Who Should Take an AIARE 2?

Whether you’re looking to build confidence in the backcountry or preparing for professional-level training, the AIARE 2 offers a powerful step forward. Here’s a quick guide to who will benefit most:

Recreational Backcountry Travelers

You’re the most experienced one in your touring group.
If your partners often look to you for decisions in the backcountry, our AIARE 2 course gives you the tools to lead small group travel responsibly.

You’re headed into the wilderness without cell service.
On a hut trip, multi-day mission, or alpine start, you won’t have the luxury of daily avalanche forecasts — the AIARE 2 equips you to use real-time field observations to identify avalanche problems and make informed, responsible decisions in the backcountry.

You want a bigger voice in decision-making.
Move beyond “is this avalanche terrain?” to “how is today’s hazard actually affecting this terrain and can we ski it safely?”

You want to field-truth forecasts.
Learn the tools and techniques to identify and confirm the presence of avalanche problems in real time—so you can make smarter, safer terrain choices.

Aspiring Professionals

You’re considering the Pro 1.
If you haven’t spent years working in avalanche-specific jobs with close mentorship, the AIARE 2 is the bridge you need to jump from the required Rec 1 to the Pro 1. It’s a chance to refine your snowpack assessment and decision-making before stepping into the demanding (and expensive) Pro 1 course.

You want hands-on coaching.
Pro instructors will review your pits, your process, and your decision-making—giving you feedback that sets you up for success.

Why Take It With Us?

A hub for backcountry partners. Many lasting ski partnerships start on these courses - find partners you can trust who care to learn about assessing the avy danger and making safe, fun choices in the field. 

Local knowledge. Learning from local professionals gives you insider insight into the terrain, while also helping you build a personal tour catalogue you can return to with your own partners. Some of our courses running in Grand Teton National Park, Togwotee Pass, and Whitefish are world-class touring areas you won’t find in a guidebook so starting to tour plan with local knowledge is a great way to start building your personal map atlas.

Crowdsourced learning. You’ll see how others at your stage approach the same problems, giving you new perspectives.

Hands-on learning. Our courses put you up front, leading the group, so instructors can provide real-time feedback you can carry into your own tours and decision-making.