AIARE LEVEL 2
Starting from$629
Level 2 Backcountry expands on what you learned in Level 1, focusing on terrain evaluation and practical snowpack analysis. Perfect for those with previous experience, this course helps you refine your skills and make informed decisions when tackling more varied and challenging backcountry terrain.
Avalanche Education
Aiare Level 2
Who is the AIARE Level 2 course designed for?
The AIARE Level 2 course is ideal for backcountry travelers who have completed the Level 1 course and want to refine their skills. It’s designed for those looking to deepen their understanding of snowpack evaluation, advanced terrain analysis, and better understanding avalanche forecasting. If you’re ready to take your backcountry decision-making to the next level, this course is for you.
What new skills will I learn in the AIARE Level 2 course?
In this course, you’ll build on the foundation from Level 1, focusing on advanced topics like snowpack analysis, complex weather assessment, and route planning for technical terrain. You’ll also learn progressive travel techniques and improve your risk management skills, preparing you for more challenging and varied backcountry environments.
Is there any preparation required before starting the Level 2 course?
Yes, you’ll receive an email with a link to access our course resource page, which includes essential pre-course materials. It’s highly recommended that you complete the online modules to get the most out of the course. However, if you don’t have time to finish them, you’re still expected to attend the course and engage fully in all activities.
Why should I take the AIARE Level 2 course with Apex Mountain School?
Apex Mountain School’s experienced instructors offer a comprehensive and hands-on approach to the AIARE Level 2 curriculum. With a focus on practical application and advanced decision-making, we tailor the course to challenge you and help you grow as a backcountry traveler. Our commitment to providing up-to-date information and real-world scenarios sets us apart, and the integrity and intentions of our staff ensure you leave the course feeling confident and well-prepared for advanced terrain.
Testimonials
Aiare Level 2
The course begins with a review of the fundamentals covered in Level 1, ensuring you’re ready to build upon your existing knowledge. From there, you’ll dive into advanced topics like weather assessment, in-depth snowpack analysis, and route planning for more challenging terrain. With a strong emphasis on practical application, participants will engage in backcountry exercises that replicate real-world conditions, allowing you to hone your skills in navigation, terrain management, and risk assessment.
Progressive travel techniques are another key focus, helping you prepare for extended tours and technical objectives in remote areas. Throughout the course, our experienced instructors provide mentorship, ensuring you gain valuable insights and leave with a well-rounded understanding of avalanche safety in advanced terrain.
Pre-course preparation is encouraged to maximize your learning experience. Upon registration, you’ll receive access to essential e-learning modules covering foundational concepts and advanced theories. These materials provide a strong starting point for the in-person classroom sessions and field days, ensuring you’re fully prepared to engage in the advanced curriculum.
AIARE Level 2 with Apex Mountain School stands with a hands-on approach and focuses on real-world scenarios. Our instructors bring years of expertise and a commitment to ensuring each participant gains the skills and confidence needed for advanced backcountry travel. From practical decision-making to complex terrain management, this course provides the training you need to elevate your backcountry adventures.
Reserve your spot in the AIARE Level 2 Course today and prepare to navigate more challenging terrain with precision, confidence, and a deeper understanding of avalanche safety.
DIFFICULTY
Moderate – Difficult
DURATION
Three 8-hour days
LOCATION
Classroom Location – Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)
Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and/or surrounding areas
*Courses run regardless of snow/weather conditions*
NOTE: Participants must complete an AIARE Level 1 and Rescue course before taking the level 2
COST
Max ratio 1 instructor to 6 clients
Course: $695
Policies
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
Day 1:
Morning Session:
- Introduction to avalanche terrain and snowpack assessment.
- Decision-making in avalanche terrain.
Afternoon Session:
- Practical exercises in snow stability evaluation.
- Rescue techniques and equipment overview.
Day 2:
Morning Session:
- Weather and snowpack analysis for avalanche forecasting.
- Route finding and travel techniques.
Afternoon Session:
- Group dynamics and decision-making scenarios.
- Case studies and group discussions.
Day 3:
Field Day:
- Full-day field exercise in avalanche terrain.
- Application of skills learned, including route planning, decision-making, and rescue simulations.
Debrief:
- Review of field observations and decisions made.
- Q&A session and conclusion of the course.
2024-25 DATES
- January 11-13
- March 4-6
**Minimum of 3 students total (not per booking) required to run.**
**Availability updated weekly. For the most current availability, please check the booking calendar on the right side of the page.**
Includes:
- Student manual
- AIARE field book
- Apex Mountain School swag
- Three full field days of instruction
- AIARE certificate of completion
- Instruction by AMGA-certified guides
- Three 8-hour course days
- Classroom sessions in Eagle-Vail, CO
- Field sessions in Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass, or surrounding areas
Excludes:
- Avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) – available for rent
- Backcountry travel equipment (alpine touring, telemark, or splitboarding gear)
- Snow study tools (thermometer, crystal screen, magnifier, ruler, etc.)
- Navigation tools (compass, altimeter, GPS, maps)
- Personal cold-weather clothing and accessories
- Food and water for each day
- Electronic devices (laptop, tablet, or smartphone for weather access and observation submission)
- Recommended books: Avalanche Handbookand SWAG (available for purchase)
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Beacon/probe/shovel (rental available)
Clothing for activities and standing in cold/snowy weather (no cotton
Long underwear
Insulating layers
Outer layer (wind/waterproof shell pant and top)
Down puffy
Warm gloves, mitts, headband, and hat/facemask/buff
Goggles and sunglassesSmall personal first aid kit (sunscreen/lip-balm, moleskin, band-aids, medication, etc.)
Helmet (recommended)
Water Bottle
Headlamp and spare batteries
Pack
Food and water/hot liquid!
ALIPINE TOURING, TELEMARK OR SPLITBOARDING EQUIPMENT
You are required to arrive with equipment. Whether yours or rental, understand how to use your equipment in advance, how to transition the equipment, skins are cut and all equipment is functional and in working order PRIOR to our field days.
RESCUE EQUIPMENT
Avalanche probe – 260 cm or longer, no integrated ski pole probes or shovel-packed probes
Collapsible metal shovel
Digital avalanche transceiver (457 kHz frequency)
Air bag (optional)
Personal first aid kit (blisters, meds, wound care, gloves/face shield, splinting material, sugar etc.)
Repair kit, specific to your mode of travel (consider multi-tool, bit driver, hose clamps, straps, spare screws, tape, zip ties, spare basket, pole repair, spark plugs, drive belt etc…)
Insulating pad (can be part of pack)
Rescue sled, portable w/ supporting slings/straps (OPTIONAL, one per group is sufficient)
Emergency shelter as appropriate (OPTIONAL, space blanket, guide’s tarp, bivy sac / bothy bag etc…)
SNOW STUDY / OBSERVATION EQUIPMENT
CLINOMETER/inclinometer
2 mechanical pencils
Field notebook (Apex provides these)
3m long intermittently knotted cord (2-4mm thick) or manufactured Rutschblock cord
Snow saw (min 35cm blade). 70-100cm folding long-saw may replace Rutschblock cord.
Snow thermometers (qty 2, graduated in degrees Celsius, not Fahrenheit). Dial stem and/or glass/alcohol types are commonly used. Electronic thermometers are acceptable – be sure to have extra batteries.
Crystal identification screen; dark color
Magnifier (Otherwise known as Loupe), 10x-15x
Folding ruler (graduated in centimeters. 2 meter length)
You will need a laptop, tablet or smartphone for accessing weather stations and submitting observations (bring to class each day).
NAVEGATION TOOLS
Terrain Images (optional)
Local maps
Compass
Altimeter/GPS or smartphone
Small binocular or monocular for distance viewing
Communications equipment (all optional, as Apex has):
Two-way radio, GMRS or VHF
Satellite phone or transponder (SPOT, DeLorme)
BOOKS
Avalanche Handbook (2006 3rd Edition, available for purchase from Apex)
SWAG book (Snow, weather, and avalanches: observation guidelines for avalanche programs in the US, 2010, available for purchase from Apex)
You will need a laptop, tablet or smartphone for accessing weather stations and submitting observations (bring to class each day).
.
- Complete AIARE Level 1 Course
- Review Avalanche Rescue Skills
- Practice with Avalanche Gear
- Prepare Snow Study Tools
- Organize Navigation Equipment
- Pack Personal Clothing and Safety Gear
- Bring Food and Hydration
- Carry Required Electronics
- Read Recommended Materials
- Monitor Avalanche Forecasts
- Build Physical Fitness for Field Days
Other Outings You Might Like
RESCUE COMBO
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
ZOOM LEVEL 1
If you have put off taking your Apex AIARE Level 1 course because you couldn’t or don’t want to take a Friday off from work, we have the solution.
PRIVATE LEVEL 1
Get personalized avalanche education tailored to your group’s needs. Our private AIARE Level 1 course ensures focused instruction and flexibility in scheduling.
PRIVATE LEVEL 2
Experience a custom learning environment in our private AIARE Level 2 course, designed for people looking for in-depth avalanche training with personalized attention.
RESCUE
Learn and practice the skills needed to respond to an avalanche accident. If there’s an avalanche, an efficient and intentional response is crucial.
LEVEL 1
Be prepared when traveling in the backcountry with an AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course. Learn how to make informed decisions in order to mitigate risk in adverse conditions.
LEVEL 1 PREPARATION
Travel safely through avalanche terrain and be prepared for an unexpected turn of events with this AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and Rescue Combo course.
REFRESHER
During an AIARE course there is a great deal of information presented. Often when we return to the backcountry it is difficult to remember everything we have learned and practiced in the last course.
BACKCOUNTRY
Learn the basics of backcountry travel and safety in this introductory course. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and enjoy the backcountry safely and confidently.
Contact Us
We’re Happy To Help!
Reach out with any questions
Address
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620