- Photo by: Guide Brian Warren
- Photo by: Guide Brian Warren
- Photo by: Guide Brian Warren
- Photo by: Guide Brian Warren
- Photo by: Guide Brian Warren
Overview
Analyzing Snow Stability and Avalanche Hazard
The Mountain Guides Colorado’s AIARE 2 is a three-day/24 hour course designed for skiers, riders and winter alpinists who travel regularly in avalanche terrain. Our three-day/24 hour course is designed to help experienced backcountry users gain the skills necessary to make decisions in complicated situations like leading a small travel group, traveling in challenging or complex avalanche terrain, or developing a travel plan without adequate resources. This course is best for recreationalists or professionals looking to gain experience before taking a Pro 1 course. All participants must complete an AIARE 1 and Avalanche Rescue prior to taking this course.
To prevent the spread of infectious disease on these courses, we will be using a virtual classroom. Students must have access to a Zoom-enable device and a stable internet connection throughout the course.
Season Winter
Trip Planner
Itinerary
DAY 1: Welcome and Intro, L1 Review, Mountain Weather/ Formation of New Snow, Layered Snowpack, Trip Planning using local avalanche Bulletin, Beacon Function and Range Check and Snowprofile Demo, PM Meeting Demo.
DAY 2: Interpreting Weather Data, Snow Surface conditions, and Snow Profiles, Risk Management for small groups, Avalanche Release, Snowpits, Field Session with Departure Check, Snow Profiles and Tests
DAY 3: In the Field: Ski Tour, Beacon Range Check, Group Management, Communication, and Human Factors; Terrain Selection, Travel Techniques, Gathering Field Obs, Analyzing Snow Instability and Avalanche Hazard. Debrief; Instability Factors Analysis, Review Field Obs and Human Factors; When were me most at risk; Course Close, Next Steps.
For a complete class schedule and copy of the Level 2 Outline please CLICK HERE
Pricing
AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course: $695/person
The Mountain Guides does not provide transportation for its clients into the park. Clients will be responsible for paying the $35 vehicle fee at the park entrance unless they have a Golden Eagle Pass or equivalent .
Schedule
CLICK HERE to see available courses
Equipment
UPPER LAYERS
- Top Long Sleeve Synthetic: medium to expedition weight long underwear Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman 1/2 zip
- Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear 32 Degree Jacket
- Shell Jacket with hood. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cloudseeker Jacket
- Puffy Jacket: Hood Recommended. Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Ghostwhisperer Jacket
BOTTOM LAYERS
- Bottom Synthetic or Wool Long Underwear Bottoms Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman Tight
- Shell Pant: full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Highball Pant
- Socks: Synthetic or wool. Sized for your boots and blister protection. Liners recommended.
HEAD AND HANDS
- Gloves 3 pair: 1 light, 1 medium, 1 heavy pair Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cyclone GTX Glove
- Hat: medium weight ski hat
- Hat: baseball or visor for sun
- Buff/neck gaiter
ACCESSORIES
- Back Pack: 30 to 40 Liter ski pack, Guide Pick: Mammut Pro Short Removable Airbag System Backpack
- Water & Food: Thermos or insulated water bottles are best. Lot’s of snacks.
- Sunglasses/ Sunglass Case
- Ski Goggles
- Extra Prescription Glasses/Contact Lens
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Headlamp-Extra batteries
- Laptop Computer — for Avalanche Courses only
SKI/SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY (Packages available for rent at JHMG)
- Boots: Alpine Touring, Telemark, or Snowboarding Boots
- Skis or Splitboard with compatible binding for boots
- Climbing Skins (fit to skis)
- Ski Poles
- Helmet (optional)
SNOW SAFETY EQUIPMENT (REQUIRED and available for rent at JHMG)
- Transceiver Guide Pick:Mammut Barryvox S
- Shovel Guide Pick: Mammut Alugator Twist shove
- Probe Guide Pick: Mammut Fastlock Probe 240
Trip Sponsors
As the signature sponsor of our AIARE Level 1 and Level 2 courses, all students enrolled will be able to test and demo all Mammut safety equipment for the duration of their course for no charge. Students who elect to take advantage of this program will be expected to fill out a review of the equipment they demo.
Talk To Us
Here you’ll find online tools and information about joining us for a trip of a lifetime! To sign up for a trip, or if you have any questions, please call us. Listed on the left side of these pages are links that you may find useful, including printable forms and policies concerning a trip with JHMG. We encourage ALL prospective climbers to read our Preparation advice. Our office can help place you with others who are looking to climb.
