Included: AAI trained/qualified Instructor/s Three field days in Estes Park, CO Digital AAI Course Manual AAI Field Book (yours to keep) CMS Field Pencil (yours to keep) AAI Certificate of Completion provided by AAI Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value) Use of Backcountry Access Avalanche Equipment during course BCA Beacon BCA Shovel BCA Probe Snowshoes Not included: Food Transportation Lodging Clothing, backpack and non-technical personal items Skiing / splitboarding equipment Trip Insurance Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Colorado Mountain School Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be and do I need any experience?

In order to join this Avalanche Level 2 course in Colorado, Avalanche Level 1 (or equivalent level 1) training as well as AAI Avalanche Rescue course are required! These two courses are prerequisites for joining the level 2 course, and it’s also suggested that you’ve had at least a year of backcountry travel experience—though it’s not required. The Avalanche Level 2 provides backcountry travelers the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills in new terrain and/or mountain ranges.

What are the prerequisites for joining this course?

In order to join this Avalanche Level 2 course in Colorado, Avalanche Level 1 (or equivalent level 1) training as well as AAI Avalanche Rescue course are required! At least a year of backcountry travel experience is also good to have!

These are the learning outcomes: Tracking the season snowpack history and link it to relevant snowpack processes and avalanche conditions Weather history, avalanche problems, and stability assessment — create a forecast without a public bulletin Formation of persistent weak layers — facets, depth hoar, surface hoar Wet snow metamorphism Avalanche terrain — large & small scale features Group management in challenging/complex terrain Stability tests — incorporating strength, structure and propagation potential Introduction to SWAG documentation Tour planning Use of the AAI Backcountry Avalanche Checklist as a field tool for sorting & prioritizing information Human factor traps and solutions Case studies with analysis using AAI Backcountry Avalanche Checklist

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel — included in the price of the tour, but feel free to bring your own Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 20-40L bag) Ski helmet Ski or snowboard boots Skis or splitboard Ski or trekking poles Ski straps Climbing skins Baselayer bottoms & lightweight baselayer top Midweight baselayer top Softshell and fleece jacket Synthetic or down puffy jacket Waterproof shell jacket Hardshell pants Synthetic or merino wool socks Headlamp Lightweight gloves Midweight softshell gloves Heavyweight waterproof gloves Beanie of fleece hat Neck gaiter Compass Goggles Toe warmers and hand heaters First aid kit — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder Hot drinks (thermos) Food — proper prepped lunches (sandwich, burrito, pizza, etc.), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes Spare clothes for layering Toiletries (sunscreen 30 or higher, SPF lip balm, hand wipes, wag bags, toilet paper, etc.) Sunhat and sunglasses Mechanical pencil — optional Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For these avalanche level 2 courses, the usual instructor-to-student ratio is 1:6. Avalanche level 2 courses can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the course on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Estes Park, CO, the starting point of your avalanche level 2 course, most people fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) . It will take you anywhere between an hour and two to get there. Your first field day starts at 8am, so make sure to get there at least a day prior to that.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

ESTES PARK | COLORADO

Avalanche Course Level 2, Colorado

5.00 ()

AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course in Estes Park, Colorado

Participants in the field during the AIARE Level 2 course in Estes Park

Using gear during the AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course in Estes Park

From $750 ()

Duration

3 days

Season

December through April

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Looking to elevate your avalanche knowledge and backcountry skills? Avalanche Level 2 by AAI is your next step—and it’s really a must if you’re a fan of escaping packed resorts and instead venturing into the backcountry. With this 3-day Avalanche Level 2 in Estes Park, CO, you’ll learn how to apply the AAI Backcountry Checklist, use advanced tour planning tools, and assess hazards and exposure in challenging conditions. We’ll dive deep into identifying gaps in information, interpreting snowpack and weather processes, and understanding how these dynamics influence your choices. After your 3 days of hands-on experience in the field, your next backcountry adventure should be smooth sailing!

Adventure highlights

Advanced decision-making

Learn to assess hazards, manage uncertainty, and travel safely in challenging environments
A perfect learning location

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Estes Park’s wintry landscapes while honing your skills
Certificate & expert-led training

Earn an AAI Level 2 certification with guidance from top instructors in world-class terrain

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Itinerary

Take to Estes Park’s powdery backcountry and join an AAI Level 2 Avalanche Course with an expert guide! Show your leadership skills within a small team in avalanche terrain, practice avalanche rescue, learn how to use and interpret snow, weather, and avalanche observations to locate appropriate terrain, and learn how to stay safe when traveling out of bounds.

The AAI Avalanche Level 1 Refresher is a self-paced optional online learning module designed to provide a solid refresher before the season and/or your course. Additionally, the AAI Avalanche Level 2 Prep course is an optional self-paced online learning module that will give you a head start on both classroom and field topics.
The day begins at 8am at the trailhead with a morning hazard assessment meeting and trailhead check. Participants will engage in a companion rescue review and practice, covering both single and multiple burial scenarios. From there, an instructor-led tour will guide the group in gathering snow observations.

Along the way, the instructor will demonstrate techniques and lead a review of the seasonal snowpack, focusing on craftsmanship, relevancy, and verification of snow observations, as well as conducting snowpack tests in the field. The day concludes with a debrief of observations in the field before returning to the trailhead and posting the findings to the local avalanche center. Expect to finish by 4pm.
Once again, meet at the trailhead at 8am. Today we’ll start with a student-led morning hazard discussion and tour plan (avalanches, snowpack, weather), followed by a student-led trailhead transceiver function check. Then we’ll do a student-led tour—terrain identification and information gathering (stability tests and test pits; snowpack structure; interpreting weather data; snow surface conditions).

We’ll have in-situ discussion of how specific weak layers and avalanche conditions have formed, and finally, we’ll conclude the day at 4pm with a post-trip debrief and field observations.
After meeting at the trailhead at 8am, we’ll start with a student-led morning hazard discussion and tour plan (avalanches, snowpack, weather). After the student-led trailhead transceiver function check, we’ll do a student-led tour— verify/challenge morning forecast; group management; terrain selection; travel techniques; up and down group management.

Following a post-trip debrief and field observations, we’ll do a whole course debrief and wrap up!

Avalanche Course Level 2, Colorado

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Jason Antin

Jason’s love for teaching mountain craft and sharing the outdoors with others inspired him to move to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado where he has been working as a guide for over a decade. He is highly trained in risk management and wilderness emergency medicine and is an incredibly competent guide in all areas of mountain exploration.

5.00

Founded in Estes Park in 1981, the Colorado Mountain School has built a solid and respected reputation in the mountain guiding community. Their team is highly trained and internationally certified — you can count on safety, fun, and adventure.

5.00 (3 reviews)

Megan Reuss (source: Guide’s website)

Steve provided outstanding instruction for our small group of 6. We were able to apply what we learned in the online portion of the course in the backcountry in a safe way. Steven was able to answer any and all questions we brought up in a clear and concise way.

chandlek70 (source: Guide’s website)

Course was well managed by Ben and he prompted the students to become immersed in the course by actively thinking about the course objectives. Well done!

William Wiese (source: Guide’s website)

Ian was an incredible instructor. He made things easy to understand and showed us how to apply our knowledge in the field.

Things to know

Included:
- - AAI trained/qualified Instructor/s
  - Three field days in Estes Park, CO
  - Digital AAI Course Manual
  - AAI Field Book (yours to keep)
  - CMS Field Pencil (yours to keep)
  - AAI Certificate of Completion provided by AAI
  - Friends of CAIC Trailhead Membership ($35 value)
  - Use of Backcountry Access Avalanche Equipment during course
    
    BCA Beacon
    
    BCA Shovel
    
    BCA Probe
    
    Snowshoes
Not included:
- - Food
  - Transportation
  - Lodging
  - Clothing, backpack and non-technical personal items
  - Skiing / splitboarding equipment
  - Trip Insurance
  - Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of
  - Colorado Mountain School
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
In order to join this Avalanche Level 2 course in Colorado, Avalanche Level 1 (or equivalent level 1) training as well as AAI Avalanche Rescue course are required!

These two courses are prerequisites for joining the level 2 course, and it’s also suggested that you’ve had at least a year of backcountry travel experience—though it’s not required. The Avalanche Level 2 provides backcountry travelers the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge and decision making skills in new terrain and/or mountain ranges.
In order to join this Avalanche Level 2 course in Colorado, Avalanche Level 1 (or equivalent level 1) training as well as AAI Avalanche Rescue course are required! At least a year of backcountry travel experience is also good to have!
These are the learning outcomes:
- - Tracking the season snowpack history and link it to relevant snowpack processes and avalanche conditions
  - Weather history, avalanche problems, and stability assessment — create a forecast without a public bulletin
  - Formation of persistent weak layers — facets, depth hoar, surface hoar
  - Wet snow metamorphism
  - Avalanche terrain — large & small scale features
  - Group management in challenging/complex terrain
  - Stability tests — incorporating strength, structure and propagation potential
  - Introduction to SWAG documentation
  - Tour planning
  - Use of the AAI Backcountry Avalanche Checklist as a field tool for sorting & prioritizing information
  - Human factor traps and solutions
  - Case studies with analysis using AAI Backcountry Avalanche Checklist
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel — included in the price of the tour, but feel free to bring your own
  - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 20-40L bag)
  - Ski helmet
  - Ski or snowboard boots
  - Skis or splitboard
  - Ski or trekking poles
  - Ski straps
  - Climbing skins
  - Baselayer bottoms & lightweight baselayer top
  - Midweight baselayer top
  - Softshell and fleece jacket
  - Synthetic or down puffy jacket
  - Waterproof shell jacket
  - Hardshell pants
  - Synthetic or merino wool socks
  - Headlamp
  - Lightweight gloves
  - Midweight softshell gloves
  - Heavyweight waterproof gloves
  - Beanie of fleece hat
  - Neck gaiter
  - Compass
  - Goggles
  - Toe warmers and hand heaters
  - First aid kit — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder
  - Hot drinks (thermos)
  - Food — proper prepped lunches (sandwich, burrito, pizza, etc.), along with an assortment of snack bars, gels, or trail mixes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Toiletries (sunscreen 30 or higher, SPF lip balm, hand wipes, wag bags, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunhat and sunglasses
  - Mechanical pencil — optional
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For these avalanche level 2 courses, the usual instructor-to-student ratio is 1:6.
Avalanche level 2 courses can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the course on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Estes Park, CO, the starting point of your avalanche level 2 course, most people fly into Denver International Airport (DEN). It will take you anywhere between an hour and two to get there.

Your first field day starts at 8am, so make sure to get there at least a day prior to that.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Full payment is due upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…
- - More than 30 days before the departure date, you can reschedule your course to another available date, receive a full credit for a future course/trip by the guide, or a 90% refund.
  - 7-29 days before the departure date, you can either reschedule to another available date or receive a credit for a future course/trip by the guide, minus a 10% administrative fee.
  - Within 7 days of the departure date, no refund will be issued.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.