3-Day Hut Trip & AIARE Level 2 Training presented by Mountain Hardwear

About the Course

The AIARE 2 Rec is a 3-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 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.

Prior to taking a Level 2, students must complete an Avalanche Safety Level 1 (AIARE or AAA) and AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course (1-day). This course can be taken on alpine touring skis, or splitboard.

Value of This Experience

• Gravity Haus members receive a massive discount off of the public pricing. $700 for our members. Public access is $900.
• Additionally, our partners at Mountain Hardwear have generously donated a PCT 55L Backpack by Mountain Hardwear for each attendee, valued at $280.

Who Should Attend This Course?

• Students must have completed an Avalanche Safety Level 1 (AIARE or AAA) and AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course (1-day) prior to attending this experience.
• Students should be able to SAFELY ski/ride a steep blue to black terrain in any snow conditions.
• Students know how to use their backcountry ski/ride gear. Splitboarders should know how to assemble and disassemble their gear.
• Students are fit enough to travel in the backcountry for multiple hours for 3 days.
• Students should be prepared for multiple hours of learning in the cold.

FAQ

• Do I need to be a good skier/snowboarder to participate? No prior backcountry experience required but it is highly recommended that participants with touring gear have experience on their setup prior to taking this course.
• When should I take my AIARE 2? After completion of your Avalanche Safety Level 1 (AIARE or AAA) and AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course (1-day).
• What kind of shape should I be in for this course? Colorado Adventure Guides’ priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. This can be a physically demanding course, and your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.
• Do I get to talk to the guides before the trip starts? Yes! Your course instructors will contact you in advance to set up details. Students will be encouraged to use our CAG company vans or to carpool to help alleviate trailhead overcrowding.
• H ow big is the class? 8 attendees, plus 2 guides and a Gravity Haus host.
• Is there any prep work required? Yes, Colorado Adventure Guides will have mandatory pre-work for all attendees.
• Where are we staying? Carner’s Cabin – a great base camp for backcountry adventures on the high Colorado trails. Wildlife sightings are very common. No electricity or running water – we’ll bring oour own bottled water and melt snow on the wood burning stove. There are indoor composting toilet facilities, a propane gas cook stove, kitchen utensils (pots, pans, etc.), and oil lamps.
• What else should I pack? Everything listed here.
• Does the AIARE 2 certificate expire? The AIARE 1, 2 and Rescue certificates do not have an expiration date, however, it is strongly encouraged that you practice and maintain the skills and knowledge covered in this course.
• Should I tip my course instructors? Your instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with the best safety education and a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.

What You’ll Learn

• 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 absence of local supporting avalanche information

Syllabus & Schedule

E-Learning materials and Student Manual are sent 1 month prior to course start to be completed. If you sign up after this time, you will be sent the material immediately.

Monday, January 29

• 5 :30 pm – Pre-trip call with guides and fellow attendees

Friday, February 9

• Travel to hut, gather gear, and tour to hut location. Afternoon skills session.

Saturday, February 10

• All Day Field Session: Managing uncertainty, developing a forecast, discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain.

Sunday, February 11 – Field Application

• Hut breakdown, student-led tour, course close

Trip Package Includes

• A PCT 55L Backpack by Mountain Hardwear (yours to keep!)
• Food
• Lodging – 2 nights
• AIARE Certified Course Leader and Instructor/s (6:1 maximum guide to student ratio)
• AIARE Course Manual
• AIARE Field Book
• AIARE Certificate of Completion
• CAG professional ski or splitboard guide
• Use of Ortovox Avalanche Safety Gear if needed (beacon, shovel, probe, pack)
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead

T rip Package Does Not Include

• Gratuity
• Backcountry skis or splitboards – available to rent via Haus Quiver based on your membership type!
• Transportation to designated meeting place
• Clothing and gear (a recommended packing list will be provided upon booking)
• Insurance (Trip or Rescue)
• Meals not listed above