AIARE Avalanche Level 2 in Jackson Hole

Improve avalanche awareness with AIARE Level 2 in Jackson Hole

This course is operated by The Mountain Guides

Take the next step in avalanche education. The AIARE Level 2 course offers an amazing chance to fine-tune all rough terrain best practices against a stunning backdrop: the Tetons in Jackson, Wyoming.

Learn to analyze snow stability and avalanche hazards

The Mountain Guides AIARE 2 is a three-day course designed for skiers, riders and winter alpinists who travel regularly in avalanche terrain. This course will 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 amateurs or professionals looking to gain experience before taking a Pro 1 course.

Here’s a course outline

DAY 1

The Mountain Guide: Welcome and Introductions, Level 1 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

The Mountain Guide Classroom Interpreting Weather Data, Snow Surface conditions, and Snow Profiles, Risk Management for small groups, Avalanche Release, Snowpits

In the Field: 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.

In The Mountain Guide Classroom: Debrief; Instability Factors Analysis, Review Field Obs and Human Factors; When we’re me most at risk; Course Close, Next Steps.

The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) is the standard that informs your curriculum. All of our guides are certified and will use their extensive experience when guiding each participant.

Prerequisites for avalanche education

All participants must have completed an AIARE 1 and an Avalanche Rescue course.

• Significant personal winter backcountry experience is a must
• We also expect our Level II students have experience in ski or split board touring
• Take some time to familiarize yourself with all of your gear
• Make sure it’s all in good working order prior to the class
• You must have appropriate alpine touring (AT), telemark or split-board equipment
• Other gear (pack, transceiver, probe, shovel) is available to rent