specifically redesigned to meet the needs of advanced recreational students who have taken an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue class.

An instructor on an AIARE 2 course passes a slab of snow to a student so they can inspect the layer. In AIARE 2, you’ll learn how to apply The AIARE Framework in new terrain, new snow climates or areas where external avalanche observations and forecasts are not readily available.

In this course, you’ll learn to manage uncertainty by identifying and managing gaps in information. We’ll describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain. If your backcountry progression is taking you to huts or expeditions, or you’d like to be able to drill down past zone-level forecasts, AIARE 2 is perfect for you.

By completing this course with Colorado Mountain School, you will receive a certification from AIARE and join a network of thousands of AIARE 2 avalanche training graduates.

Learn more about student learning outcomes in the “Curriculum” tab above.

All AIARE 2 students gain access to our season-long avalanche education membership: The Snow Pack. The Snow Pack consists of three elements: AIARE coursework, bonus education, and student perks. AIARE 2 students will get complimentary access to the online classroom portion of AIARE 1, providing a great refresher course.

Learn more about the Snow Pack membership.

Details:

Why Our AIARE Courses Are Worth It:

Colorado Mountain School is the country’s largest AIARE Provider for a reason
Our Instructors are educators, not just minimally qualified instructors
We spend the majority of the course in the mountains, not inside
We provide valuable pre-course material to help you prepare
We provide bonus education opportunities to help you keep learning
Our Instructors are career guides, with decades of personal backcountry experience
Our Instructors are AMGA Ski Guide-trained or certified
We have a full-time office staff to answer all of your questions
Dozens of course dates to meet our guests scheduling needs
Get avalanche training in the ski venue you ski in locally
Fully sponsored by industry leaders Dynafit, SCARPA, Backcountry Access
Full avalanche rescue kit rentals at no charge – try before you buy
Discounts on select courses, guided ski tours and lodging partners through the included Snow Pack membership

AIARE Pro 1 or AIARE Rec Level 2?

We get this question often. The Pro 1 is a professional, entry-level course that focuses on teaching skills to facilitate sharing and using information while working within an operation (e.g. ski resort, guide service, CDOT, etc.). The Pro 1 is less valuable if you are not working in an operation where you will use these skills.

Recreational travelers conduct a similar risk management process, but do it without the broad network of information and personnel support an operation provides. There is greater uncertainty and they (generally) have fewer days using a risk management process. Because of this, they operate with greater uncertainty. Enter AIARE 2.

Sample Itinerary:

Your course will take place in the mountains, digging in the snow and moving through the terrain. You should be prepared, mentally and physically, to stay immersed in the backcountry for up to eight hours. You will be assigned to a small pod consisting of one AIARE Instructor and a maximum of six students to simultaneously allow intimate instruction and the ability to spread out. Here’s a preview itinerary of what your course could look like:

Optional Refresher -AIARE 1 Online Avalanche Basics

Self-paced online learning that can provide a good refresher before the season / your course.

Lesson 1: Intro to Colorado Mountain School, AIARE, & Course Logistics
Lesson 2: Track the Season’s Conditions
Lesson 3: Identifying Avalanche Terrain
Lesson 4: Avalanche Rescue Prep
Lesson 5: Teamwork in Avalanche Terrain

Field Day 1 – 8:00am – 4:00pm

7:30am – 8:00am: Meet at trailhead, rental gear check out, hand out AIARE field books and Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership
8:00am – 8:30am: Morning hazard assessment meeting / trailhead transceiver function check
8:30am – 11:30am: Companion rescue review and practice (Single and Multiple Burial)
11:30am – 12:00pm: Transition to instructor led tour to gather snpx obs.
12:00pm – 3:30pm: Instructor demo; Review of Seasonal Snowpack; Craftsmanship, Relevancy, and Verification of Snow Observations; Snowpack Tests in the Field.
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Debrief observations in the field and return to trailhead. Post observations to local avalanche center

Field Day 2 – 8:00am – 4:00pm

7:30am – 8:00am: Meet at trailhead
8:00am – 8:15am: Instructor/student-led morning hazard discussion (avalanches, snowpack, weather)
8:15am – 8:30am: Student-led trailhead transceiver function check
9:00am – 2:00pm: Instructor/student-led tour: track setting, terrain identification, snow profile (site selection; layer id; hardness scale; grain id; tests); snowpack structure; interpreting weather data, snow surface conditions, and snow profiles; metamorphism, sintering and bonding, persistent weak layers / facets, nsf, ncf, surface hoar
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Debrief observations in the field
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Return to trailhead
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Summarize conditions and post to local avalanche center. Tour Planning homework

Field Day 3 – 8:00am – 4:00pm

8:00am – 8:15am: Student-led morning hazard discussion (avalanches, snowpack, weather).
Review tour plan options from night before
8:15am – 8:30am: Student-led trailhead transceiver function check
9:00am – 2:00pm: Student-led tour: verify stability forecast; group management / terrain selection / travel techniques
2:00pm – 2:30pm: Debrief observations in the field
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Return to trailhead
3:30pm – 4:00pm: Summarize conditions and post to local avalanche center. Course conclusion, collect rental gear and next steps.

Optional Learning Resources – All Season Long

Virtual mentorship sessions
Students-only webinars
Tech tip video library
Community facebook forum: find partners, discuss coursework & more

Meeting location:

Optional Online Refresher: in your Colorado Mountain School account (automatically created during registration)

Field Sessions: at the trailhead, communicated ahead of time by your instructor

Lodging:

Estes Park: Fall River Village – a beautiful lodge just a five minute walk from downtown Estes Park. They are offering Colorado Mountain School students a discount on their Longs Peak Cottage floor plan. Please contact us to redeem.

Cameron Pass: There are a variety of cabins, vacation rentals and camping options available on / near Cameron Pass. Learn more about Cameron Pass and options for lodging near State Forest State Park.

Notes:

All of our courses can be run as custom outings. If your group is interested in a custom avalanche training course, please call us at 720-387-8944.

The nature of this pandemic requires us to be flexible and adaptable in how we deliver a quality training experience. Rest assured, from the moment you enroll all the way up to your course field days and beyond, our instructors will be a part of your learning progression and will provide you with the tools and resources you need to best prepare for your winter backcountry adventures. If you’d like to learn more about what we are doing to manage COVID-19 risk for our students and guides, please view our COVID-19 FAQ page.

All Upcoming Dates and Locations:

February 25, 2022 - February 27, 2022 - AIARE 2 Three-Day Course - Estes Park, Colorado
March 4, 2022 - March 6, 2022 - AIARE 2 Three-Day Course - Estes Park, Colorado
April 8, 2022 - April 10, 2022 - AIARE 2 Three-Day Course - Estes Park, Colorado
January 31, 2022 - February 2, 2022 - AIARE 2 Three-Day Course - Estes Park, Colorado
March 21, 2022 - March 23, 2022 - AIARE 2 Three-Day Course - Estes Park, Colorado

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.
Apply a routine to foster TEAMWORK while planning for and travelling in avalanche terrain.
PREPARE for backcountry travel with seasonal and daily routines.
Create a PLAN to manage a group travelling in avalanche terrain.
Apply the RIDE SAFELY checklists to promote situational awareness, to foster group communication, and to use terrain to reduce risk.
Review decisions and the decision-making process to intentionally develop experience through a daily DEBRIEF.
Practice Avalanche Rescue and effectively use personal avalanche rescue equipment.
Develop and use a life-long learning plan.

Prerequisites:

–AIARE 1 Course or equivalent Level 1 training is required.
–AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course
-Participants must be on an AT setup, Tele setup, or splitboard.
-Participants must know how to skin, ski hard blues/blacks at the resort, and ski in powder.

Preparation:

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 it is suggested that you have had at least a year of backcountry travel experience, though it is not required. The AIARE 2 provides backcountry travelers the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills in new terrain and/or mountain ranges.

Time:

8am-5pm

Duration:

3 Days

Maximum Ratio:

6:1

Experience Level	Advanced
Activity Level	Moderate
Category	Avalanche Training
Duration	Multi-Day

Price Includes:

Snow Pack membership for the season
AIARE Instructor/s
Digital AIARE Course Manual
AIARE Field Book (yours to keep)
CMS Field Pencil (yours to keep)
AIARE Certificate of Completion provided by AIARE
Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
Use of Backcountry Access Avalanche Equipment during course
- BCA Beacon
- BCA Shovel
- BCA Probe
- Snowshoes

Price Excludes:

Food
Transportation
Lodging
Clothing, backpack and non-technical personal items
Skiing / Splitboarding Equipment (Recommend Neptune Mountaineering)
Park Entrance Fees (where applicable)
Rescue Insurance / Fees
Trip Insurance
Gratuity
Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Colorado Mountain School

Item	Description	Quantity	Example	Purchase At	Rent At	Equipment Type
Avalanche Beacon	Modern, digital, three-antennae beacon with fresh batteries.	1	BCA Tracker 2 or 3	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Avalanche Probe	Collapsable metal or carbon rod used to probe avalanche debris while attempting to strike a buried target.	1	BCA Stealth 300	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Avalanche Rescue Shovel	Ski specific shovel used to dig pits and avalanche rescue. A metal blade is mandatory.	1	BCA B1 Ext	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Backpack: 20-40 liter	Packs smaller than this tend not to be able to carry the necessary amount of equipment and clothing. Large backpacking packs are acceptable, depending on the climb.	1	CAMP M3 30L	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School	Equipment
Baselayer Bottoms	Synthetic or Merino Wool; Lightweight or mid-weight are recommended.	1	Men: Rab Forge Leggings Women: Rab Forge Leggings	Rab		Clothing
Beanie or Fleece Hat	Should cover the ears and fit under a helmet. Hats with fluff balls on top do not fit under helmets.	1	Rab Logo Beanie	Rab		Clothing
Climbing Skins	Nylon or mohair. Trimmed and adjusted to fit your skis or splitboard ahead of time.	1	Dynafit Speedskin	Neptune Mountaineering	Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Compass	Used for navigation and orientation. A compass with adjustable declination is preferrable.	1	Silva Ranger CLQ	Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Face Mask (PPE)	Should be made with at least two layers of fabric. Your mask needs to cover your nose and mouth without large gaps. The mask should have ear loops or ties so you can adjust it. Look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging.	2				Clothing
First Aid Kit	Your guide will have an emergency First Aid Kit. You should bring a small kit including blister prevention and care products such as a role of athletic tape and Moleskin. Your kit should also contain a few Band-aids, some Tylenol and Ibuprofen.	1		Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Food	Proper lunches that are prepared ahead of time are recommended (sandwich, burrito, leftover pizza, etc), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes. Feeze-dried meals are acceptable on overnight trips, but not day trips.	1	Made in Nature, Thrive Tribe	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
Goggles	Protect your eyes and face from wind and sun burn.	1	Julbo Airflux	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
Hardshell Pants	These should be non-insulated pants with ankle cuffs wide enough to fit over your ski or ride boots.	1	Men: Rab Khroma Kinetic 2.0 Pant Women: Rab Women's Khroma Kinetic 2.0 Pants	Rab Stores		Clothing
Headlamp	Load with fresh batteries. Critical for hiking before sunrise and great to have in the pack in case you are caught out after dark.	1		Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
Heavyweight Waterproof Glove	This glove comes out when the winter going gets cold and wet or at higher altitudes.	1	Men: Pivot GTX Glove Women: Pivot GTX Glove	Rab Store		Clothing
Hot Drinks	Coffee, tea, hot cocoa are great for warming up when it's cold outside.	1	Cusa Tea; Alpine Start Coffee	Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Laptop	Useful for navigation courses, including hiking and ski tour planning.	1				Optional
Lightweight Baselayer Top	Synthetic or Merino Wool; Worn against the skin and is considered a "wicking" layer that facilitates the movement of moisture away from the skin and through the layers. Hooded base layers add extra versatility.	2	Men: Rab Forge LS Tee Women: Rab Force LS Tee	Rab		Clothing
Lightweight Gloves	Synthetic; Thin gloves used when hiking the early morning approach. Belay gloves can suffice if full-fingered.	1	Rab Vapour-Rise Glove	Rab Store		Clothing
Lip ScreenSPF 15 or higher.	Non-SPF rated lip balms can actually increase your chances of getting burned.	1	Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Lip Balm	Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Mechanical Pencil	Great for taking notes in the field.	1				Optional
Midweight Baselayer Top	Synthetic or Merino Wool; Adds extra warmth and protection from the cold and wind without creating a moisture barrier as a jacket would. Having at least one base layer that is hooded adds versatility, protecting the neck and ears from cold winds.	1	Men: Rab Nexus Jacket Women: Rab Nexus Jacket	Rab		Clothing
Midweight Softshell Glove	This is the workhorse glove and is most often worn on warmer days when mountaineering. Softshell gloves are water-resistant and durable. They often have leather palms and fingers.	1	Rab Khroma Tour Glove	Neptune Mountaineering		Clothing
Neck Gaiter	"Buffs" are quite versatile in their uses. They can be used as light beanies, neck warmers, and can offer face protection from the cold wind or sun.	1	CMS Neck Gaiter	Neptune Mountaineering		Clothing
Personal Toilet Kit	At minimum, bring a small Ziploc with toilet paper. Consider bringing a travel sized package of hand-wipes. Idealy, purchase, or for free from the RMNP Backcountry office, bring a "Rest Stop." The Rest Stop, known as "Blue Bags" in the Pacific Northwest, or the "Wag Bag" in other areas, are poop-in-a-bag systems that include toilet paper and a sanitizing hand wipe.	1		Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Ski Helmet	This item is recommended but not required. We will be skiing in the trees, and in snow conditions where rocks, stumps, and downded logs are present.	1	Camp Speed Comp	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
Ski or Snowboard Boots	Footwear should be appropriate to mode of travel i.e. ski, snowboard, or insulated winter boots for snowshoes. For snowshoers, a boot such as the Scarpa Mont Blanc is the minimum level of boot required. Ski Boots should have a walk mode.	1	Scarpa Maestrale RS	Neptune Mountaineering	Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Ski or Trekking Poles	Two poles, with powder baskets, are required for all skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers. It is ideal if poles are ski-specific and collapse small enough to fit onto a pack when climbing.	1	BCA Scepter	Neptune Mountaineering	Colorado Mountain School; Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Ski Straps	18" Rubber or velcro straps to connect skis when attaching them to a pack. Also useful for a variety of in-the-field equipment repairs.	2	BCA Ski Strap	Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Skis or Snowboard	Skis should have touring bindings; lightweight tech bindings are ideal. Splitboards are ideal for snowboarders. Snowboarders using resort snowboards will need to have snowshoes and poles.	1	Dynafit Beast 98; Dynafit ST Radical 100	Neptune Mountaineering	Neptune Mountaineering	Equipment
Slope Meter (Inclinometer)	Used to measure slope angle, this tool is a standard equipment item for any backcountry traveler in avalanche terrain.	1	BCA Slope Meter	Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Smart Phone App	There are a plethora of apps that assist in navigation. These apps use your phone's GPS functions and can work in the mountains offline.	1	Avanet; Gaia Maps; Topo Maps			Optional
Smartphone	Great for taking photos and videos. Smartphone batteries tend to shut down in freezing temps - keep your phone in a warm inner layer. A tether is ideal in the mountains to protet against dropping your phone.	1				Optional
Snow Saw	For cutting columns during snowpack analysis	1	BCA 35cm Snow Saw	Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Snow Study Kit	Crystal card, magnifying lens, thermometers, 2 meter ruler	1	BCA Snow Study Kit	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
Softshell and Fleece Jacket	Water-resistant, windproof, yet it "breaths," which means it allows moisture to move through. Hoods are ideal. There are multiple thicknesses of Softshell jackets. A lightweight or medium-weight jacket is preferred. Fleece jackets are acceptable.	1	Men: Rab VR Summit Jacket Women: Rab VR Summit Jacket	Rab		Clothing
Sports Bra	Provides support and allows for full range of motion	1	North Face Beyond the Wall	Neptune Mountaineering		Clothing
Sun Hat	A billed hat to keep the sun at bay during the approach and descent.	1	Rab Freight Cap	Rab		Clothing
Sunglasses	"Wrap-Around" style sunglasses with 100% UV Protection.	1	Julbo Shield	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
SunscreenSPF 30 or higher.	Travel size.	1	Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 50	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
Synthetic or Down Puffy Jacket	Fits over all other layers and is worn at breaks and on really cold days. Synthetic puffies are more durable, are easily laundered, and dry out quickly if wet. Down puffies are lighter weight, pack smaller, and provide exceptional warmth, but once wet, they stay wet.	1	Men: Rab Electron Pro Jacket Women: Rab Electron Pro Jacket	Neptune Mountaineering		Clothing
Synthetic or Merino Wool Socks	Wool and synthetic blends are great for long days on the trail. "Ski" and "Snowboard" socks are especially useful when warmth is desired.	2	Point 6 AT Hike Light Crew	Neptune Mountaineering		Clothing
Thermos	Many ice climbers prefer to bring a thermos of hot water or soup instead of one of their water bottles.	1		Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Toe Warmers and Hand Heaters	Help keep you warm on particularly cold days.	1		Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Watch with Altimiter	An altimeter is very useful in gauging progression of altitude gain or loss when climbing, and especially when visibility is decreased due to weather. Many Altimeter watches have compasses or GPS tracking functions.	1	Suunto Vector; Suunto Core	Neptune Mountaineering		Optional
Water Bottles	1 liter bottles are the standard. Bladders such as Camelbacks and Platypus are acceptable for above freezing temps, but only in conjunction with another bottle. Bladders are not acceptable during sub freezing temps. Sports drinks are also acceptable.	2	Nalgene, Hydro Flask	Neptune Mountaineering		Equipment
Waterproof Shell Jacket	Non-insulated, Gore-Tex, Dermizax, Event, or other waterproofing system is required. Mostly, this jacket sits in the bottom of your pack and comes out when the weather gets nasty with precipitation. This jacket should fit over all other layers.	1	Men: Rab Downpour Eco Waterproof Jacket Women: Rab Women's Downpour Eco Waterproof Jacket	Rab		Clothing

COVID-19

Q: Will COVID-19 impact my course?

A: 2020 made it clear that running programs while managing the risk of COVID-19 transmission is a challenge. It is a challenge that the Colorado Mountain School team tackled creatively and courageously. We may need to shift our classrooms to virtual settings at a moment’s notice. We may need to put on masks unexpectedly. We may need to go outside and distance ourselves. No matter what though, we are committed to running programs, providing education, and serving our mission, while also maintaining the highest standards of risk management. Please visit our FAQ page or contact us for more information.

1 review for AIARE 2 Three-Day Course

Rated 5 out of 5

trouche (verified owner) – January 6, 2021

This is the 3rd course I’ve taken with CMS. The knowledge, teaching skill, and personality of the staff have made me a loyal customer. I guarantee anyone who takes a course with CMS will not be disappointed with their experience

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