Course Description
The AIARE 2 is a three-day, 24-hour course designed for backcountry travelers looking to enhance their decision-making skills in more complex environments. This course is ideal for those stepping into leadership roles within small travel groups, navigating more challenging terrain, or planning trips with limited available resources.

Building on the foundational avalanche hazard management model introduced in AIARE 1, this course deepens the understanding of critical hazard assessment factors. Participants will analyze weather patterns, snowpack, and avalanche activity while learning to apply these observations to real-time travel decisions in avalanche terrain.

Who Should Take This Course

The AIARE 2 is designed for backcountry travelers who have completed both AIARE 1 and an Avalanche Rescue course and have gained at least a year of backcountry experience. This course is perfect for those looking to strengthen their avalanche awareness, refine their decision-making processes, and take on leadership responsibilities in the field.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify specific avalanche hazards within the landscape and recognize terrain where consequences are more severe.
• Use and interpret weather, snow, and avalanche observations to select appropriate terrain before and during travel.
• Demonstrate leadership skills by facilitating group discussions, making informed terrain choices, and applying risk management strategies.
• Implement a basic forecasting framework to support decision-making, whether or not local avalanche forecasts are available.

Prerequisites

• Ability to travel in avalanche terrain.
• Completion of an AIARE 1 course (strongly recommended) or equivalent Level 1 training.
• At least one winter of backcountry experience following Level 1 training is highly recommended.
• Completion of an AIARE or AAA-approved one-day Avalanche Rescue course.